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Old 22-11-2002, 07:11 PM
Hussein M.
 
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Default what's the name of the shrub that has marble sized.shaped white fruit?

On Thu, 21 Nov 2002 21:27:45 GMT,
(Rodger Whitlock) wrote:


I'd say, don't worry. It may not be an edible plant, but it
doesn't have any particular reputation for being toxic. Emails
claiming otherwise I consider to be mere propagation of urban
horticultural legendry.


NB this is for Symphoricarpos albus laevigatus

PFAF toxicity:
The fruit contains saponins. Although toxic, these substances are very
poorly absorbed by the body and so tend to pass through without
causing harm. They are also broken down by thorough cooking. Saponins
are found in many plants, including several that are often used for
food, such as certain beans. It is advisable not to eat large
quantities of food that contain saponins but it would take extremely
large doses of many kilos of fruit from this plant in order to produce
toxic symptoms[65]. Saponins are much more toxic to some creatures,
such as fish, and hunting tribes have traditionally put large
quantities of them in streams, lakes etc in order to stupefy or kill
the fish[K].

PFAF Edible uses!
Fruit - raw or cooked[2, 105, 161]. An insipid flavour, it is best if
cooked[177]. The fruit is rather boring[K]. The fruit is about 15mm in
diameter[200]. See the notes at top of page regarding possible
toxicity.

PFAF Medicinal
Snowberry was commonly employed medicinally by several native North
American Indian tribes who valued it especially for the saponins it
contains. These saponins can be toxic, but when applied externally
they have a gentle cleansing and healing effect upon the skin, killing
body parasites and helping in the healing of wounds. The native
Americans used it to treat a variety of complaints but especially as
an external wash on the skin[257]. The plant is little, if at all,
used in modern herbalism. Any internal use of this plant should be
carried out with care, and preferably under the supervision of a
qualified practitioner. See the notes above on toxicity.
The whole plant is disinfectant, diuretic, febrifuge and
laxative[257].
An infusion of the stems has been drunk to treat stomach problems and
menstrual disorders[213].
A decoction of the leaves has been used in the treatment of
colds[257]. A poultice of the chewed leaves has been applied, or an
infusion of the leaves has been used as a wash, in the treatment of
external injuries[257].
A weak solution of the stems and leaves has been used as a wash for
children whilst a stronger solution is applied to sores[213].
The fruit has been eaten, or used as an infusion, in the treatment of
diarrhoea[257]. An infusion of the fruit has been used as an eye wash
for sore eyes[257].The berries have been rubbed on the skin as a
treatment for burns, rashes, itches and sores[257]. The berries have
also been rubbed on warts in order to get rid of them - this treatment
needs to be carried out at least three times a day for a period of a
few weeks[257].
A poultice of the crushed leaves, fruit and bark has been used in the
treatment of burns, sores, cuts, chapped and injured skin[257].
An infusion of the roots has been used in the treatment of fevers
(including childhood fevers), stomach aches and colds[257]. A
decoction of the root bark has been used in the treatment of venereal
disease and to restore the flow of urine[257]. An infusion of the root
has been used as an eyewash for sore eyes[257].
An infusion of the whole plant has been drunk and also applied
externally in the treatment of skin rashes[257].
A decoction of the roots and stems has been used in the treatment of
the inability to urinate, venereal disease, tuberculosis and the
fevers associated with teething sickness[257].

I don't know if the above applies to all members of the genus but
similar comments are made concerning occidentalis and orbiculatus.

Respect

Hussein