Home Drugs Viburnum plant. The bark is the main medicinal raw material. Contraindications for viburnum

Viburnum plant. The bark is the main medicinal raw material. Contraindications for viburnum

Family: honeysuckle (Caprifoliaceae).

Motherland

In nature, viburnum is distributed in the temperate and subtropical zones of the Northern Hemisphere, in Europe, Asia, North America, and North Africa. The genus contains about 150 species.

Form: deciduous (less often evergreen) shrub or tree.

Description

Viburnum is a perennial shrub or small tree up to 4 m high. The leaves of viburnum are usually opposite, less often whorled, simple, with stipules, entire, lobed or serrated. Viburnum flowers are white, creamy white or pinkish, collected in racemes. Viburnum fruits are red or blue-black, depending on the type. Most types of viburnum bloom in late May - early June; long-lasting flowering. The root system of viburnum is fibrous. Viburnum is an excellent honey plant. Plants are decorative with their flowers, leaves and fruits.

Viburnum common , or red viburnum (V. opulus). A large, wide, vertically growing shrub or tree up to 4-5 m tall and wide, often forming thickets. The bark of the red viburnum is gray-brown, with cracks. The leaves of the plants are large, broadly ovate, three- or five-lobed, light green in spring, dark green in summer, reddish in autumn. Red viburnum flowers are large and white. The fruits of the species are red, shiny, round or elliptical, edible, look impressive against the background of foliage, and stay on the plant for a long time. The growth rate of red viburnum is medium or high. The root system of plants is superficial, wide, and not sensitive to flooding or compaction. Red viburnum suffers from high temperatures and drought.

Viburnum black , or viburnum gordovina, or pride (V. lantana). Dense powerful bush up to 5 m tall with a dense, wide, compact crown. All parts of the black viburnum are covered with small white hairs. The leaves of the pride are wrinkled, ovate-oval, dense, wide, dark green above, bluish below. The flowers are creamy white. The fruits of black viburnum are shiny, edible, initially red, later turning black. The pride is simultaneously decorated with both red and black fruits; the fruits turn completely black in September. In nature, black viburnum is found in Central and Southern Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, and the North Caucasus.

Viburnum canadian (V. lentago) - a tall shrub or small tree up to 6 m tall with an ovoid crown. The leaves of Canadian viburnum are broadly oval, pointed, smooth, shiny, finely toothed along the edges, bright green in summer, all shades of red in autumn. The flowers are small, creamy white. The fruits of Canadian viburnum are initially green, later bluish-black, with a bluish bloom, and are edible. Canadian viburnum differs in that it reacts poorly to waterlogged soils. In nature, the plants are found in Canada and the USA.

Viburnum bureinskaya , or viburnum buryat (V. burejaeticum). Strongly branching shrub up to 3 m tall with a spreading openwork crown. The leaves of the Buryat viburnum are elliptical or ovate, pointed, sharp-toothed along the edges, dark green above, slightly pubescent, lighter below. The flowers of Buryat viburnum are yellowish-white, the fruits are black and edible. Buryat viburnum is light-loving and demanding on soil fertility. In nature, plants are found in the south of Primorsky and Khabarovsk Territories, Northeast China, and North Korea.

(V. Sargentii). Spreading multi-branched shrub up to 4 m tall. The leaves of Sargent's viburnum are located on long petioles and have a deep central vein. The flowers are larger. The fruits of the plants are bright red and ripen in early October. Viburnum Sargent is undemanding to soil conditions. In nature, plants are found in Eastern Siberia, the Far East, Sakhalin, Korea, Northern China, and Japan.

Kalina Raita (V. wrightii). A straight-trunked, densely branched shrub up to 2.5 m tall with smooth, gray-brown bark. The leaves of Wright's viburnum are obovate, serrated along the edges, pubescent, green above, paler below. The flowers are white, the fruits are bright red, round. In nature, Wright's viburnum grows on Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands, Japan and Korea.

Viburnum folded (V. plicatum, tomentosum). Shrub up to 3 m high. The leaves of folded viburnum are broadly oval, herbaceous green, with numerous veins, and look velvety. The inflorescences on each branch arise from two lateral opposite buds (each with one inflorescence and two leaves), so the creamy white inflorescences are arranged in layers, alternating with velvety, lush green leaves, which creates a stunning effect. The homeland of folded viburnum is Japan and China.

Viburnum triloba (V. trilobum). Shrub up to 4-5 m tall with an openwork crown. The leaves of the three-lobed viburnum are lighter than those of the common viburnum; turn purple in autumn. The fruits of the plants are bright scarlet, edible, and taste like red currants. Three-lobed viburnum is very resistant to diseases and pests. In nature, the plant is found in North America.

Viburnum edible (V. edule). Shrub up to 1.5 m tall. In nature, edible viburnum grows in the mountain forests of North America.

Non-winter-resistant types of viburnum

Viburnum evergreen , or viburnum laurel (V. tinus). Evergreen, densely branched shrub up to 3 m tall. The leaves of evergreen viburnum are very decorative - leathery, elliptical, entire, shiny on top, bright green, pubescent below, lighter. The flowers of laurel-leaved viburnum are pinkish, fragrant, and bloom early. The fruits of evergreen viburnum are spherical or ovoid, blue-black. Plants are drought-resistant, undemanding to soil conditions, and trim well. In nature, evergreen viburnum is common in the Mediterranean.

Kalina David (V. davidii). Slow-growing dwarf evergreen shrub up to 1 m tall with a compact crown and horizontally growing shoots. The leaves of Viburnum David are evergreen, elliptical, leathery, dark green, with deep veins. The flowers of the plants are pinkish. The unusual blue fruits of David's viburnum ripen in October. Plants often suffer from sunburn. The homeland of David's viburnum is Western China.

They also do not winter in central Russia Viburnum Carls (V. carlesii), viburnum rugosafolia (V. rhytidophyllum), fragrant viburnum (V. odoratissimum), fragrant viburnum (V. farreri), Japanese viburnum (V. japonicum) and many hybrid viburnums (V. x burkwoodii, V. x bodnantense, V. x caricephalum).

Growing conditions

Most types of viburnum are shade-tolerant, but develop better in illuminated areas. Due to their dense root system, viburnums are suitable for planting to prevent soil erosion. Viburnums are moisture-loving and can withstand excess moisture, so they are planted in areas with close proximity or in places where water accumulates. Viburnums grow on different soils, as a rule, they prefer or, but there are exceptions, for example, red viburnum, or common viburnum, which grows even on soils. Viburnum is highly frost-resistant (with the exception of some species listed above).

Plants prefer deep, fertile substrates, from to. Common viburnum grows throughout Europe, except in the Far North, in Western Siberia, Central Asia, North Africa and Asia Minor.

Application

Viburnum is a highly decorative plant that will look great in a summer cottage. Viburnum is planted in group and mixed plantings, or used as a plant, excellent for. Low-growing varieties can be planted in. Viburnum is a shrub that looks impressive with other deciduous and coniferous trees:, . Viburnum will decorate the garden in winter with bright red clusters of berries.

Care

Viburnum is a moisture-loving plant that needs abundant watering. Fertilizers are applied twice a year - before the beginning of the growing season and before leaf fall. After loosening the viburnum. Caring for viburnum also involves rejuvenation, in which old plant branches are removed (at a distance of 15-20 cm from the surface of the earth). Pruning is carried out in early winter or early spring before the buds open.

You will learn how to grow viburnum from the corresponding one.

Reproduction

Viburnum can be propagated by seeds () and vegetatively (green,). Low-lying branches of viburnum often produce layering. Viburnum is planted in spring in April or autumn in October. The distance between plants is 1.5-2 m.

Viburnum seeds and viburnum seedlings can be bought at.

Diseases and pests

Viburnum is often affected by the viburnum bark beetle (leaf beetle), the larvae of which eat away the leaf blades, leaving only the veins. The black viburnum aphid is also dangerous - it sucks out the cell sap from young shoots, after which they become deformed and slow down in growth. Possible diseases of viburnum are spotting and powdery mildew.

Popular varieties

Varieties of red viburnum, or common viburnum

Varieties of black viburnum, or pride

'Aureum'. Fast-growing shrub up to 3 m tall. The leaves are oval, golden above, pubescent below, silvery.

‘Aureo-variegatum’. This variety of viburnum is distinguished by unusual decorative leaves - with yellow strokes and spots.

