810 /WILD CARROT PDR FOR HERBAL MEDICINESEFFECTS
Wild Carrot has anthelmintic and antimicrobial activity. It is
also a mild vermifuge. The essential oil has an initially
stimulating, followed by a paralyzing, effect on worms. In
controlled animal tests, a temporary reduction of arterial
blood pressure was observed. The pectin content is probably
responsible for the severe constipating effect of the Carrot.
The essential oil has a mild bactericidal effect, especially on
gram-positive bacteria. The drug has a positive effect on
visual acuity and scotopic (twilight) vision, as well as being
a mild diuretic.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: The Wild Carrot is an unreliable adjuvant in
the treatment of oxyuriasis. It is a useful drug in pediatrics
for tonsillitis, nutritional disorders and as a dietary agent for
digestive disorders. It is also used in medicinal preparations
for dermatological conditions such as photodermatosis and
pigment anomalies. It is used in teas for intestinal parasites.
PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
Health risks or side effects following the proper administra-
tion of designated therapeutic dosages are not recorded. The
drug has a low potential for sensitization through skin
contact.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The drug is taken in a ground form
or consumed as a juice or vegetable. It is found in ready-
made medicinal preparations.
Preparation: The Carrot is finely grated and made into a
juice or syrup.
LITERATURE
Gupta KR, Niranjan GS, (1982) Planta Med 46:240.
Hausen B, Allergiepflanzen. Pflanzenallergene, ecomed
Verlagsgesellsch. mbH. Landsberg 1988.
Harborne JB, In: The Biology and Chemistry of the
Umbelliferae, Ed. VN Heywood, Academic Press, London,
1971.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 4. Aufl., Bde 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc.,.New
York 1980.
Ram AS, Devi HM, (1983) Indian J Bot 6(1):21.Wild Cherry
Prunus serotina
DESCRIPTION
Medicinal Parts: The medicinal part is the inner tree bark,
which has an almond-like smell, which dissipates on drying.
Flower and Fruit: The racemes are 6 to 15 cm long with
about 30 flowers. The perianth remains when the fruit ripens.
The 3 to 4 tepals are denticulate and creamy white. The fruit
is 8 mm across, depressed-globose and purple-black. The
endocarp is smooth.Leaves, Stem and Root: Wild Cherry is a deciduous tree up
to 20 m high with aromatic bark. The leaves are obovate to
elliptical-oblong, acute, finely serrate with flattened, with
forwardly directed teeth. The leaves are dark, glossy green
above, paler and slightly pubescent beneath.Habitat: Prunus serotina originates from North America but
is cultivated in Europe.Production: Wild Cherry bark is the bark of Prunus serotina.Other Names: Wild Black Cherry, Virginian Prune, Black
Choke, Choke Cherry, Rum CherryACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Cyanogenic glycosides: prunasin yielding 0.05 to 0.15%. 5
to 15 mg HCN/100 gTanninsEFFECTS
Wild Cherry bark is an astringent, antitussive, and sedative.
INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Wild Cherry bark is used for coughs,
bronchitis and whooping cough, also used in the treatment of
nervous digestive disorders and diarrhea.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
No health hazards or side effects are known in conjunction
with the proper administration of designated therapeutic
dosages. Cyanide poisonings from the drug are unlikely, due
to both its low cyanogenic glycoside content and the lack of
incitement to ingest it.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: Wild Cherry bark is available as
syrup or tincture for internal use and also available in
commercial compounded preparations.LITERATURE
Frohne D, Pfander HJ, Giftpflanzen - Ein Handbuch fur
Apotheker, Toxikologen und Biologen, 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlags-
Ges. Stuttgart 1997.
Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der
Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8, Springer Verlag
Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.
Leung AY, Encyclopedia of Common Natural Ingredients Used
in Food, Drugs and Cosmetics, John Wiley & Sons Inc., New
York 1980.