Prunus persica or Malus persica or Amygdalis persica
Botanical Nomenclature | Prunus persica or Malus persica or Amygdalis persica |
Common Name | Nectarine, Peach |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Prunus persica is a stone fruit, deciduous, orchard tree growing up to 4,5m, with lanceolate, serrated, glossy, pointed, green leaves and flowers with five, pink or white petals, develop in the leaf and shoots axil. The fruits are spherical, pubescent, orange-yellow, fragrant and sweet (Peaches). The flowering happens in April, the fruiting lasts from July to August and the harvesting of the bark takes place in spring, while the harvesting of the leaves takes place from June to July, when the flowers are in full bloom. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, bark, flowers, fruits |
Active Substances | Proteins, fat, carbohydrates, calcium, phosphorus, zinc, iron, flavonoids, vitamin A, B, C, E, beta-carotene, carotenoids (lutein and zeaxanthin), essential oil, with composition similar to almond-oil. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has anthelmintic, antiasthmatic, antitussive, astringent, emollient, diuretic, antioxidant, expectorant, antipyretic, hemolytic and soothing properties. The herbal tea is recommended for the treatment of cough, chronic bronchitis, intestinal helminths, asthma, tuberculosis, constipation, arthritic pain, fatigue, bowel, bile and liver diseases. Peaches stimulate the secretion of gastric acid, promote healthier bowel function, protect the skin from UV radiation and the retina from age-related macular degeneration. They are highly nutritious, especially for the elderly, as they are easily assimilated by human body, while the very ripe peaches are used against stomach ulcers, intestinal inflammations and colitis. Finally, the extract of leaves is used to enhance kidney function. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (2 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiled water for 5-10min, 3 times a day) and infusion (1-2 spoons of dried herb in a cup of boiling water for 5-10min , 1-2 times a day). The highly nutritious fruits are edible and they are consumed either fresh or dried. Warning: The use of herb preparations is not recommended without seeking advice from your physician or pharmacist. The substances they contain may interact with the subscribed drugs that the patient already takes, thus eliminating their therapeutic efficacy or inducing toxicity. They may also burden further weakened vital functions of the body thus exposing the patient to increased morbidity and life threatened conditions. |
Toxicity- Adverse Effects | All plant parts contain hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous. This substance in a very small amount is not harmful, as it stimulates the respiration and improves digestion. However, in larger amounts it blocks the mitochondrial respiration and leads to death. Plant's consumption may cause allergic reactions. Fruits' consumption should be avoided from obese people and from those with diabetes. |
References | 1)http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?latinname=Prunus+persica 2)https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/peach-17.html#med 3)http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/prunus-persica-nucipersica=nectarine.php 4)https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/fruit/health-benefits-of-peach.html 5)http://www.botanical-online.com/melocotonesangles.htm |