Omnia Sana · Plant Monograph
Wild Cherry Bark
Prunus serotina
This monograph compiles 3 documented constituents, 2 pharmacological actions, 5 traditional / indicated uses, supported by 9 cited sources, drawn directly from the Omnia Sana plant database.
Key Constituents
Releases trace hydrogen cyanide that calms the cough reflex - the basis of both the antitussive action and the safety caution.
Astringent and aromatic supporting constituents.
Bio-guided fractionation of the bark identified naringenin and trimethoxy-benzene/benzoic-acid compounds; the bark extract also showed antiparasitic (cysticidal) activity in laboratory studies.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
Antispasmodic for bronchial cough and bronchitis (eases spasm of the airways)
more plants for bronchitis →detailed sources →Antispasmodic for bronchial cough and bronchitis (eases spasm of the airways); Antitussive - calms a persistent dry, irritating cough (prunasin quietens the cough reflex)
more plants for cough →detailed sources →inferred from antispasmodic action
more plants for menstrual cramps →detailed sources →inferred from antispasmodic action
more plants for muscle spasm →detailed sources →Soothes sore throat and respiratory irritation (traditional)
more plants for sore throat →detailed sources →Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Contains cyanogenic compounds: use only properly dried, prepared bark and avoid large or prolonged doses (fresh bark has a higher toxic content). It suppresses the cough reflex, so it suits dry, unproductive coughs - not productive coughs where mucus needs clearing.
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding because of the cyanogenic glycosides.
References
REF-0999, REF-1000, REF-0628, REF-1001, REF-1002, REF-1003, REF-1004References & Sources
- Telichowska, A., Kobus-Cisowska, J. and Szulc, P (2020) 'Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Bird Cherry Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals', Nutrients, 12(7), pp. 1966. doi:10.3390/nu12071966 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071966 - Luna-Vazquez, F.J., Ibarra-Alvarado, C., Rojas-Molina, A., Romo-Mancillas, A. and others (2016) 'Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Vasodilator Effect of Ursolic Acid and Uvaol from Black Cherry Prunus serotina Fruits', Molecules, 21(1), pp. 78. doi:10.3390/molecules21010078 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21010078 - Palomares-Alonso, F., Rojas-Tome, I.S., Palencia Hernandez, G., Jimenez-Arellanes, M.A., Macias-Rubalcava, M.L. and others (2017) 'In vitro and in vivo cysticidal activity of extracts and isolated flavanone from the bark of Prunus serotina: A bio-guided study', Acta Tropica, pp. 1--7. doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.023 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.023 - Robakowski, P., Bielinis, E., Stachowiak, J., Mejza, I. and Bulaj, B (2016) 'Seasonal Changes Affect Root Prunasin Concentration in Prunus serotina and Override Species Interactions between P. serotina and Quercus petraea', Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(3), pp. 202-214. doi:10.1007/s10886-016-0678-y Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-016-0678-y - Gallardo-Rivera, C.T., Lu, A., Trevino-Garza, M.Z., Garcia-Marquez, E. and others (2021) 'Valorization of Capulin Almond (Prunus serotina) by Obtaining Bioactive Compounds', Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, pp. 663953. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663953 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.663953 - Sile, I., Videja, M., Makrecka-Kuka, M., Tirzite, D. and others (2020) 'Chemical composition of Prunus padus L. flower extract and its anti-inflammatory activities in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 268, pp. 113678. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113678 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113678 - Olszewska, M.A. and Kwapisz, A (2011) 'Metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity of Prunus padus L. flowers and leaves', Natural Product Research, 25(12), pp. 1115-1131. doi:10.1080/14786410903230359 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410903230359 - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina): Benefits, Uses, Research'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-cherry/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-cherry/ - The Herbal Medic (n.d.) 'Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) - Soothing Herb for Coughs & Lungs'. Available at: https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/wild-cherry-prunus-serotina Traditional / reference
https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/wild-cherry-prunus-serotina
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