| Common Names | Common Plum, European Plum |
|---|---|
| Description | |
| Locations | Epirus (cultivated not wild species) |
| Clinical Summary | |
| Contraindications | All plant parts contain hydrogen cyanide which is poisonous. This substance in a very small amount is not harmful, as it stimulates the respiration and improves digestion. However, it is a toxic substance which blocks the mitochondrial respiration and leads quickly to death. The use of this plant is not recommended for people with diabetes, gastrointestinal disorders and dyspepsia. |
| Active Substance | essential oil tannin proteins carbohydrates fibers malic acid pectin lectins b-carotene Sorbitol isatin flavonoids (lutein, cryptoxanthin, zeaxanthin) minerals (potassium, fluorine, iron, sodium, magnesium, phosphorus) vitamin A, B, C, K Amygdalin and prunasin which are decomposed to water and they form hydrogen cyanide. |
| Active Substance Plant Part | fruits Flowers fruits |
| Adverse Reaction | |
| Educational Research | |
| Interaction | |
| Features Description | Prunus domestica is a deciduous tree growing up to 12m. The cultivated species have straight, without spines branches, while the wild ones are usually spiny. The leaves are oval or oblong, plush, green and the flowers are hermaphrodite, white and they grow from their buds in groups of 2 or 3. The bark is brown and the fruits are large, oval or elliptical, dark blue or purple (plums). The flowering happens in April and the fruiting happens from July to November. |
| Method Administration | The plant is administered in the form of herbal tea (a quantity of dried plant in a cup of boiled water for 5-10min, 3 times a day). Fruits are recommended for the treatment of constipation (or fruit juice, half glass 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. |
| Pharmacological Info | The plant has antioxidant, antipyretic, diuretic, laxative and astringent properties. Fresh or dried fruits are recommended in the form of herbal tea for the treatment of constipation. Also, due to its antioxidant and anticancer action it helps to maintain skin's health, to protect cell membranes from oxidation, to regulate blood pressure and cerebral microcirculation. The fruits, which contain vitamin K, contribute to regular blood coagulation, to normal bone metabolism. Allegedly, they lower the risk of Alzheimer's disease. It is recommended to control heart rate and blood pressure. The plums' kernels have soothing and anthelmintic properties, as they contain significant amounts of essential oil (almond oil), while the trunk and branches secrete a gum of excellent quality, which is used in pharmacy instead of gum arabic, known as 'gummi nostras' . |
| Pharmacological Use | |
| Mechanism Action | |
| References | https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/p/prunes72.html#con http://www.naturalmedicinalherbs.net/herbs/p/prunus-domestica=plum.php http://www.pfaf.org/user/plant.aspx?LatinName=Prunus+domestica http://www.nutrition-and-you.com/plums.html http://kynigos.net.gr/bees/fyta/mel_fyta.php#99 |
| Research |