Sargent viburnum varieties

'Sterile'- has only sterile flowers.

'Flavum'- variety with yellow fruits.

Variety of folded viburnum 'Pink Beauty'. Viburnum 'Pink Beauty' blooms long and profusely. The flowers are initially white, later becoming light pink.

Red viburnum is a plant known and revered in Rus' at all times. Many works of folk epic are associated with him. There are songs and poems about viburnum. She is mentioned in stories and films. Suffice it to recall the film based on the story of the same name by V. Shukshin “Kalina Krasnaya”. But not only yours appearance Viburnum has always attracted people. Its medicinal properties have been known since ancient times. This plant has long been used to treat many diseases. Viburnum occupies worthy place in many recipes alternative medicine. Viburnum flowers are used for various diseases. The beneficial properties and contraindications of this plant have been studied for quite some time. About them and we'll talk in the article.

What is it?

The common viburnum plant is part of the adoxaceae family, and previously it was part of the honeysuckle family, and was even distinguished separately from other representatives of the viburnum family. But careful research dictated the need to change its taxonomy. Viburnum viburnum began to be classified as a member of the Adoxaceae family.

The plant has the appearance of a bush. Sometimes it grows in the form of a small tree. In this form it can reach a height of 4 m. The trunk is covered with bark that has a grayish-brown color. The leaves are opposite in nature with a dark green color on their surface, glabrous. There are large teeth along the edges. The plant is distinguished by flowers that are pinkish or white. The fruit is a drupe. The berry is juicy, with a bright red color and a sour-bitter taste.

Flowering time occurs at the end of spring - beginning of summer, and fruit ripening is observed during September until frost.

Where did its name come from?

There are several versions of the origin of its name. According to one of them, they dubbed it so because of the color of its berries, which resembles hot metal. According to another statement, its name is associated with the taste of its berries. The bitterness from the berries disappears after they are “heated” by frost. But it can disappear not only under the influence low temperatures. The same thing happens when the fruit is heated.

Many folk rituals are associated with this plant. At weddings, viburnum bouquets were placed near the newlyweds. They were the personification of the happiness of living together. The berries of the plant served as decoration for the wedding loaf, and a wreath made from this plant was placed on the bride’s head.

Composition of viburnum

Nature has generously rewarded this plant with the content of various chemicals. It contains a large amount of essential oils. The content of phytosterols and substances from the flavonoid group, of which fiburnin is a representative, is noted. The composition is marked by the content of a certain amount of organic acids. Some vitamin C and tannins are present. The content of ascorbic acid in products is usually associated with lemon. But in terms of its quantity, viburnum exceeds lemons by almost 2 times. Of the minerals, viburnum is very rich in iron. This explains its use to enhance hematopoietic function. It contains 5 times more of this element than the same lemon. Vitamin composition distinguished by the presence high concentration retinol (vitamin A) and vitamin E (tocopherol), which is considered the vitamin of youth. It prevents our skin from aging by preventing the formation of free radicals and their destructive effect on the skin at the cellular level.

Medicinal properties of plant flowers

So, what are the benefits of viburnum flowers? ABOUT healing properties This plant has been known for quite a long time. It has been successfully used and is still used to treat many diseases. The healing properties are due to its rich chemical composition, due to which viburnum has a number of therapeutic effects. They can be reduced to the following positions:

Helps improve blood formation. Spasmed vessels undergo relaxation, which causes increased blood flow to organs and tissues. The plant can prevent the formation of plaques formed from bad cholesterol.
It is an excellent remedy in the fight against symptoms caused by cough. Has a mild expectorant effect. Helps relieve signs of inflammation of the mucous membranes of the respiratory organs.
Indicated for people suffering from diabetes.
Is a natural antispasmodic. Can eliminate pain associated with menstrual cycle, and headaches caused by spasms.
For hemorrhages of various origins, it is used to enhance hematopoiesis in order to replenish lost blood. This may include various internal and uterine bleeding.
In various forms it can be used as an external remedy for conditions associated with skin diseases. Helps dry out pustules, helps with eczematous conditions, and eliminates skin itching. Psoriasis and neurodermatitis are also indications for the use of viburnum.
The plant is a natural antibiotic. Indications for use are runny nose, sinusitis and frontal sinusitis of bacterial etiology.
It has pronounced antioxidant properties, inhibits the formation of free radicals, which have a destructive effect at the intracellular level.
With the use of viburnum, the sebaceous and sweat glands improve their functioning.
Helps neutralize toxins formed in the body as a result of vital activity.
It is a natural antidepressant and has a calming effect. To normalize nervous activity, it is part of a special vitamin and mineral cocktail. As a result of its use, resistance to stress increases.
Viburnum helps relieve conditions associated with constipation, and the fight against colds is based on the diaphoretic effect.

Contraindications

Despite the fact that viburnum has enough a large number positive properties, it also has a number of restrictions on its use. They can be reduced to the following positions:

the possibility of allergic reactions. Those who are prone to their appearance should use viburnum with great caution;
it should not be used by persons with a tendency to hypotension, since it can reduce blood pressure;
its use is limited in those with a tendency to thrombosis and in persons with increased blood clotting;
It should not be used by people with high acidity gastric juice due to the possibility of developing hyperacid gastritis;
It is contraindicated during pregnancy, as it can lead to contractions of the uterus and cause a miscarriage.

Viburnum flowers: application

Not only the berries of the plant, but also all its other parts can be used for medicinal purposes. Viburnum color, leaves and even bark are used. It is used in various forms. Can be used Can be prepared from it medicinal teas and used as an external agent. The use of this plant can help with many pathological conditions. Of these, the most common diseases are the following:

Hypertension. Conditions associated with vasospasm and atherosclerosis.
Digestive tract problems associated with the presence of gastritis, colitis, gastric ulcers and duodenal ulcers.
Diseases of the respiratory organs from a common cough with a cold to serious pneumonia.
Maranthic edema associated with cardiac pathology.
Skin diseases represented by rash, furunculosis. Viburnum will help with allergic rashes and some types of lichen.
It will be an excellent remedy if you have painful menstruation, postpartum bleeding, or conditions associated with an eroded cervix.
Viburnum flowers, the medicinal properties and contraindications of which we are studying, are used for periodontal disease.
The use of viburnum can alleviate the condition of patients with malignant neoplasms.
Nervous disorders and depressive states are also indications for the use of viburnum flowers (you can see the photo in the article).

In addition, the plant is an excellent immunomodulator and can lead to strengthening of the immune system. Despite the fact that there are more than 150 species of this shrub in nature, only common viburnum is applicable for treatment. In our country it has a fairly wide growing area. Before starting treatment with viburnum, you must consult a doctor.

Viburnum flowers for hypertension

In alternative medicine, this plant has long been used to treat hypertension, as it has a pronounced hypotensive effect. This is due to the content of a large amount of biological substances in it, which together cause a persistent decrease in blood pressure.

The benefit for hypertensive patients is ensured by the totality of its therapeutic effects, which have a pronounced specific focus in this regard. They can be reduced to the following positions:

Presence of a diuretic effect. As a result, edema caused by cardiac pathology is eliminated.
Calming effect. It manifests itself due to the presence of sedative and anticonvulsant effects. This will help with insomnia and normalize sleep. The presence of this effect for hypertensive patients is very important, since one of key points in the development of hypertension are neuroses.
Anti-sclerotic effect. It is achieved due to the work of the plant as an antioxidant. At the same time, the blood vessels are cleansed of harmful cholesterol, and blood flow through the vascular bed is normalized.
Strengthening the vascular wall. This is achieved by the presence of rutin (vitamin P) in the plant. It strengthens vascular wall, making it more elastic. For hypertensive patients this is extremely important.

The presence of similar medicinal properties of viburnum flowers allows the plant to be successfully used in the fight against high blood pressure.

