* Prevents deficiencies : Most common disorders are the result of the deficiency of one or more nutrients. The unhealthy dietary habits, which include an increased consumption of junk foods and a reduced consumption of nutritious foods, can affect the health of a person. It can also increase the risk of anemia, scurvy, osteoporosis and other conditions as the body is deprived of its source of essential vitamins and minerals. The regular intake of Prunus Spinosa can help in the prevention and treatment of these diseases. It contains a broad range of nutrients, which are required for maintaining good health. It provides a high amount of vitamin A, vitamin B3, vitamin B9, vitamin C, as well as vitamin E. It also provides a natural source of minerals such as calcium, potassium, sulfur, phosphorus, and magnesium. These vitamins and minerals enhance the nutritional value of Prunus Spinosa and help to prevent deficiency disorders.
* Dental caries : Prunus Spinosa can be used to prevent caries in the teeth. The antibacterial action of this herb against Streptococcus Mutans, a gram-positive bacterium, can reduce the incidence of tooth decay and caries. Additionally, it also acts as an antioxidant and prevents oxidative stress that is known to increase the risk of dental caries. It works by inhibiting the free radicals from attacking the teeth and initiating the process of tooth decay.
* Cancer : Prunus Spinosa can be used for the prevention of cancer. It contains natural antioxidants such as Quercetin, Flavonoids, Proanthocyanidins, Anthocyanins, Kaempferol, and Coumarin derivatives. These antioxidants prevent the free radical damage to the healthy cells and tissues and prevent the development of cancer. Prunus Spinosa is also a natural source of beta-carotene, and vitamin C, which supports the antioxidant effects of the other compounds present in it thus increasing its anti-cancer potential. It inhibits the multiplication and growth of cancer cells and prevents the spread of cancer to the healthy organs. It also suppresses the production of pro-inflammatory compounds thus minimizing the damage to the DNA. These actions of Prunus Spinosa create an environment that’s unfavorable for the survival of the cancer cells thus causing their destruction. The investigation of the anti-tumor effect of the flavonoids and anthocyanins that are found in high amounts in the Prunus food supplement on human colon carcinoma cells seemed to us very promising.
* Skin disorders : Prunus Spinosa contains tannins, glycosides, and coumarin derivatives that can enhance the skin health. These compounds keep the skin moisturized and restore its hydration. The antibacterial potential of this herb can help to prevent skin infections. It can also protect the skin against the free radical damage and prevent premature aging.
* The fruits have been used to make sloe gin in Britain, and the wood used for making walking sticks or the shillelagh by the Irish.
* ''https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24243401''
* ''http://www.iscd.it/files/Effects-of-Polymer-Entrapment-of-Prunus-Spinosa-Fruit-Extract-on-its-Cosmetic-Efficacy.pdf''
* ''https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6151690/''
* ''https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S075333221932284X''
[[category:Herbal medicine]]
[[category:Treatments]]
[[Category:Depurative]]
[[Category:Diaphoretic]]
[[Category:Febrifuge]]
[[Category:Stomachic]]