Bird Cherry
Prunus padus
Prunus padus is a flowering plant in the Rosaceae family used in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied for its astringent, diuretic, sedative, and stomachic properties, as well as for managing coughs, fevers, spasms, and sweating. Scientific evidence regarding human therapeutic use is limited, though studies have identified potent aphicidal activity from isoferulic acid and (+)-catechin against certain aphids. Research also indicates that knotwood extracts possess higher phenolic content and stronger antioxidant activity than stemwood. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- astringent · cough
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- astringent
- cough
- diuretic
- fever
- sedative
- spasms
- stomachic
- sudorific
What the science says
- The study presents the first mitochondrial genome assembly for Prinsepia uniflora, offering insights into its evolutionary relationships within the Rosaceae family.
- Isoferulic acid from Prunus padus showed potent aphicidal activity against the bird cherry-oat aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi), with enhanced efficacy through RNAi-mediated knockdown of detoxification genes.
- (+)-Catechin from Prunus padus reduced bird cherry-oat aphid survival and reproduction, disrupting detoxification pathways in both lab and field settings.
- The knotwood extract of Prunus padus contains higher levels of phenolic compounds and stronger antioxidant activity compared to stemwood.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bird Cherry?
Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Bird Cherry traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Bird Cherry for: astringent, cough, diuretic, fever, sedative, spasms. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Bird Cherry?
Bird Cherry appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bird Cherry?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bird Cherry; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study presents the first mitochondrial genome assembly for Prinsepia uniflora, offering insights into its evolutionary relationships within the Rosaceae family.
How strong is the evidence for Bird Cherry?
The strongest finding for Bird Cherry carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bird Cherry safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bird Cherry in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bird Cherry interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bird Cherry in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bird Cherry?
Bird Cherry is also known as: Черёмуха обыкновенная, Bois puant.
Is Bird Cherry a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 (+)-Catechin from Prunus padus disrupts detoxification pathways and provides field-level control of the bird cherry-oat aphid, Rhopalosiphum padi. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The complete mitochondrial genome of Prinsepia uniflora (Rosaceae): De novo assembly, characterization, and phylogenetic analysis. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Chemical constituents of bird cherry (Prunus padus L.) stemwood and knotwood bioactive-rich extracts and their antioxidant activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plant-Derived Isoferulic Acid and RNAi Synergize to Overcome Detoxification Defenses in the Bird Cherry-Oat Aphid (Rhopalosiphum padi). literature abstract metadata