Prescription compounds

Viburnum in Rus' has always been considered a wedding tree. If one of the wedding guests gave a bouquet of viburnum, this was considered a sign of good manners. But viburnum is especially valued for its medicinal properties. With its use, there are many folk recipes that help in the fight against various diseases:

If you have colds, cough, flu, bronchitis, the remedy prepared according to the following recipe will help. Viburnum flowers must be cut together with twigs. Take a handful of this raw material and fill it with boiling water in a volume of one liter. You need to insist for a quarter of an hour. At the end of the exposure, the infusion is filtered. Then it is mixed with a glass of honey. Three times a day you need to drink a third of a glass of infusion.
If your appetite is reduced or there is low acidity, the following composition will help. Viburnum flowers in the amount of one handful are placed in a thermos. Half a liter of boiling water is poured into it. It is necessary to insist for at least 2 hours. The regimen is the same as in the previous case.
To eliminate menstrual pain, you should prepare the following composition. A handful of viburnum flowers is poured with half a liter of boiling water. The mixture is placed on the fire and brought to a boil. After this, it is removed from the heat and infused for an hour. You should drink a third of a glass three times a day. The same composition can be used to gargle in the presence of a sore throat.
Viburnum flowers collected in the spring along with young shoots will help children with diathesis. The collected raw materials are placed in an enamel pan and filled with hot water. There should be so much of it that it just barely covers it. Then the pan is placed in the oven, where it simmers for three hours. The liquid is filtered, poured into dark bottles and stored in cold conditions. Give a teaspoon three times a day, strictly before meals.

How to remove bitterness from viburnum?

The bitter taste is negative point in this plant. This even stops many from collecting it. But this is easily eliminated. Frost, drying and the use of sugar as a preservative are three factors that will eliminate this unpleasant quality.

Procurement and storage of raw materials

Medicinal raw materials in the form of flowers are collected during its flowering. And it begins to bloom in late spring - early summer. Collection is carried out according to general rules. It is better to do this in dry, windless weather. The shrub or tree to collect the color must be healthy and undamaged. Flowers are dried under a canopy. Do not dry in the open sun. The best place for drying is the attic as it is well ventilated. Dried raw materials should be stored in paper bags or fabric bags. Cannot be stored in plastic bags.

Conclusion

Viburnum is a valuable medicinal natural product that is used to treat various diseases. But it is not a method of choice for treating the disease, but only an addition to the main therapy. It is important to follow the dosage during treatment. Everything good should be in moderation. Before starting treatment, you should definitely consult your doctor. Otherwise, instead of benefit, you can cause irreparable harm to the body.

Viburnum opulus L.
Taxon: family Adoxaceae ( Adoxaceae)
Other names: common red, red viburnum, (Ukrainian) bambara, balbanezha, pride, red-hot, kalenina, karina, sviba
English: Guelder Rose, European Cranberrybusch

The Latin name of this plant is found in the works of Virgil and comes from the Latin word vimen, which translated means vine, twig, or wickerwork, since thanks to its long and flexible branches, viburnum was used for weaving baskets and wreaths. This plant received its Slavic name “” for the color of its fruits, similar to the color of hot iron. The specific scientific name of the plant comes from the word opulus, which in ancient times was called maple, and this plant for its maple-like leaves.

Botanical taxonomy

According to the modern classification (since 2003), the common viburnum belongs to the genus Viburnum Viburnum L., part of the Adoxaceae family ( Adoxaceae). Previously, this genus was included in the genus Honeysuckle - Caprifoliaceae. However, in 1987, the Armenian taxonomist Takhtajyan, due to the significant difference in the perianth, separated a separate family Viburnum from the honeysuckles.
Systematically, the genus Viburnum L. divided into 9 sections, among which 3 species grow in Ukraine.
Five forms of viburnum grow under natural conditions, which are widely used in environmental landscaping and are cultivated in Ukraine as ornamental shrubs.
1. Dwarf form, small in size, small leaves and compact crown.
2. Fluffy form that has original leaves. The leaves are bare, dark green above, grayish-green below due to the thick fluff.
3. Variegated form. Leaves of this form have decorative look due to its bright whitish color.
4. Sterile form, which has better decorative effect. The inflorescence of this form consists of sterile flowers forming a spherical shape. This form does not set fruit and reproduces only vegetatively.
5. Yellow-fruited form. A bush that differs from other forms of viburnum in the golden-yellow color of the fruits (Solodukhin E.D., 1985).
Viburnum decorates the streets of cities and villages, parks and squares with its leaves and fruits.

Description

A tall branched bush or small deciduous tree 2-4 m high with grayish-brown bark. The shoots are bare, less often ribbed, greenish, sometimes with a reddish tint. Leaves are opposite, up to 10 cm long. Their plate is 3-5 lobed with a heart-shaped base, dark green on the upper side, glabrous, grayish-green on the lower side, slightly pubescent along the veins, with two filiform stipules and two disc-shaped sessile glands, the petioles are long.
Fragrant flowers are collected in flat shield-shaped inflorescences on the tops of young shoots. The marginal flowers are large, sterile, the middle ones are small, bisexual. Calyx with five teeth, corolla (up to 5 mm in diameter) five-parted, five stamens, one pistil, short style, inferior ovary. The flowers are white or pinkish-white.
The fruits are berry-shaped red, oval drupes (6.5-14 mm long and 4.5-12 mm wide), containing a flat, hard stone stained with red juice.
Viburnum blooms from late May to July, the fruits ripen in August-September. Viburnum is a fast-growing tree. Its annual growth reaches 30-40 cm. Viburnum lives up to fifty years of age.

In addition to viburnum, raw materials from black viburnum, or pride (Viburnum lantana L.), originally from America. This type is a deciduous tree with dark gray bark, ovate, oblong-ovate or elliptical densely pubescent leaves and black-colored fruits. This type of viburnum is grown mainly in parks and gardens as an ornamental plant.

Spreading

Viburnum has a Euro-Siberian habitat. In the wild it grows in central and southern Europe, Asia Minor, North Africa, the European part of Russia, mainly in its middle part. It is less common in the north and west of Russia. It is found in Western and Central Siberia, as well as in the eastern and northern regions of Kazakhstan. In Central Asia and the Far East, viburnum does not grow in the wild.
Viburnum is a plant of forest and forest-steppe zones; in steppe regions it is found only in river valleys. Viburnum is a common plant of forest cenoses; it grows scatteredly as part of the undergrowth, mainly in damp coniferous, deciduous and mixed forests, in clearings, in thickets, in clearings, along the banks of rivers, lakes and swamps. Viburnum practically does not form pure thickets.

Collection and preparation of medicinal plant materials

The official (plants used in medicine) medicinal raw material of Viburnum in Ukraine, Russia and Belarus is the bark - Cortex Viburni and fruits - Fructus Viburni. In most European countries, medicinal raw materials from viburnum are unofficial and are not used in scientific and practical medicine.
The bark is collected from young shoots in April-May, during sap flow, before buds open, when it is easily separated from the wood. Using a sharp knife, semi-circular cuts are made on the trunk and branches at a distance of 20-25 cm from each other, which are then connected with longitudinal cuts. Ring cuts should not be made, as this can lead to the death of the plant. The bark is dried in air, and then dried in a dryer at a temperature of 50-60 ºС or in attics, under sheds, spread in a thin layer. When drying, the raw materials are periodically turned over and care is taken that parts of the bark are not inserted into one another, otherwise the raw materials will mold and rot. Drying is considered complete when the raw material breaks easily when bent.

The fruits are collected in September-October, cut with knives or pruners, and placed in baskets. Dry in ovens or dryers at a temperature of 50-60 °C. Then they are threshed and sorted, separating the branches and stalks. Dry fruits are packaged in bags weighing 20, 30, 40 kg and stored in dry, well-ventilated areas on racks.

In addition to bark and fruits, viburnum seeds are also used. To obtain seeds, they use fruits that are obtained after processing the fruits. The seeds are separated from the pulp mainly by hand, washed several times with water on a sieve, and then dried in the shade at a temperature not exceeding 40 ° C. The seed yield is 6-10% of the weight of the fruit.

It should be noted that the reserves of viburnum fruits in the forests are insignificant, therefore the procurement of fruits, as well as viburnum bark, is carried out mainly from cultivated forms of viburnum grown on plantations. In silvicultural practice, viburnum is mainly propagated by seeds, from which seedlings grow. The seedlings are subsequently transplanted to the prepared area. To prepare high-quality planting material, it is necessary to sow high-quality seeds from well-ripened fruits.

