Prunus Spinosa Herb (Prunus spinosa): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Prunus spinosa work as an astringent?

Prunus spinosa works primarily through its high tannin content. When applied to mucous membranes in the mouth or throat, or ingested for gastrointestinal issues, these tannins bind to proteins to create a protective layer. This action tightens tissues, reduces inflammation, and decreases fluid secretion, which helps soothe sore throats and reduce diarrhea symptoms. The plant also contains flavonoids that contribute to its anti-inflammatory effects (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Does Prunus spinosa interact with medications?

There are no established drug interactions for Prunus spinosa berries or flowers. However, because the plant is rich in tannins, it may theoretically interfere with the absorption of certain medications, particularly alkaloids or iron supplements, if taken simultaneously. To be safe, healthcare professionals recommend separating the consumption of tannin-rich herbs from prescription medications by at least one to two hours (Evidence Level: D/Theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for Prunus spinosa?

The standard adult dosage for Prunus spinosa is 2 to 4 grams of dried berries or flowers per day. This can be prepared as a tea by steeping the herb in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes, or taken as a liquid tincture. Because the herb is potent and astringent, users should adhere to recommended amounts to avoid potential side effects such as constipation (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Is Prunus spinosa safe to use during pregnancy?

Prunus spinosa is generally considered safe during pregnancy when used in recommended food or therapeutic amounts. The berries and flowers contain only trace amounts of cyanogenic glycosides, which are the potentially toxic compounds found in the leaves and bark of the plant. However, due to its strong astringent properties, pregnant women should avoid excessive doses to prevent digestive discomfort or constipation (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Can you use sloe berries for diarrhea?

Yes, sloe berries have a long history of use in European folk medicine for treating diarrhea. The high tannin content acts as an intestinal astringent, helping to reduce fluid secretion and tone the intestinal lining. This mechanism helps slow bowel movements and solidify stools. While clinical trials are limited, this traditional application is well-documented and supported by the plant's known pharmacological actions (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Prunus spinosa L., commonly known as blackthorn, is a shrub whose fruits are rich in bioactive phenolic compounds with antioxidant and antibacterial properties [PMID:37110690, PMID:32821452].

Contexte

Prunus spinosa L. (blackthorn) is a shrub whose fruits are consumed as food in regions such as Turkey and are considered an underutilized source of bioactive compounds for the food and pharmaceutical industries [PMID:32821452, PMID:37431036].

Usages traditionnels

Blackthorn fruit is traditionally used in nutrition and medicine [PMID:37431036].

Composés actifs

The fruits contain flavonoids (including catechin, epicatechin, rutin, myricetin, quercetin, and kaempferol), anthocyanins (such as cyanidin-3-glucoside), phenolic acids (neochlorogenic, caffeoylquinic, gallic, caffeic, and vanillic acids), vitamins, minerals, and organic acids [PMID:37110690, PMID:41085359, PMID:37431036]. Polysaccharides, including arabinans and homogalacturonans, are also present [PMID:36543000, PMID:38674109].

Mécanisme d'action

Blackthorn juice has been shown in vitro to induce apoptosis and autophagy in gastric carcinoma cells by activating Caspase-3, upregulating Bax, downregulating Bcl-xL, increasing LC3B-II levels, and decreasing Beclin-1, while causing mitochondrial impairment via cardiolipin loss and cytochrome c release [PMID:41085359].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DGastric Carcinoma

Blackthorn juice significantly reduced the viability of AGS and KATO III gastric cancer cells in vitro while sparing non-tumorigenic GES-1 cells [PMID:41085359]

Preuve DTartrazine Toxicity

Dried blackthorn fruit powder was evaluated for protective effects on the blood and organs of albino Wistar rats exposed to tartrazine [PMID:31417987]

Preuve DGlycaemic Homeostasis

In C57BL/6 mice, blackthorn flower extract increased glucose concentrations in normoglycaemic mice after the 1st and 5th day of administration [PMID:34759766]

Preuve DVarious Cancer Cell Lines

Methanol extract of P. spinosa fruit was evaluated for in vitro cytotoxic activity on multiform brain cancer (LN229, U87, T98G) and pancreas cancer (PANC-1, AsPC-1) cell lines [PMID:32821452]

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), focusing on antioxidant properties and potential anticancer activity; there are no human clinical trials provided.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 37110690 (2023) — Blackthorn-A Valuable Source of Phenolic Antioxidants with Potential Health Benefits. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 36543000 (2023) — An arabinan isolated from the antioxidant active fraction of wild blackthorn fruits (Prunus spinosa L.). · Carbohydrate research
3.PMID: 31417987 (2019) — Protective effect of blackthorn fruits (Prunus spinosa) against tartrazine toxicity development in albino Wistar rats. · BMC chemistry
4.PMID: 32821452 (2019) — Antioxidant Activity of Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) Fruit Extract and Cytotoxic Effects on Various Cancer Cell Lines. · Medeniyet medical journal
5.PMID: 37627632 (2023) — Technologically Driven Approaches for the Integrative Use of Wild Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) Fruits in Foods and Nutraceuticals.

Prunus Spinosa Herb

Sources et citations

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