HERBAL MONOGRAPHS CHERRY LAUREL/ 179
Characteristics: The leaves have a bitter taste that is
astringent and aromatic, reminiscent of bay leaves. The odor
is slight and they contain an essential oil.
Habitat: Eugenia chequen grows in Chile.
*^ Production: Cheken leaves are the leaves of Eugenia
chequen.
Other Names: Arryan, Myrtus Chekan
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Bitter substances
Volatile oil: including alpha-pinene, 1,8-cineol
EFFECTS
The ethanol extract inhibits xanthinoxydasis. The essential
oil has a similar effect on germinating salad seeds such as
auxin. An antibacterial and antimycotic effect has also been
demonstrated. In the agar diffusion test, the leaf oil was
effective against Pseudomonas acruginsosa, Trichophyton
mentagrophytes and Aspergillus niger. It also affects fat
metabolism: the oil is used against hyperlipoprotinemia. It is
^^used as a tonic, a diuretic and an expectorant.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: In South American folk medicine, a
decoction of the leaves is used in the treatment of diarrhea,
fever, gout, as a tonic, diuretic, an antihypertensive, and as a
digestive aid.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: As a decoction and as a liquid
extract.
Chelidonium majus
See Celandine
+
Chelone glabra
See Balmony
Chenopodium ambrosioides
See Wormseed Oil
Chenopodium vulvaria
See Arrach
Cherry Laurel
Prunus laurocerasus
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts are the dried leaves.
Flower and Fruit: The flowers are erect and in slender
racemes 10 to 12 cm long with 3 mm pedicles. The petals are
obovate, 3 mm long and white. The fruit is black and
globular-ovoid. The smooth kernel within the fruit is ovoid
and acute, with a long black weal.
Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is an evergreen shrub or
tree, completely glabrous, and grows up to 6 m high. The
bud scales drop early. The petioles are 1 cm long and
glandless. The leaf blades are obovate-lanceolate and 8 to 15
cm long. They are curved, entire or with a finely serrate
margin, coriaceous and bright green. The upper surface of
the leaves is glossy. The lower surface has 1 to 4 protruding
nectaries in the axils of the ribs.
Characteristics: Poisonous. The fruit is similar to black
cherries, and smells of hydrocyanic acid.
Habitat: The plant is indigenous to parts of Asia and is
cultivated in many temperate areas.
Production: Cherry Laurel leaves are the leaves of Prunus
laurocerasus.
Not to be Confused With: Other forms of Prunus species.
Other Names: Cherry-Bay
ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Cyanogenic glycosides: prunasin (corresponding to 0.5-
2.5%, 50-210 mg HCN/100 gm)
EFFECTS
The drug acts as a tonic for the stomach, an anti-irritant and a
sedative.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Cherry Laurel is used to treat coughs and
the common cold.
Homeopathic Uses: Cherry Laurel is used for dry coughs,
whooping cough, cyanosis and spasms.