Biologically active substances viburnum

For the first time, data on the study of the chemical composition of viburnum were published in 1844 by H. Kremer, who reported that he isolated the bitter substance viburnin from the bark of viburnum viburnum. Later, H. van Allen in 1880 and T. Shenmann in 1897 also reported the isolation of a similar glycoside from the bark of Viburnum plum, which had both an antispastic effect and stopped uterine bleeding. Later, a similar glycoside was isolated by E. Cowmann Donijov in 1902 from the leaves Viburnum tinus and bark Viburnum rufidulum Raf, Viburnum alnifolium Marsh. And Viburnum trilobum L. In 1976, G. Vigorova and co-authors reported the presence of viburnin in fruits Viburnum opulus L. At the same time, the glycoside viburnine was isolated in the form of a yellow-orange amorphous powder, which had a melting point of 65 to 72 ° C. In addition, this glycoside tasted bitter and had a specific odor reminiscent of valeric acid. Hydrolysis of the isolated glycoside yielded glucose and mannose, as well as formic, acetic, valeric and isovaleric acids. The aglycone (non-carbohydrate portion of the glycoside molecule) of the above glycoside was obtained as a brownish fatty liquid.
Currently, most phytochemists believe that the main biologically active substances of viburnum bark, which determine the specific pharmacological activity of drugs created on the basis of this raw material, are iridoids (biologically active phytochemicals, which, unlike flavonoids, are rarely found in fruits) and glycosides.
Up to 9 compounds of iridoid structure have been identified in the viburnum bark; they are called opulusiridoids. It has been established that the quantitative content of the sum of iridoids in the bark of viburnum varies widely, from 2.73 to 5.73%.
Conducted studies of the quantitative composition of iridoids show that during long-term storage of viburnum bark, the total content of iridoids remains quite high, ranging from 2.5 to 4.4%. Qualitative changes are not so significant that they affect the pharmacological activity of drugs obtained from the specified raw materials, therefore viburnum bark can be stored for up to 5 years (Ivanov V. D., Ladygina E. Ya, 1985).

In 1972, J. A. Nicholson et al. A specific substance was isolated from an aqueous extract of the bark of viburnum, which was given the name viopudial. Based on the results of spectroscopic and elemental analyses, it was established that viopudial is an ester of isovaleric acid and sesquiterpene alcohol, which has two aldehyde groups and two double bonds.
R. P. Godeau et al. in 1978 from leaves Viburnum tinus Using chromatography in thin layers of sorbent, a substance was identified that gave a positive reaction to esters with hydroxylamine and dinitrophenylhydrazine. After acid hydrolysis of the isolated substance, an individual compound was obtained. This substance was named viburtinal. It should be noted that a similar substance with a similar structure was isolated from the rhizomes of Valeriana wallachii.

It has been established that the bark of Viburnum vulgare of domestic origin contains blood clotting factor, or vitamin K, which is considered as a compound that has a hemostatic effect. By spectrophotometric method it was established that the quantitative content in viburnum bark is 28-31 µg/g.
Viburnum fruits have also been studied in the phytochemical aspect.
In addition to vitamin K, viburnum fruits are a source of ascorbic acid, or vitamin C, and carotenoids.
Gentselova T.M. and Prilep V.L., when studying the effect of heat treatment on the preservation of carotene and vitamin C in viburnum fruits, they found that ascorbic acid is less resistant to temperature conditions compared to carotene. So, when drying fruits at a temperature of 65 ° C, vitamin C was retained by only 50%. When fruits were processed at a temperature of 75 °C, only up to 12.7% of this vitamin was stored (T. M. Gentselova, V. L. Prilepa).
The fruits of Viburnum viburnum contain up to 3% organic acids (acetic, formic, isovaleric, caprylic). It has been studied that the essential fraction of Viburnum viburnum fruit contains ursolic, chlorogenic and neochlorogenic acids. Of these, chlorogenic acid predominates, its content reaches 69 mg%.
Carotene predominates in the carotene fraction. Among the flavonoid compounds, viburnum contains astragalin, amentoflavone and peonoside. Phenolic compounds of fruits are represented by leucoanthocyanins, flavonols, catechins, anthocyanins, and phenolcarboxylic acids. The content of catechins in fruits is up to 96 mg%, and the number of catechins that precipitate protein is 80% less than the number of those that do not precipitate it, which indicates the predominance of monomeric forms of polyphenols. Also, up to 1% of tannins and coloring compounds were found in viburnum fruits. In addition to the above compounds, viburnum contains resinous substances 6.12 - 7.26%, organic acids - up to 2% (in terms of malic acid) and sugars - up to 6.5% (after inversion). The bark contains choline-like substances in amounts up to 20 mg%
As a result of chromatographic study of ethanol extracts from viburnum bark, chlorogenic, neochlorogenic and caffeic acid were isolated and identified.

Viburnum bark is a source of tannins. In commercial samples of viburnum bark, the content of tannins ranges from 4.48% to 8.60%, which depends on meteorological conditions. They mainly consist of pyrocatechol derivatives.

When studying the chemical composition of viburnum, from 5 to 6.5% of triterpene saponins were found in it. Triterpene saponins in viburnum bark are contained both in free storage and in the form of glycosides.
The fruits also contain up to 32% polysaccharides in terms of dry weight. In addition, viburnum fruits contain up to 2.5% pectin substances, which include galactose, glucose, arabinose, xylose, rhamnose in a ratio of 5.8: 2.6: 1.2: 1.7: 1.0, respectively .
The energy value of viburnum fruits is due to the presence of protein components and lipids in them. The amino acid composition of viburnum proteins is represented by serine, glutamic and aspartic acids, alanine, arginine, glycine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, proline and threonine. Up to 21% fatty oil is found in the seeds of the fruit. According to P.D. Berezovikov, viburnum fruit oil contains 0.25% myristic, 1.5% palmitic, 0.63% palmitooleic, 0.6% stearic, 46.71% oleic and 50.14% linolenic acids. According to V.D. Ivanov, the polyunsaturated fatty acid composition of the seeds differs from viburnum fruits and contains 0.3% myristic, 4.3% palmitic, 2.3% stearic, 34.6% oleic, 56.8% linolenic and a small amount of linoleic , lignoceric, cerotinic, arachidonic and behenic acids.
The fruits also contain a high content of potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, copper, manganese (0.2 mg%), zinc (0.6 mg%) and selenium, and the ability of viburnum fruits to accumulate selenium has been established. The fruits also contain nickel, bromine, strontium, lead and iodine.

In heat-treated fruits, compared to fresh ones, the chemical composition changes significantly. Thus, the amount of pectin substances decreases by 21.2%, sugars - by 6.1%, and the loss of ascorbic acid reaches 94%. When steaming viburnum fruits, a loss of P-vitamin activity occurs and the fruits acquire a light brown color.
It has been established that the pulp of viburnum fruits contains a significant amount of polyunsaturated fatty acids. When comparing the sum of saturated acids and the sum unsaturated acids the following ratio was obtained: in the cortex - 5.7: 4.3; in leaves - 4.7: 5.3; in fruits - 0.6: 9.4 and in seeds - 0.3: 9.7. When comparing the qualitative composition and quantitative content of fatty acids in the lipids of whole fruits with the lipids of viburnum seeds, it was found that the oil obtained from the fruits and seeds of viburnum has the most unsaturated character (Ivanov V.D., Ivanov V.P., Bobylev et al., 1984)

Use of viburnum in medicine

Viburnum has long been used in traditional and folk medicine. The fruits of viburnum have been used in medicine since the Middle Ages. The first mentions of its healing properties appeared in the herbal books of Hildergard and Albert the Great in the 14th century. The meager lines of the herbalists Lonitseri (1528-1580), Hieronymus Bosca (1498-1554) and Mattioli (1504-1577) indicate the use of viburnum fruits for nausea, diarrhea and as a cleanser. Later, in herbalists of the 17th - 18th centuries, data were given on the use of viburnum fruits for diseases of the heart, kidneys and stomach. But only from the beginning of the first half of the twentieth century. viburnum began to be used as medicine. Traditional medicine widely uses a warm decoction of the fruit with honey for colds, coughs, prolonged hoarseness and chronic bronchitis. Fresh fruits, mashed with sugar, are recommended for nervous excitement, and atherosclerosis. Decoctions and infusions of dried fruits are used for asthma, pulmonary tuberculosis, ascites, cholecystitis, hepatitis, and colitis. In dermatology and cosmetics, fresh viburnum fruit juice is used for vasculitis, impetigo, psoriasis, childhood eczema and age spots on the face.

In Ukrainian folk medicine, viburnum fruit juice is used to prevent breast diseases, in particular tumors. Viburnum juice is used to wipe the face acne among young men. An infusion of viburnum flowers is used as an astringent for diarrhea, to improve work gastrointestinal tract, with cough and hoarseness, with cholelithiasis and kidney stones, atherosclerosis, pulmonary tuberculosis, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases. An infusion of viburnum flowers is used for scrofula and skin rashes.

