Cornus mas

Cornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C
Cornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin CCornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin CCornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin CCornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin CCornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin CCornus mas, Cornaceae, Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C
Botanical Nomenclature Cornus mas
Common Name Cornelian Cherry, Cornelian Cherry Dogwood, European Cornel
Taxonomy- Family Cornaceae
Distinguishing Features of the Plant Cornus mas is a self-sown, deciduous tree growing up to 8m, with oval, elliptical, green leaves, red fruits and yellow flowers. The flowering lasts from February to March and the harvesting takes place from September to November.
Region Found In Greece the plant is cultivated in Rodopi, Serres, Imathia, Kozani and Epirus.
Part of the Plant with Active Substances Fruits, bark, stems, roots
Active Substances Flavonoids, ellagic acid, gallic acid, anthocyanidins (cyanidin, delphinidin, pelargonidin), tannins, anthocyanins, polyphenols, vitamin C
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications From ancient times until today, cranberries are used for the treatment of diarrhea and intestinal diseases due to the contained tannins. The bark, the shoots and the root are used as antipyretics. The whole plant is administered to strengthen the immune system, and as astringent, spasmolytic, sedative, analgesic and antipyretic. Also, it is recommended against diarrhea, dysentery, malaria, stomach pain, skin inflammations and hemorrhoids. In folk medicine, especially in Asia, it is used as hypoglycemic for the treatment of diabetes. A lot of in vitro studies have demonstrated that the contained anthocyanidins induce the production of insulin from the beta cells of pancreas.
Method of Administration The plant is administered in the form of herbal extract (it is used in combination with other herbal mixtures, never as single drug) to strengthen the immune system. In addition it has hypoglycemic, diuretic and hemostatic effects . In Asian countries there are also commercially available forms for the treatment of diabetes.
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 are reported. It is worth noting that Homer in 'Odyssey' refers that Circe fed Odysseus and his crew with cornel fruits, in orded to transform them to pigs.
References 1)http://www.altmedrev.com/publications/14/3/278.pdf 2)Altern Med Rev. 2009 Sep;14(3):278-83. Aesculus hippocastanum (Horse chestnut). Monograph 3)http://www.ethnopharmacology.gr/images/stories/ekdiloseis/2009_11/zioga.pdf 4)http://www.home-remedies-for-you.com/herbs/cornus.html 5)http://www.reherb.eu/el/content/cornus-mas 6)http://health-from-nature.net/European_Cornel,_Dogwood.html