Popular names: magpie berries, wolf berries, bird cherry, buckthorn.
Buckthorn Fragile (Frangula alnus Mill.)Shrub, less often a small tree of the buckthorn family (Rhamnaceae), up to 7 m in height, with regular branching. The branches are smooth, young – red-brown with scattered white lenticels, old – gray-brown; buds without covering scales, with silky dense pubescence. The leaves are alternate, dark green, dense, shiny; on short petioles, oblong-elliptical, pointed, entire. The flowers are small, bisexual, greenish-white, narrowly annular, collected in bunches in the axils of the leaves. The fruit is a juicy, spherical, berry-like, shiny, purple-black drupe with 2-3 broadly obovate pits. Blossoms in May – June, fruits ripen in September – October. Often blooms again in August – September. Its fruiting is traditionally plentiful. It bears fruit from 3-5 years. Buckthorn fruits are sweet, but inedible (immature poisonous). Propagated by seeds and vegetatively (stump shoots, layering, root offspring). Distributed in the European part of the CIS, in the Caucasus, in Western and Eastern Siberia, Central Asia and Kazakhstan. It grows in coniferous and deciduous forests, where it often forms a dense undergrowth layer, in clearings, clearings, and shrubs. The greatest distribution and best growth is observed on damp and moist soils along the outskirts of swamps and water meadows, along the banks of rivers, streams, lakes. determined its generic name. The medicinal properties of buckthorn bark were already known in the 14th century. The legend claims that the laxative properties of the plant were established as a result of observing the life of bears, which lie in a den for the winter, only after clearing the stomach. One day, people saw that in late autumn, a clubfoot uprooted a buckthorn bush from the ground and began to gnaw at its bark. This led them to the idea of \u200b\u200bthe healing properties of the plant.
COLLECTION AND DRYING OF RAW MATERIALS
The medicinal raw material is the bark of buckthorn (Cortex Frangulae). The bark is harvested in the spring, from the moment the buds swell to the beginning of flowering. In the places allotted by the forestry, the buckthorn is cut down with an ax or cut with a hacksaw, leaving stumps 10-15 cm high for overgrowth renewal. On felled trunks and thick branches, circular incisions are made, they are connected with longitudinal incisions, and the bark is removed in the form of gutter-like pieces. It is impossible to cut the bark with a knife, since with all this the pieces of bark turn out to be narrow and contain the remains of wood. If there are bushy lichens on the bark, they must be cleaned. Re-harvesting in the same area is possible after 10-15 years. Dry the buckthorn bark in the open air under sheds or in well-ventilated attics, laying it out in a loose layer and making sure that so that tubular and groove-like pieces of bark are not nested in each other. During drying, the bark is stirred 1-2 times. When drying in the open air, the bark is brought indoors overnight or covered with a tarpaulin. Drying is stopped when the bark becomes brittle (it breaks when bent with a bang). The prepared bark is used only after a year, since the fresh one contains irritants that cause nausea and vomiting. The decomposition of irritants can be accelerated by heating the bark to 100°C for an hour. The side effect after this treatment disappears. The shelf life of raw materials is 5 years. The smell of raw materials is weak, the taste is bitter. The bark is an export item. When harvesting the bark of a brittle buckthorn, the bark of other shrubs and small trees can be collected by mistake: joster (buckthorn laxative), alder, mountain ash, bird cherry and all kinds of willows.
PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES
The local irritating effect of galenic forms of the plant is manifested in increased peristaltic movements of the colon. Under the influence of buckthorn products, the absorption of fluid by the mucous membrane of the large intestine slows down, which leads to the liquefaction of the feces and an increase in their volume. The laxative effect of buckthorn is traditionally noted after 8-12 hours after taking the products. This is due to the slow hydrolysis of the anthraglycoside frangularoside by enzymes and the bacterial flora of the large intestine in an alkaline environment.
APPLICATIONS IN MEDICINE
Branches, bark. Wound healing. Bark. Decoctions, pills, extracts (liquid and dry) and the product “Ramnil” in scientific medicine – a mild laxative. Included in the complex products “Vikalin”, “Vikair”, “Roter”, which have astringent, hypacid and moderate laxative effect, are also used to treat gastric and duodenal ulcers; as part of the product “Kholagol” – choleretic and antispasmodic action – for the treatment of gallstone disease, cholecystitis and hepatocholecystitis. Included in laxative and antihemorrhoid teas and fees. Infusion – in obstetric and gynecological practice, as a laxative for hemorrhoids, rectal fissures, atonic and spastic constipation in the postoperative and menopausal periods. Essence in homeopathy – for chronic constipation. In folk medicine – for colic, edema of cardiac and renal origin, Graves’ disease, helminthiases, gout, menopausal disorders, especially tachycardia, dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. edema of cardiac and renal origin, Graves’ disease, helminthiases, gout, menopausal disorders, especially with tachycardia, dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. edema of cardiac and renal origin, Graves’ disease, helminthiases, gout, menopausal disorders, especially with tachycardia, dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. Graves’ disease, helminthiases, gout, menopausal disorders, especially with tachycardia, dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. Graves’ disease, helminthiases, gout, menopausal disorders, especially with tachycardia, dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. dizziness, depression, itching, migraine, cholangitis, hepatitis. Tincture – for streptoderma, pyoderma, boils and other diseases of the skin and subcutaneous tissue. It is part of diaphoretic, carminative fees, also in fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. Included in diaphoretic, carminative fees, as well as fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. Included in diaphoretic, carminative fees, as well as fees for the treatment of dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia and to normalize defecation. In Lithuania and Belarus – with malaria. In Bulgaria – for nervous diseases, neuroses, obesity, diabetes mellitus, uric arthritis, exudative diathesis, eczema, rheumatism, and in addition, in collections – for skin diseases with metabolic disorders. Fruits. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia. Fast-acting anthelmintic. Seeds. In the experiment, they show activity against leukemia.