A decoction of viburnum bark is used to prevent miscarriages and as an antifever remedy instead of the overseas cinchona bark.

Viburnum fruits have a tonic effect and improve heart function. Tea from fresh berries and an infusion of dried fruits is recommended for use as an antifever and diaphoretic.

A decoction of viburnum fruit seeds is used as an astringent for dyspepsia. A water decoction of the seeds is also taken orally to prevent carbuncles, eczema, and rashes on the body.

In Ancient Rus', viburnum juice was used to treat breast cancer. Later, traditional medicine used viburnum juice for skin cancer and fibroids. There is evidence of popular treatment of stomach and uterine cancer with viburnum fruits. It is believed that systematic consumption of viburnum fruits improves the well-being of patients and has a good effect on malignant tumors of the digestive organs. Positive results have been obtained in the complex treatment of oncological diseases, diathesis and gastric ulcers using preparations from viburnum fruits.

As an official medicinal product, Viburnum vulgare was first introduced into the USSR in the 7th edition in 1925, together with Viburnum viburnum bark, as a substitute for the specified imported raw materials. It was later excluded from subsequent pharmacopoeias of the former USSR. Instead, Viburnum bark was independently included in the VIII, IX, X and XI editions of the USSR Pharmacopoeia.

In folk medicine, viburnum fruits and flowers are often used. A water decoction is drunk for coughs, shortness of breath, sclerosis, and stomach diseases. For diathesis, eczema and skin tuberculosis in children, they are given this decoction to drink, and they also bathe the children in it. For heart disease and hypertension, berries along with seeds are a good remedy. They are also used in cases of cough, shortness of breath, kidney disease, stomach disease, and as a diaphoretic. Viburnum berries brewed with honey are used for diseases, especially coughs. respiratory tract, and also as a sedative for pain during menstruation.

The fruits of viburnum are considered a good diaphoretic and sedative. Used in the form of tea. One tablespoon of fruit is brewed with a glass of boiling water and taken 0.5 cup 3 times a day after meals.

Pharmacological properties

According to most researchers, wide range The pharmacological activity of most viburnum preparations is due to various groups of biologically active substances.

A. S. Smirnova, T. N. Vashchenko (1969) indicate that viburnum juice in 7% concentration has a detrimental effect on typhoid and dysentery bacilli, as well as on the pathogen anthrax.

An infusion of flowers and leaves of viburnum at 5% and 10% concentrations exhibits an antimicrobial effect, although this activity is significantly inferior to the antibiotics chloramphenicol and tetracycline in a dose-dependent concentration (D. I. Ibragimov, A. B. Kazanskaya, 1981).

The antimicrobial effect was tested against a daily agar culture of 13 pathogenic and non-pathogenic microorganisms for humans. A total of 1728 experiments were carried out. The research results showed that 10% and 5% infusions of Viburnum flowers have a pronounced antimicrobial effect against Sarcina, lemon yellow Staphylococcus and pseudoanthrax bacillus, and the same concentrations of infusions from Viburnum leaves are effective against Proteus and lemon yellow Staphylococcus. Salmonella typhoid and paratyphoid A and B, Staphylococcus aureus were weakly sensitive to these drugs. A decoction of viburnum bark showed a weak antimicrobial effect against some of the above microorganisms or did not have this property at all. In the studied drugs, at concentrations below 5%, the antimicrobial effect decreased.

A parallel study of the sensitivity of microorganisms to chloramphenicol and tetracycline showed that viburnum preparations are inferior to the above antibiotics.

It has been experimentally established that viburnum fruits have a bactericidal and phytoncidal effect and exhibit a strong inhibitory activity on Trichomonas and Giardia. Experimental studies on animals have shown that extracts from the fruit have a cardiotonic effect similar to digitalis preparations. In addition to medicinal properties, the fruits are valuable dietary product.

The pharmacological activity of viburnoside was determined by studying its effect on the contractility of the isolated uterine horn and, in addition, the hemostatic effect of the drug was studied. Statistically processed results showed that viburnoside affects the contractility of the isolated cat uterine horn, causing an increase in the amplitude and slowdown of contractions, as well as a decrease in muscle tone.

Influence aqueous extracts viburnum on the blood clotting process was studied in studies on dogs. The drugs were given to the animals orally at a dose of 0.5 ml/kg. Blood for the study was taken from a vein before administration of the drug and 1.5 hours after administration.
The results obtained, processed by the method of variation statistics, showed that viburnoside has an accelerating effect on the blood coagulation process. Viburnoside reduces blood clotting time by 46.2% and causes a significant (69.6%) increase in blood thromboplastic activity. The drug has a blocking effect on the anticoagulant system, causing a decrease in fibrinolytic activity by 48.6% and a decrease in heparin content by 21.1%.

In experiments on dogs, the hypotensive and sedative effects of viburnum preparations were established. Under local anesthesia (15-20 ml of 0.25% novocaine solution), the femoral artery and femoral vein were exposed in dogs. A cannula was inserted into the femoral artery to record blood pressure with a mercury manometer, and the test substance was injected into the femoral vein. Breathing was recorded using Marey's capsule through a cuff placed on the dog's chest. First, we tested the effect on dogs of decoctions prepared from viburnum bark in a ratio of 1:10. The studied decoctions were administered at the rate of 1 ml per kg of animal weight. Statistically reliable experiments have shown that a decoction of viburnum bark has a pronounced hypotensive effect, slows down the heart rate, increases the respiratory amplitude. Maximum blood pressure immediately after administration of the decoction decreases by 32 mm, followed by a gradual slight increase over the course of an hour, without reaching the initial level. The greatest hypotensive effect was obtained with the administration of novogalenic drug. The maximum blood pressure decreases by 92 mm immediately after administration, with a gradual increase over the course of an hour, without returning to original level.
In all cases, 3-5 minutes after the administration of the viburnum preparation or bark decoction, they exerted a sedative effect on the dogs, which lasted 35-40 minutes.

Toxicology, side effects and contraindications for use

The resulting preparations from the fruits, flowers, bark and leaves of Viburnum vulgare, as well as the resulting novogalenic drug viburnoside and its two forms, when tested for toxicity, showed that they are all non-toxic (Smirova A. S., 1967). Studies have shown that liquid extract of viburnum bark, obtained in 50% alcohol, is non-toxic.

Clinical pharmacology

Viburnum viburnum is used quite widely. The fruits have a good tonic effect, improve heart function, and increase urine output. and their infusion is recommended for colds as an antipyretic and diaphoretic.

Viburnum flowers are also used as an antipyretic. For 1 cup of boiling water, take 1 teaspoon of viburnum flowers and leave for 10 minutes. Drink 2-3 glasses a day.

An infusion of viburnum fruits, flowers and leaves is used to gargle for sore throats and wash wounds; the juice from the berries is used to remove acne on the face.

Of the preparations of viburnum bark, a liquid extract is most often used, and less often a decoction. They are used as a hemostatic agent mainly for uterine bleeding. The glycoside viburnin, contained in the bark, enhances the tone of the uterus and has some vasoconstrictor effect. Externally, a decoction of the bark is used for nosebleeds.

In dentistry, the vasoconstrictor, antiseptic and hemostatic effects of the fruits and bark of viburnum are used.

To make an infusion of fruits, 1-2 tablespoons of berries are ground, brewed with boiling water (1 glass), left for 1 hour, filtered and rinsed in the mouth.

Freshly squeezed viburnum juice with the addition of honey is used to treat coughs at home (Grochowski W., 1986).

For catarrhal gingivitis, stomatitis, and periodontal disease, an infusion of viburnum bark is used. Brew one tablespoon of bark with 1 glass of boiling water, leave for 30 minutes and filter. Used as a mouth rinse.

It was also noticed that extractive substances are released more slowly than individual biologically active substances (tannins, glycosides and vitamin K) and the slowdown in the process of release of extractive substances occurs only after 6 days, while tannins, glycosides and vitamin K obvious after 4 days. Thus, there is no need to continue the percolation process for more than 4 days.

It is advantageous, next to or instead of a liquid extract, to have a more purified total preparation, which would contain mainly only those substances to which the specific action of viburnum bark is attributed.

