-IBIS-1.7.0-
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herb
Prunus spp. (Cherry, Choke Cherry, Peach)
Botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Prunus serotina, Prunus virosa, Prunus persica

synonyms: cherry, wild cherry, peach, choke cherry, wild black cherry, black choke, rum cherry, kirschenstiele, tige de cerise, tallo de cereza

part(s) used: seed, bark. leaf

qualities: bitter, pungent, cool, dry

affinities: lungs, mucus membranes

actions: antitussive, sedative, expectorant, astringent, digestive tonic

dosage:

» tincture: 2 - 4 ml.

therapy: irritating coughs, sedative for coughs, bronchitis, asthma, digestive tonic, heart palpitations

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating:

» seed: 2b, 3

» leaf, bark: 3

toxicity: 2; see cyanogenic glycoside toxidrome

» use with caution during pregnancy due to its teratogenic effects and content of a cyanogenic glycoside, prunisin ; may injure parturient women (Brinker, pp. 110, 121; Duke, pp. 394-395)

» not recommended in high doses or for long periods of time due to the presence of cyanogenic glycosides; avoid green bark because the constituents are higher

» contraindicated in patients with thyroid problems; possible goitrogen due to cyanogenic glycosides; caution is advised regarding use in patients with history of recent surgery, diabetes, hypoglycemia, nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infections, acute infectious hepatitis, leukemias, Graves’ disease, or related genetic disorders (Langer and Greer, pp. 66-67, 79)

» Cardiac glycoside content is considerably less in peach (P. persica) bark and leaves than in the seed; still, caution is necessary, especially with children. (McGuffin)

constituents: cyanogenic glycosides, volatile oil, coumarins, gallitannins, resins

footnotes

Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Langer, P., and Greer, M.A. 1977. Anti-Thyroid Substances and Naturally Occurring Goitrogens. New York: Karyer, Greer.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.