Prunus avium Linn.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat Native to Eurasia;
cultivated in Kashmir, Kumaon and Himachal Pradesh.
English Sweet Cherry.
Ayurvedic Elavaaluka, Elaya,
Harivaaluka.
Folk Gilaas, Krusbal.
Action Fruit stalks—diuretic, antiinflammatory, astringent, used for oedema, inflammation of urinary
520 Prunus cerasoides D. Don.
tract, cystitis, nephritis, urinary
retention.
The stems contain salicylic acid, organic acids tannins and potassium salts. Protocatechuic, p-coumaric, ferulic and diferculic acids have been identified in the shoots.
The fruit contains salicylates and cyanogenic glycosides, and vitamin A, Bl and C. Sugars consist mainly of glucose and fructose, with sucrose as a minor component. Malic acid is the principal acid, small amounts of citric, tartaric and succinic acids are also reported. The lipids of the fruit pulp contain cis-vaccenic acid.
The acetone extract ofpeduncle gave an isoflavone, prunetin, which on hydrolysis yielded an aglycone identified as prunetin and sugar as glucose.
The seeds contain a cyanogenic glycoside and are toxic. The bark contains tannins up to 16%.
Dosage Seed—3—5 g powder. (CCRAS.)
Prunus cerasoides D. Don.
Synonym P puddum Roxb. ex Brandis. non-Miq.
Family Rosaceae.
Habitat The temperate Himalayas from Garhwal to Sikkim, also in Ootacamund.
English Wild Himalayan Cherry, Bird Cheery.
Ayurvedic Padmaka, Padmagandhi, Padmaadyaa, Padmaakha, Padmakaashtha.
Action Kernel—antilithic. Stem— refrigerant, antipyretic. Tender
branches are crushed and soaked in water and taken internally to avert abortion. Oil—similar to that of
bitter almond oil.