It is believed that these are glycosides, the complex of which was named viburnin back in 1844 by H. Kremer. After isolating the glycoside fraction from viburnum bark and testing it on cats, it was proven that glycosides exhibit a more active uterine effect than the official extract. This circumstance served as the basis for obtaining a new galenic preparation of viburnum bark with a focus on the content of the glycoside fraction in it.

Novogalenic drug is a light yellow aqueous solution of glycosides with a bitter taste and specific smell. It was named “viburnoside”. The resulting drug was poured into ampoules of 3.5 and 10 ml, which were sterilized at 100 °C for 30 minutes. Along with the production of an ampoule preparation, a preparation was also prepared for oral use. 25° alcohol was used as a solvent for glycosides instead of water. The finished drug was poured into dark glass bottles with a capacity of 50, 100, 200 ml. When stored for a year at room temperature, no visible changes occurred. Depending on the content of glycosides in the bark of viburnum, their content in the preparation ranges from 0.50 to 0.80%. Obviously, for the drug the norm of glycoside content should be at least 0.50%.

Medications

1. Aplonne P(OB Pharma - France). Alcohol-water solution for internal use in a 150 ml bottle, 100 ml which contains a mixture of extracts from:
Aphloia madagascariensis Clos- 500 mg;
witch hazel ( Hamamelis virginiana L.) - 500 mg;
goldenseal ( Hydrastis Canadensis L.) - 250 mg;
Piscidia erythrina L.- 500 mg;
viburnum viburnum ( Viburnum prunifolium L.) - 400 mg;
Esculoside ( Aesculoside) - 40 mg.

Used in the treatment of symptoms of venolymphatic insufficiency, in particular varicose veins. Take 2 teaspoons before meals.

2. Climaxol(Lehning - France). A solution for internal use in a dropper bottle containing a mixture of tinctures made in a raw alcohol-water solution ratio of 1: 10. 100 ml of solution contains:
hamamelis tincture ( Hamamelis virginiana L.) - 28 ml;
butcher's broom tincture ( Ruscus aculeatus L.) - 28 ml;
tincture - 28 ml;
Canadian goldenseal tincture ( Hydrastis Canadensis L.) - 8 ml;
viburnum tincture ( Viburnum prunifolium L.) - 8 ml;

Used for symptoms of venolymphatic and capillary insufficiency of the legs in women in menopause. Take 35 drops 3 times a day before meals with a small amount of water.

3. Cortex Viburni - viburnum bark. (JSC “Ivan-chai”, Russia). Crushed viburnum bark in packs of 100g. Used as a decoction ( Decoctum cortices Viburni) 10 g (1 tablespoon) of bark is placed in an enamel container, pour 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water, cover with a lid and heat in a boiling water bath for 30 minutes, after which the contents of the vessel are cooled, filtered, and the raw materials are squeezed out. Add water to the finished broth to 200 ml. The prepared broth is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take 1 - 2 tbsp. spoons 3-4 times a day after meals, as a hemostatic and antiseptic in postpartum period, with uterine bleeding caused by gynecological diseases.

4. Digestodoron(Weleda SA, France). A solution in 30 ml dropper bottles containing a polyextract made in 20% alcohol from the following raw materials per 100 ml:
rhizomes of male fern (Dryopteris filix mas) - 4 g;
Polypodium- 1 g;
Pteridium- 4 g;
Scolopendrium- 1 g;
Salix alba- 2 g;
Salix purpurea- 2 g;
Salix viminalis- 4 g;
Salix villina- 2 years

Used for recurrent digestive disorders, accompanied by heartburn, increased and low acidity. Take 10-20 drops 3 times a day for 15 minutes. before meals.

5. Fluon(Rabi & Solabo, France). Solution in 75 ml bottles. 100 ml of solution contains:
menthol 0.4 g;
hamamelis extract - 15 g;
horse chestnut extract - 2 g;
caustic buttercup extract - 24.43 g;
valerian extract - 2 g;
Viburnum plumum liquid extract - 2 g.

It is used to treat symptoms of venolymphatic insufficiency, in particular, varicose veins, heaviness in the legs, and hemorrhoids. Take 40 - 60 drops per day before meals.

6. Fructus viburni. Viburnum fruits, 50.0 g. (JSC Adonis, Russia). Used as an infusion ( Infusum fructi Viburni). 10 g (1 tablespoon) of fruits are placed in an enamel bowl, pour 200 ml (1 glass) of boiling water, cover with a lid and heat in a water bath for up to 30 minutes. After which the contents of the vessel are cooled at room temperature for 45 minutes, the infusion is filtered, the remaining fruit is squeezed out, and water is added to 200 ml. The prepared infusion is stored in a cool place for no more than 2 days. Take 300 ml (1/3 cup), 3-4 times a day, as a vitamin, tonic, diaphoretic and laxative.

7. Extractum Viburni fluidum, Viburnum extract liquid(Astrakhan pharmaceutical factory State Unitary Enterprise, Russia).

A liquid extract obtained by extracting viburnum bark powder with 50% alcohol in a ratio of 1:10. Available in 25 ml bottles.
Take 30-40 drops 2-3 times a day as a hemostatic agent for uterine bleeding.

8. Tisane Phlebosedol(Lehning, France). Herbal mixture in bags of 2 g, packed in a box of 20 pcs. 100 g of mixture contains:
horse chestnut bark 15%;
clematis leaves - 10%;
hamamelis leaves - 5%;
fig leaves - 5%;
viburnum bark - 5%;
wheatgrass rhizomes - 5%;
buckthorn bark - 20%;
leaves of caustic buttercup (zhovtozilla) - 15%;
cuff leaves - 15%.

Used for venous insufficiency and varicose veins. Drink as tea from one bag, steep for 15 minutes, 1 tablespoon (15 g) 3 times a day with meals. You should follow your doctor's instructions as an overdose of this medicine may cause diarrhea.

Other uses of viburnum

In Ukraine, pies and cheesecakes were baked with the fruits of viburnum during the holidays; they were added to the dough when baking bread, from fresh fruits prepared unique viburnum kvass and jelly “Kalinnik”. Viburnum fruits were added when sauerkraut was sauerkraut. Viburnum juice was added when preparing marshmallows and marmalade.

In addition, wine can be made from the fruits. It should be noted that wine made from viburnum has an original bouquet. Syrups and confectionery products can be made from fruits collected after the first frost.

From history

In mythology, viburnum is a symbol of happiness, love, and beauty. One of the legends says that viburnum grew from the blood of soldiers who gave their lives for the Fatherland; the seeds of viburnum fruits resemble a heart in shape. One of the ancient legends tells the following about the origin of viburnum:
“The goddess Lada brought spring to the Ukrainian land, was exhausted and lay down to rest in the steppes of Tavria and fell fast asleep. The goddess of death Mara saw the sleeping Lada and planted a thorny thorn tree around her, which instantly grew tall. Lada was awakened by the desperate prayers of farmers who asked for warmth and moisture for the spring land. Lada woke up and quickly hurried to bring spring to people, but the thorn wounded her. And where drops of blood fell on the ground, viburnum bushes with red berries grew.”

Literature

Govorov V.P. Pharmacological study of medicinal plants of Western Siberia and Altai // Plant resources of Siberia, the Urals and the Far East. - Novosibirsk: Science Sib. Dept. - 1965. - P. 97-103.

Based on materials from the works of B. M. Zuzuk, R. V. Kutsik (Ivano-Frankivsk State Medical University), M. R. Shtokalo (LLC, Lviv).

Photos and illustrations

Viburnum viburnum (Viburnum opulus L.) is a shrub up to 3 m high, less often a tree up to 4 m high. The plant belongs to the honeysuckle family. On young shoots the bark is gray, later turning brown. The leaves are three-lobed, dark green, opposite. The underside of the leaf is slightly pubescent. The flowers are white, fragrant, collected in loose, large, corymbose inflorescences. Viburnum blooms in May-June. The fruits ripen in September. The fruits are oval, bright red, juicy, with one large seed, bitter in taste. After the first frost, the berries become less bitter. Viburnum grows in damp bushes and damp forest edges. It is found almost throughout Russia, excluding the extreme northern regions.

The bark contains up to 2% viburnin glycoside, tannins (about 4%), ether-like resinous substances (6.5%), from which acetic, formic, isovaleric and other acids are split off during hydrolysis. The fruits contain valeric acid, vitamin C, up to 32% sugars, up to 3% tannins.

