Coronilla varia
Botanical Nomenclature | Coronilla varia |
Common Name | Crownvetch, Purple Crown Vetch |
Taxonomy- Family | Papilionaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Coronilla varia is a perennial herbaceous plant growing from 30 to 60cm, with pinnate, green leaves and pink flowers in globular inflorescence. The flowering lasts from June to August and the fruiting takes place from August to November |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Leaves, flowers |
Active Substances | Coronilline (glucoside), pseudo coumarin, essential oil |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has cardiotonic and emetic properties. Also, it is used for the treatment of rheumatism and the muscle cramps. |
Method of Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (from the dried root and leaves). Attention required to the administered dose, as the glycoside coronilline is a very potent cardio tonic in low doses, while in normal doses, it is poisonous. 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 consumption may cause cardiotoxicity and mortality. |
References | 1)http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15364642J Herb Pharmacother. 2004;4(2):19-32. 2)An open study to assess the safety and efficacy of Aesculus hippocastanum tablets (Aesculaforce 50mg) in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Dickson S, Gallagher J, McIntyre L, Suter A, Tan J. 3)http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Coronilla+varia 4)http://practicalplants.org/wiki/Coronilla_varia 5)Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 238-239 |