PDR for Herbal Medicines

698/SLOE PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINES

finishes flowering before the leaves unfold. The calyx is

campanulate with long tips, which are twice as long as the

tips of the 5 petals. The fruit is dark blue, frosted, globular,

diameter approximately 10 mm.

Leaves, Stem and Root: Sloe is a bulky bush about 3 m high.

The branches are velvet-haired when young. The numerous

lateral branches are almost horizontal and end in sharp

thorns. The bark is black-brown.

Characteristics: The fruit tastes exceptionally sour and is

only really edible after several frosts.

Habitat: The plant grows in Europe and parts of Asia.

Production: Sloe fruit consists of the fresh or dried ripe fruit

of Prunus spinosa as well as its preparations. Sloe flower

consists of the dried flowers of Prunus spinosa as well as its

preparations.

Not to be Confused With: May be confused with the flowers

of Prunus padus syn. Padus avium.

Other Names: Blackthorn, Wild Plum

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: SLOE FRUIT

Cyanogenic glycosides: amygdalin, only in the seeds

Fruit acids

Monosaccharides/oligosaccharides

Tannins

EFFECTS: SLOE FRUIT

Sloe fruit has an astringent effect.

COMPOUNDS: SLOE FLOWER

Cyanogenic glycosides: amygdalin (traces, likely only in the

fresh blossoms)

Flavonoids: including quercitrin, rutin, and hyperoside

EFFECTS: SLOE FLOWER

There is no reliable information available.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

SLOE FRUIT

Approved by Commission E:

• Inflammation of the mouth and pharynx

Sloe fruit is used externally for inflammation of the oral and
pharyngeal mucosa (as a gargle).

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine the fruit juice is used as a
gargle for mouth, throat, and gum inflammation. Syrup and
wine are employed as a purgative or diuretic and as jam for a
weak stomach.

S SLOE FLOWER

e Unproven Uses: Preparations of Sloe flower are used for

r, common colds, diseases and ailments of the respiratory tract,

as a laxative, for diarrhea, for prophylaxis and treatment of

gastric spasms, flatulence, intestinal diseases and gastric

insufficiency.

s

p Homeopathic Uses: Prunus spinosa is used for cardiac

insufficiency and 'nervous headaches'.

S PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

SLOE FRUIT AND FLOWER

No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction

with the proper administration of designated therapeutic

t dosages.

DOSAGE

S SLOE FRUIT

Mode of Administration: Sloe fruit is available as crude drug

5 for infusions and other galenic preparations for mouth rinses.

Daily Dosage: External use — 2 to 4 gm drug

SLOE FLOWER

Mode of Administration: Sloe flower preparations are

-available in various commercial compounded preparations.

Preparation: Tea: pour boiling water over 1 to 2 heaped

teaspoons, stir occasionally for 5 to 10 minutes and strain.

Daily Dosage: Drink 1 to 2 cups during the day or 2 cups in

the evening. (1 teaspoon corresponds approximately to 1 gm

drug)

Storage: Should be protected from light and moisture, at best

not longer than 1 year.

LITERATURE

SLOE FLOWER

Irizar AC, Fernandez MF, Constituents of Prunus spinosa. In:

JNP 55:450-454. 1992.

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Madaus G, Lehrbuch der Biologischen Arzneimittel, Bde 1?3,

Nachdruck, Georg Olms Verlag Hildesheim 1979.

Steinegger E, Hansel R, Pharmakognosie, 5. Aufl., Springer

Verlag Heidelberg 1992.

Teuscher E, Biogene Arzneimittel, 5. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

Wichtl M (Hrsg.), Teedrogen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.

Stuttgart 1997.

SLOE FRUIT

Irizar AC, Fernandez MF, Constituents of Prunus spinosa. In:

JNP 55:450-454. 1992.