IN modern medicine Viburnum bark is used. Preparations prepared from the bark are used as a hemostatic agent for internal bleeding. Preparations from viburnum bark lower blood pressure. An infusion of berries can be used as a diuretic.

In folk medicine, a decoction of flowers is used for coughs, colds, and suffocation. Viburnum berries were recommended as a laxative. The ground fruit seeds are brewed as tea and also drunk as a laxative. Children were bathed in a decoction of flowers for childhood skin diseases. The berries were eaten as an antiscorbutic remedy. An infusion of flowers was used as a tea for rashes. An infusion of the bark was drunk for nervous diseases. Viburnum berries can be eaten, preferably with honey. They make jam; when cooked, the bitterness disappears. The berries are used to make homemade wine and jelly. Viburnum berries are stewed, the dish is called “stewed viburnum”. When stewing, the bitterness disappears.

Viburnum bark is harvested in April-May, removing it from young shoots. Dry outdoors. Flowers are harvested during flowering and dried in a well-ventilated area. The berries are picked when ripe and dried in ovens at temperatures up to 6-10° C.

Kalina widely used in folk medicine, not only the berries, but also the bark, as well as an infusion of flowers.

Latin name: Viburnum opulus.

English name: Guelder Rose, Water Elder, European Cranberrybush, Cramp Bark, Snowball Tree.

Family: Adoxaceae - Adoxaceae.

Viburnum parts used: bark, flowers, berries.

Botanical description: common viburnum is a perennial shrub of the honeysuckle family, 4-5 m high. The bark is greenish-gray, the branches are bare, the leaves are opposite, three-five-lobed, entire, collected in corymbose semi-umbrellas. Viburnum blooms in May - July. The flowers are white. The fruit is a bright red drupe. Ripens in August - September.

Habitat: Viburnum viburnum is widespread in Ukraine, the European part of Russia, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Central Asia and the Caucasus. It grows in wet meadows, along the banks of rivers, swamps, and in thickets of bushes. Viburnum is grown in gardens.

Collection and preparation: the bark is harvested in early spring, during the period of sap flow, from felled bushes, crushed into pieces and dried in the open air or attic. Dry bark breaks, under-dried bark bends. The flowers are dried in a dryer at a temperature of 4O-5O°C. The fruits are picked ripe in September - October, well dried in air and dried in an oven or oven until hard. The bark is stored for 4 years, flowers - 2 years.

Active ingredients: viburnum bark contains the glycoside viburnin, tannins, resins, organic acids, flavonoids, vitamins C and K. The fruits are rich in pectin, organic acids, tannins, carotene and vitamins C and P. Viburnum berries contain more vitamin C than citrus fruits. Hydrolysis of the bark produces valeric and isovaleric acids.

Viburnum common - beneficial properties and application

Viburnum preparations have hemostatic, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory effects, reduce painful sensations and excitability of the nervous system. At long-term use The cholesterol level in the blood decreases, a diuretic effect is noted, renal circulation improves, fat metabolism is activated, and the tone of the uterine muscles increases.

Viburnum vulgare in folk medicine

In folk medicine, many recipes for treating viburnum are widely used in folk medicine, not only the berries, but also the bark, as well as an infusion of flowers.

Viburnum viburnum was widely used in folk medicine in various countries:

viburnum fruit juice - for stomach ulcers, edema, hypoacid gastritis, as an appetite enhancer and astringent;
viburnum fruits with honey - as an antitussive for colds, hypertension, heart disease, liver disease, jaundice;
viburnum fruits - for bronchitis, shortness of breath, sclerosis, boils, eczema, as a wound-healing agent, for pulmonary tuberculosis;
flowers, berries and leaves of viburnum - for rashes, sore throat and for washing wounds;
seeds - for dyspepsia and as a diaphoretic;
viburnum bark - internally for bronchitis, tracheitis, allergies, as a hemostatic for nasal and uterine bleeding, for malaria;
externally - for diathesis, eczema, sweating, skin tuberculosis.

The fruits of Viburnum vulgaris increase heart contractions and are a weak diuretic; Due to their high content of ascorbic acid, they are used as a vitamin supplement.

Viburnum decoction is used for uterine bleeding, painful menstruation and threatened abortion. It is taken for hemorrhoids and inflammatory diseases gastrointestinal tract (gastritis, peptic ulcer stomach and duodenum, diarrhea), with convulsions, hysteria, insomnia, excessive irritability, hypertension and nosebleeds (tampons).

A decoction of viburnum flowers and berries serves good rinse with sore throat and hoarse voice. Berries cooked with honey are useful for coughs, diseases of the upper respiratory tract and edema of cardiac origin.

The juice from the leaves is a good tonic after serious illnesses, with furunculosis, skin rashes and lichen. Take it 50 g 3 times a day. They lubricate the affected areas of the skin.

Preparations from viburnum bark (with the addition of flowers and fruits) were used in veterinary medicine to treat foot and mouth disease in cattle.

The use of viburnum in cooking

The fruits have a unique aromatic bouquet and a bitter taste, which disappears after freezing. Viburnum berries are used to prepare juices, liqueurs, tinctures, wines, jelly, and extracts that have a sharp sour taste. They are also used to prepare fillings for pies and seasonings for meat dishes.

Viburnum seeds have a tonic effect and are sometimes used as a coffee substitute.

Vinegar is made from viburnum juice.

Due to the high pectin content, the fruits are used to make marmalade.

Common viburnum: description and characteristics

In the wild, viburnum is found not only in Europe, but also in Asia. This representative of the honeysuckle family can grow near streams, on river banks, near swamps, in clearings, and forest edges. As a crop, it is planted in park areas, squares and gardens. Depending on the variety and growing conditions, viburnum can turn into a lush multi-stemmed one and a half meter bush or a large tree, the height of which sometimes reaches four meters. In a bush or tree, you can count about 15 thick, powerful skeletal branches, the bark of which is light gray. The leaves are dark green, coarsely toothed, simple (three- or five-lobed). Their lower part is lighter, with slight pubescence. Thin stipules are visible on the petioles. Flowering viburnum occurs in May-June. Then it is especially good: the entire bush or tree is covered with caps of delicate white flowers, located in large corymbose inflorescences. The inflorescence reaches 15 centimeters in diameter. In the center there are small, inconspicuous flowers; it is from them that the berries will form after pollination. And along the edge of the inflorescence there are large white (or slightly pinkish) flowers; they are sterile (asexual) and are needed only for beauty and attracting various pollinating insects. Flowers on common viburnum last for 15 days. In autumn, too, viburnum is noticeable from afar, wearing an outfit of reddish, purple, yellowish foliage and many bright, weighty clusters with red berries. Hence another popular name among the people - red viburnum. In order for viburnum to produce a lot of fruits annually (one or two large buckets), you definitely need another bush not far from it, since the plant is cross-pollinated. The fruits are juicy, bright red drupes, their shape is spherical (less often oval), diameter is from 7 to 12 millimeters. Inside there is a large bone that looks like a flat heart. There is a characteristic specific smell. The pulp tastes sour and bitter after the berries ripen. If the bunches of berries are left on the bush until frost, the bitterness will decrease. The following were found in the fruits of Viburnum:

organic acids (for example, isovaleric, malic);
fructose, glucose, xylose, mannose;
pectin compounds;
tannins;
P-active compounds;
steroids, viburnine;
coloring matter;
carotene, vitamin C;
calcium, phosphorus, sodium, potassium, zinc, manganese, magnesium, iodine, iron.

It is advisable to collect the fruits not immediately when they turn red in September, but after frosts, in dry weather, in whole clusters (along with the stalks). Then they can be processed (juice, jelly, pastille, pie filling, jam, jelly, tincture, liqueur), dried in a dryer or frozen in the freezer, divided into bags.

When are the fruits of viburnum useful?

For cough, cold and hoarse voice.
For gastritis (specifically with low acidity) and polyps in the stomach.
For neuroses and hypertension.
For eczema and diathesis rashes.
For oncological diseases.

Not only berries are used in medicine, but also bark and seeds. They contain tannins, saponins, sitosterol, myricyl alcohol, vitamin K, flavonoids, coumarins, and most importantly, the glycoside viburnin. The bark has good hemostatic and antispasmodic properties.

The root system of red viburnum is highly branched and powerful. The bush or tree grows quickly and is endowed with a high shoot-forming ability. Already in the third year of life, the first fruits appear. In one place, viburnum can bear fruit well for up to 25 years.

