Cydonia oblonga
Botanical Nomenclature | Cydonia oblonga |
Common Name | Quince |
Taxonomy- Family | Rosaceae |
Distinguishing Features of the Plant | Cydonia oblonga is a fruit tree growing from 8 to 15m, with oval leaves, densely pubescent with fine white hairs; the fruits are large, yellow and pear-shaped, and the flowers are large pink. The flowering lasts from April to May and the harvesting takes place from October to November |
Region Found | Epirus |
Part of the Plant with Active Substances | Fruits, seeds |
Active Substances | tannins, mucus (22%), malic acid, carbohydrates, pectin, essential oil, vitamin C, amygdalin, emoulsin, starch, cyydonine, pentosans (arabinose, xylose) |
Pharmacological Effects - Therapeutic Applications | The whole plant has astringent (fruit), anti-inflammatory, emollient and laxative (seeds) properties. It is used for the treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, constipation, gastritis and enteritis. The herbal infusion is recommended against haemoptysis, diarrhea, vomiting and chronic oral inflammations. It is applied externally for the treatment of burns, dry skin and sore eyes. |
Method of Administration | It is administered as astringent and anti-inflammatory in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of the dried leaves in a cup of boiled water, three times a day). It is applied externally in the form of poultice or as ingredient in creams and lotions for the treatment of burns or dry skin. 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 | Overdose may cause respiratory failure and death. |
References | 1) Βιβλίο: Οδηγός των φαρμακευτικών φυτών, Paul Schauenberg, Ferdinand Paris, Εκδότης Μ. Γκιούρδας, Αθήνα 1981, σελίδες 332 2) http://www.journalofnaturalproducts.com/Volume1/04__Review_vol_01-2008_s.pdf 3)Plants: A Rich Source of Herbal Medicine, Sudhanshu Tiwari, Journal of Natural Products, Vol. 1(2008):27-35 4)http://www.herb.gr/index.php/catalog/product/view/id/689/s/kidonia/category/24/ 5)http://health-from-nature.net/Quince.html |