DOSAGE FORMS, METHOD OF APPLICATION AND DOSES
A decoction of buckthorn bark brittle (alder) (Decoctum corticis Frangulae): 20 g (2 tablespoons) of raw materials are placed in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml of hot boiled water, cover with a lid and heat in boiling water (in a water bath) with frequent stirring for 30 minutes , cooled for 10 minutes at room temperature, filtered, the remaining raw material is squeezed out. The volume of the resulting broth is adjusted with boiled water to 200 ml. The resulting broth is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take 1/2 cup at night as a laxative for chronic constipation. Liquid buckthorn extract (Extractum Frangulae fluidum). Extraction of 30% alcohol from coarsely ground buckthorn bark in the ratio of raw materials to the extractor 1:1. Dark brown liquid. Take 20-30 drops at bedtime as a mild laxative. Dry buckthorn extract (Extractum Frangulae siccum). Extraction with 70% alcohol from buckthorn powder. The content of oxymethylanthraquinones must be at least 6%. Available in the form of coated tablets, 0.2 g; take 1-2 tablets at bedtime as a mild laxative. Buckthorn syrup (Sirupus Frangulae) is a dark brown thick liquid with a specific odor. It is used as a laxative for chronic constipation, preferably on an empty stomach. Dose for adults – 1-2 teaspoons (but not more than 1 tablespoon per reception) 1-2 times every day; children – according to age: 3-4 years – 1/4 teaspoon, 5-8 years – 0.5-1 teaspoon, 9-11 years – 1-1.5 teaspoon 1 time every day. When using the product, skin rash, abdominal pain may occur. In these cases, its reception should be stopped. It is possible to stain urine yellow (presence of chrysophanoic acid), which is not dangerous for the body and does not require the withdrawal of the product. Buckthorn syrup is CONTRAINDICATED in acute inflammatory bowel diseases, uterine bleeding, pregnancy. The shelf life of the product is 2 years. The product is stored in a place protected from light at a temperature not exceeding 15 ° C. Ramnil (Rhamnilum) is an orange-brown powder, odorless and tasteless. Available in tablets containing 0.05 g of the product. Take 1-2 tablets at bedtime as a mild laxative. Cholagol (Cholagolum) – a total product containing the coloring matter of turmeric root (0.0225 g), emodin from buckthorn (0.009 g), magnesium salicylate (0.18 g), essential oils (5.535 g), alcohol (0.8 g), olive oil (up to 10 g). The drug has a choleretic and antispasmodic effect. It is used for cholelithiasis, cholecystitis, hepatocholecystitis. The action is close to the product “Olimetin” – see.Peppermint . Take 5 drops (on sugar) 3 times every day 30 minutes before meals. With attacks of biliary colic, take a single dose of 20 drops. In the presence of dyspeptic phenomena, it is taken during meals or after meals. Produced in bottles of 10 ml. Vicairum (Vicairum) – see Calamus vulgaris.Collecting laxative No. 1. Ingredients: buckthorn bark 3 parts, nettle leaves 2 parts, yarrow herb 1 part. A tablespoon of the mixture is poured into 200 ml of hot boiled water, boiled in a water bath for 15 minutes, cooled, then filtered. Take 1/4-1/2 cup at night for chronic constipation, colitis or enterocolitis. Buckthorn preparations are stored in a place protected from light. 7-10 days. Used in the form of lotions, dressings and for washing the affected areas of the skin. CONTRAINDICATIONS AND POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS: it should be remembered that with prolonged use of buckthorn products, addiction begins and the effect decreases. Therefore, it will be necessary to periodically increase the dose or change the laxative.
APPLICATIONS IN OTHER FIELDS
The roots are suitable for the manufacture of shoe nails, lasts, decorative plywood, carvings, furniture fittings, ashless coal suitable for drawing, the best varieties of hunting powder and fireworks. The bark in veterinary medicine (decoction, infusion) – a laxative and for scabies. Suitable for tanning leather. Bark, leaves, fruits – dye wool in olive and brown colors of various shades. Unripe fruits are used to obtain yellow paint. Best honey plant in wet places. Where there is a lot of buckthorn, the bees come to strength early and swarm well. From 1 hectare of buckthorn, the collection of honey is 15-35 kg. Thick honey with lingonberry flavor. Decorative.