Aronia melanocarpa or Photinia melanocarpa
Botanical Nomenclature | Aronia melanocarpa or Photinia melanocarpa |
Common Name | Black Choceberry |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Aronia melanocarpa is a deciduous shrub growing from 2 to 2,5m, with simple leaves which turn red in autumn. The flowers are hermaphrodite, small, and white and the fruits are round and black. The blossoming and the harvesting take place in summer, while the fruiting lasts from October to December. |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits, leaves |
Active Substances | Pectin, vitamin A, B1, B2, B3, B5, B6, B9, C, E, K, P, minerals, polyphenols, antioxidants, anthocyanins, vioflavones, tannins, histamine, serotonin. |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has antioxidant and antiseptic properties. It is recommended against stress, fatigue, flu, bronchitis and urinary tract infections. Fruit's juice is used to regulate the blood pressure and to prevent the onset of heart disease. Also, it has a positive contribution to the treatment of cancer and blood's formation, as well it stimulates the regeneration of bones and the connective tissue. The herbal infusion may have anti-allergic activity. Finally, it is administered against gastritis, bleeding, anemia and rheumatism. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered as antioxidant, antiseptic and tonic in the form of fruit jam. Also, it can be used in the form of wine, liqueur and fruit juice. It is a representative of the 'super foods' and the recommended dose is from three to five fruits, three 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 | No side effects have been reported. |
References | 1) Bιβλίο: Τα φαρμακευτικά βότανα και οι θεραπευτικές τους ιδιότητες, Λάμπρου Π. Σπύρου, Αγροτικός εκδοτικός οίκος, Αθήνα 1981, Β' τόμος, σελίδες: 562-564 2) http://www.organiclife.gr/el/herbs/1787-chenopodium.html 3)http://www.lookformedical.com/search.php?q=Chenopodium+quinoa&lang=1&src=definitions 4)http://www.mmh-mms.com/downloads/mp07chenopodiumambrosioides.pdf |