About varieties of viburnum

Some gardeners bring wild viburnum to their site and then take good care of it. Then, after a few years, such viburnum produces rich harvests (up to 20 kilograms per tree). You can also buy good varieties of viburnum at the nursery:

If you don’t like the bitter berries of viburnum, then grow varieties that breeders call sweet-fruited: “Red Coral”, “Maria”, “Michurinskaya Early”, “Taiga Rubies”, “Ryabinushka”, Garnet Bracelet”, “Sunset”, “Red” bunch".

There is another spectacular form of Viburnum called "Xanthocarpum". It produces not red berries, but yellow ones. By autumn, the green leaves of this low, spreading bush turn golden.

There is a very attractive decorative form of the common viburnum - “Buldenezh”. It was brought out by a breeder from France, Lemoine, who gave it a name spelled “Boule de Neige.” Which can be translated as “snow globe”. But the thing is that when the time for flowering comes (and this is June), the entire plant is strewn with white openwork inflorescences, similar to large (15 centimeters in diameter) balls of snow. And all this against the backdrop of bright green foliage. The flowers are large, but sterile, so this viburnum does not produce fruits. At first the color of the flowers is greenish, then it becomes snow-white. And by the end of the flowering period (after about 20 days) it becomes pinkish. Therefore, another name for the variety is “Roseum”. The height of this lush bush, forming a spreading crown, is about three meters. In summer, the three- or five-lobed leaves are green in color, and by autumn it changes to orange-red. This variety is propagated by cuttings or layering.

Viburnum ordinary "Roseum" looks good in parks, as well as against the background of multi-story buildings and fences. If desired, you can create a whole composition by planting Japanese spirea, holly mahonia, lilac, golden vesicle, tree hydrangea, rowan, and linden next to this decorative viburnum.

The following varieties are less common: “Compactum” (does not grow more than 150 centimeters), “Variegatum” (the bush has variegated leaves), “Nanum” (a low bush whose “growth” is 60 centimeters).

About the propagation of viburnum

Wild viburnum is usually spread by birds, carrying its seeds over different distances. In addition to this method, there are also vegetative ones:

root suckers;
vaccinations;
cuttings (both green and lignified);
layering;
growth on stumps.

Much less commonly, red viburnum is propagated by dividing the bush.

You can sow seeds either in autumn or spring. If you want to sow them in the spring, then stratification will be required (keep them for some time at a temperature of +3 to +5°C, for example in the refrigerator). In April, fill the containers with substrate (sand and peat in equal parts). Then place the stratified seeds into it to a depth of about three centimeters. In the future, the seedlings need weeding, watering, loosening the substrate, and fertilizing.

Steps for propagation by horizontal layering:

select several young branches and cut them “to the stump”;
shorten the annual shoots that have grown by next spring and arrange them in grooves (their depth is 6 centimeters), pinning them there;
when the shoots from the awakened buds grow 15 centimeters in height, fill the grooves with fertile soil so that only the tips of the young shoots remain;
Over the summer, carry out two or three more hillings so that the root system grows;
In autumn, the branch can be separated from the bush, and then the rooted shoots can be separated.

Green cuttings should be cut in June so that they have 3 internodes, 10 centimeters long. The leaves should be shortened in half. Rooting is carried out in mini-greenhouses, in a substrate consisting of peat and river sand. The cuttings are buried 3 centimeters into this soil. Every day, water the cuttings 3 times, then after 14 days the first roots will grow.

Cutting lignified cuttings should be done with the onset of spring. Their length is about 20 centimeters. Then they need to be put in a bag and sent to the refrigerator. When April comes, treat the lower parts of the cuttings with root formation stimulants (“Heteroauxin” or “Kornevin”). They should stand in the solution for a day. After washing, such cuttings are sent to soil (rich nutrients and loose), placed at an angle. The soil must be kept moist.

Viburnum is less commonly propagated by root shoots, which are produced very abundantly. When its height is 20 centimeters, carry out three hillings per summer season so that more roots are formed. Then in the fall (or maybe in the spring of next year), separate the shoots and replant them in the right place.

Planting viburnum

The bush can be placed near a gate, bench or gazebo in the garden. You can use several viburnum bushes when forming a hedge on the site. Viburnum is also suitable for a front garden near a high-rise building. The bush will grow on poor soils, but will perform better on moist fertile loams and black soil. It is advisable to give viburnum a bright place, but it will not be offended by partial shade. Planting is usually done in the fall, but it can also be done in the spring, but you need to do it before the buds swell on the shoots. So, dig a hole (on average 50 centimeters deep and 60 centimeters wide). Pour river sand (half a large bucket) and compost (rotted manure is possible), the amount of it is a whole bucket, and ash (300 grams) at the bottom. Mix everything. If the soils are infertile, then apply fertilizer (for example, Nitrophoska). Place the roots of the seedling in the hole so that the root collar is flush with the soil surface. It is allowed to deepen the neck, but not more than four centimeters. Then carefully compact the area around the seedling and water generously. AND last stage– mulching, which will help retain moisture in the ground. And there will be much less weeds. A number of experts recommend shortening the shoots. But you don’t have to do this.

There won’t be much trouble with viburnum. In dry times, it needs to be watered abundantly more often, and if it rains periodically in the summer, the soil will be moistened without your effort. Sometimes weeding and loosening are carried out, and in the fall it is necessary to dig up the tree trunk circle and mulch with compost (in the amount of one bucket). Approximately once every three years in the fall, add four kilograms of compost, superphosphate (50 grams), potassium salt (30 grams), and lime (200 grams) under the bush. Productivity will increase if in the spring you feed the viburnum bush with ammonium nitrate (30 grams). In June, water by adding a mineral complex to the water. To make a good bush, when forming it, you need to lay out six or seven branches of different ages. Inspect the bush annually, remove damaged, frail, old branches, as well as those that grow incorrectly and thicken the central part of the bush.

And now we will list the possible pests of viburnum:

aphids - viburnum and honeysuckle (insects stick to the underside of leaf blades, suck juice from them, stick to shoots, weakening the plant);
viburnum leaf beetle (eats all the pulp of the leaf, leaving only the veins);
sawflies (feed on the juicy pulp of leaves, penetrate into the shoots, as a result of which they dry out);
viburnum flower beetles (their caterpillars gnaw buds and flowers, so few full-fledged berries are formed);
caterpillars of the rose and viburnum leaf rollers (gnaw the edges of the leaves, then roll them into a “roll” and wrap them in cobwebs);
green lobed moth (gnaws flower ovaries);
lilac hawk moth (its caterpillars also spoil the edges of the leaves).

It is better to take a comprehensive approach to pest control, using both traditional methods (infusions of hot pepper, garlic, celandine herb, onion peels, yarrow herb), the biological product “Bitoxibacillin”, and chemicals. In the spring (before the leaves unwind), experts recommend spraying the green cone to destroy the wintering phases of harmful insects. Then carry out two more treatments before flowering, using “Karbofos”, “Chlorophos” and “Copper Oxide”. Instead of these products, you can treat with Inta-vir. After flowering, chemicals are no longer used.

Against aphid colonies, try spraying with the following solution:

water – 10 liters;
tobacco – 50 grams;
grated laundry soap – 50 grams.

Leaf beetles usually lay eggs on the tips of shoots. Therefore, it is recommended that with the arrival of spring, cut off all the tops of the branches and burn them. The method is simple, does not harm the plant, and helps reduce the damage caused by leaf beetles.

Viburnum rarely gets sick; powdery mildew or spotting can harm it. To prevent the development of powdery mildew in early spring, when the buds on the viburnum have not yet swelled, spray it copper sulfate(for 5 liters of water it is enough to take 150 grams of this powder). Subsequently, the bush or tree is treated several times with colloidal sulfur.

Ripe fruits from early varieties can be harvested in September, from late varieties - in October. Simply use scissors to cut each cluster at its base and place the whole bunches in a bucket. You can leave the viburnum brushes in the garden on the table for several days, covering them with a net (so that the birds do not peck). Then the berries will freeze slightly, their taste will significantly improve. We offer a simple recipe for tasty and healthy jelly. Pass clean fruits through the juicer twice. Pour 800 grams of sugar into a liter of the resulting juice. Stir the mixture patiently until all the sugar dissolves. Fill small sterile jars with this jelly, seal and place on a shelf in the refrigerator.