Cyclamen europaeum
Botanical Nomenclature | Cyclamen europaeum |
Common Name | Persian Cyclamen |
Taxonomy- Family | Primulaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Cyclamen persicum is a perennial, low plant growing from 7 to 15cm, with heart-shaped, oval, fleshy, dark green leaves and purple, white or pink, fragrant, flowers with a characteristic shape and five petals, which form an irregular M-shaped, red zone. The flowering and the harvesting take place from November to April. After blooming, the stalks form a spiral, where the spherical capsules (fruits) grow. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Root, bulbs |
Active Substances | Cyclamen (saponin), triterpenic saponins (3-O-beta-D-glucopyranosyl- (1,4) -a-L-arabinopyranosyl-16a-hydroxy-13b, 28-epoxy-oleanan-30-al), four triterpene glycosides, anthocyanins, essential oil, which contains nerol and farnesol. Also the plant contains carbohydrates, starch, gum and metals. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The plant has laxative, anthelmintic, diuretic and anti-inflammatory properties. In folk medicine it is applied externally to the skin in the form of ointment, especially in children, for the treatment of helminths and it is applied to adults' bladder in cases of urinary incontinence as it has diuretic properties. The poultice made from fresh tubers is recommended against swelling, abscesses and skin inflammations. In homeopathy it is used for the treatment of rheumatism, arthritis, migraines, colic and hemorrhoids. However, it frequently caused side effects such as vomiting, intestinal inflammation, sweating, tinnitus and jerky movements and that is why its use in medicine is limited. |
Method of Administration | The plant is applied externally to the skin as anti-inflammatory in the form of poultice (made from the fresh tuber), as anthelmintic and diuretic in the form of ointment (made from the fresh root and tuber). In homeopathy it is administered in the form of tincture (1: 7 parts of dried herb and ethyl alcohol, mixed with 4 parts of water, 2-3 times a day). 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 | Plant's oral administration may cause vomiting, dizziness, fainting, unsteadiness, instability,inability to walk, severe diarrhea, intestinal inflammation, sweating, tinnitus and jerking movements, due to the toxic cyclamen. |
References | 1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20734932 2)http://www.cyclamen.org/medicine.htm 3)http://www.henriettes-herb.com/eclectic/kings/cyclamen.html 4)http://botanologio.com/poisonous-plants-herbs-part1/ 5)http://www.flowersinisrael.com/Cyclamenpersicum_page.htm |