Kermesbær: Properties, Uses And Contraindications

Cherries, also known as Phytolacca americana, are an herbaceous plant found in various parts of North America, South America, Europe and Asia. It is also known as “American blackberry herb” or “cancer root”, and has been used for medicinal and culinary purposes.

Despite this , specialists found that some parts of the bush have toxic components, which are only eliminated through a rigorous cooking process. Therefore, we must use it with caution and consider possible side effects in advance.

To learn more about it, just keep reading!

The properties of cherries

According to historical data , cherries were the basis of remedies used by Indians to promote vomiting, cleanse the body and combat the symptoms of rheumatism. Even to this day, some cultures continue to use them for these uses.

Apparently, its popularity dates back to a book called King’s American Dispensary, written in the late 19th century, which talks about the plant’s potential for treating skin diseases and joint pain. Nevertheless, the evidence is currently quite limited. What do we really know about it?

Ingredients of cherries

Sources such as the Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN) and Chinese herbal medicine. Materia medica »says that cherries have a wide range of chemical compounds with pharmacological potential. The most prominent components are the following:

• Phytolacoside A, B, C, D, E, F, G
• Phytolacagene
• Jaligonic acid, phytolacetic acid and oleanolic acid
• Triterpen alcohols: α-spinasterol, α-spinasterol-β-D glycoside, 6-palmitoyl-Δ7-stigmasterol-Δ-D glycoside,
• 6-palmitylethyl spinasteryl-6- D glycoside
• Astragalin
• Lectins
• Tanner
• Starch
• PAP-R protein

People have claimed that it has a wide range of health properties, but there are no reliable clinical studies evaluating its effectiveness. In any case, some say that it has antirheumatic, antitumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and emetic activity.

Potential benefits and uses for cherries

Despite information about the toxicity of cherries, some cultures continue to use it as a remedy for diseases such as tonsillitis, laryngitis, acne, scabies, some types of tumors and AIDS. Is there any evidence for this?

So far, the plant has shown some medicinal benefits in laboratory and animal experiments. However, studies of its effects on humans are lacking. In addition, it is believed that the antiviral protein in cherries (PAP) is responsible for many of its properties. However, there is no full security.

1. Oral diseases

Researchers have studied Phytolacca americana extracts as possible dietary supplements to prevent dental disease. In particular, a laboratory study reported in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that the plant has antibacterial components that help support oral health.

In particular, it inhibits important enzymes in bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans , responsible for inflammatory periodontal diseases and dental caries. However, researchers need more evidence.

2. Tonsillitis

A wide variety of homeopathic remedies to soothe the symptoms of tonsillitis contain traces of cherries.

Some believe that it, along with other natural ingredients, lubricates the lining of the throat and reduces pain and inflammation. However, there are no clinical studies to prove this.

3. Skin disorders

One of the most important uses of cherries is undoubtedly related to skin diseases. In folk medicine , people use it as an ally against psoriasis, eczema and tuberculosis of the throat.

Its anti-inflammatory properties will be responsible for reducing swelling and pain under these conditions.

But paradoxically, direct contact with the root, stem or leaves of the plant can cause blistering rashes similar to poison ivy. You should therefore use it with caution. But studies on this topic are pretty poor and outdated.

4. Cancer Tumors and AIDS

Neither cherries nor other herbal supplements can cure chronic conditions such as cancer or HIV / AIDS. Despite popular claims about the benefits and conclusions of some clinical trials, you should not use it as a treatment for these diseases.

Right now, evidence suggests that extracts from the plant promise to design future medicines to support the treatment of these conditions. For example, a study reported in Phytotherapy Research found that Phytolacca americana extracts can work against colon cancer cells by altering gene expression.

Meanwhile, Toxins magazine reported that PAP – which is present in cherries – has the potential to become an immunotoxin. In other words, it can stimulate the activity of immune cells to respond to the presence of tumors or cells.

5. Other untested uses

Much of the medicinal uses of cherries come from anecdotal data. This means that there are no studies that support that it has any level of efficiency. In addition, we do not know how to manage extracts or supplements in a safe way. What are these uses? Take a look at the following:

• Arthritis
• Leg pain due to syphilis
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Infections
• Mastitis
• Fibroids
• Acne
• Enlarged thyroid gland

Risk and contraindications

All parts of cherries are considered toxic. The berries are the most poisonous, especially when they are green. In particular, they concentrate on a substance called “phytolacin” which irritates the digestive system in both humans and animals. Ingestion of cherries can cause the following side effects:

• Muscle cramps and stomach cramps
• Burning sensation in the mouth, throat and esophagus
• Diarrhea and vomiting
• Difficulty breathing
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Headache
• Disorders of the heart rhythm

If the plant comes in contact with damaged skin, it also causes similar symptoms. Direct contact with Phytolacca americana causes contact dermatitis in some people. In severe cases, poisoning with the plant leads to the following complications:

• Seizures
• Diarrhea and bloody vomiting
• Respiratory paralysis
• Death (rare)

Many health food stores distribute supplements and health food products that contain cherries. However, it is forbidden in Norway, nor is it allowed to import.

Possible interactions with medications such as anticoagulants, antihypertensives and diuretics are also warned. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children or people with special health conditions.

Presentations and doses of cherries

There are no defined guidelines for the safe use of cherries and their derivatives. As a general rule , you should avoid contact and ingestion of the fresh plant. Due to this, dietary supplements are distributed in the form of tinctures, extracts, capsules, oils and ointments.

When you procure them, it is important to consider that they are not regulated by the Norwegian Medicines Agency. Manufacturers usually state a recommended dosage on the product packaging. This suggested dose should never be exceeded.

What should I remember about this plant?

Phytolacca americana has been used in traditional medicine as a supplement to improve the symptomatology of some diseases. However, today there are warnings about the risks of use due to the content of toxic compounds.

In conclusion, there is no concrete evidence to prove its effectiveness as a medical remedy. Therefore, it should not replace medical treatment. Pregnant women, children and people with serious illness should avoid use.