Viburnum opulus.  Cramp Bark, Snowball Tree, Guelder Rose   Family: Adoxaceae (formerly Caprifoliaceae)    Navigation Back Herb Home Home Page ---Same Genus--- Viburnum opulus- Western Viburnum prunifolium- Western   
PART USED: Bark
TASTE:  Bitter, slightly astringent ODOR: Slight
ACTIONS- As its name suggests, it is used for cramp, particularly of menstruation, and other uterine dysfunctions.^[3]
GROUP: The Musculo-Skeletal System- Antispasmodics
1. Antispasmodic.^[1,3]
2. Astringent.^[1,2,3]
3. Sedative nervine.^[1,2,3]
4. Reproductive tonic (female).
INDICATIONS
1. Ovarian and uterine pains and cramps including dysmenorrhea. Uterine disorders,^[1] including menopausal metorrhagia.^[1]  As a pregnancy tonic and partus prepaerator.^[1]  In the event of threatened,^[1] or actual miscarriage. Menstrual cramps.
2. Cramps. Spasmodic muscular conditions,^[1] including fits and lockjaw. Rheumatism.
3. Enuresis in children.^[1]
4. Colic.
5. Hysteria.
6. Nervous Heart conditions.
7. Asthma.
SPECIFIC INDICATIONS: Cramp.^[1] Ovarian and Uterine pains.^[1]
COMBINATIONS
- Cramps, use with Dioscorea and Zanthoylum.
- Threatened miscarriage or uterine pains, use with Viburnum prunifolium and False Unicorn Root.
PREPARATIONS   3X /day
Dried Bark  2-4 g,^[1] or by decoction^[1] 1:20.
Fluid Extract  1:1 in 25% alcohol  2-4 ml.^[1]  2-8 ml.^[3] 1:1 45%.^[4]
Tincture 1:5 in 45%  5-10 ml.^[12,3]
    

Influence of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer.
Ulger H, Ertekin T, Karaca O, Canoz O, Nisari M, Unur E, Elmali F.
Abstract
In this study, the effects of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on colon tumorogenesis were investigated. Eight weeks old Balb-C male mice received subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 12 weeks. Both the sham control (group 1) and the DMH control (group 2) groups received drinking water alone, whereas the mice of groups 3 and 4 received gilaburu juice for 30 weeks (started with first DMH injection) and for 18 weeks (started after last DMH injection), respectively. Eighteen weeks after the last DMH injection, all mice were killed and the histogenesis of colon tumors was investigated from the paraffin-embedded sections of colon, which were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The sites and incidences of tumoral lesions (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, intramucosal carcinoma and invasive carcinoma) were analyzed and compared with control. The results showed that the body weights of the mice were similar in all the groups. No tumoral lesions were found in group 1. Colon tumors developed in all DMH-treated mice (groups 2, 3 and 4). In these groups, the greatest numbers of tumor lesions were detected in the distal colon, followed by the mid-colon and only a few in the proximal colon. There was a reduction in the mean total number of tumor lesion in groups 3 (8.5) and 4 (8.3), when compared to group 2 (11.3). The incidence of invasive carcinoma in group 3 was significantly lower than group 2 (p < 0.05). On the basis of these results, we conclude that gilaburu juice may be useful for the prevention of colon cancer at the initiation stage.
Toxicol Ind Health. 2013 Oct; 29(9):824-9. doi: 10.1177/0748233712445049. Epub 2012 Apr 30. ncbi.nlm.nih.go PMID: 22546843 DOI: 10.1177/0748233712445049

Antioxidant properties of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana growing in Turkey.
Altun ML, Citoglu GS, Yilmaz BS, Coban T.
Abstract
In the present study, antioxidant properties of the water extracts of different parts of Viburnum opulus and Viburnum lantana (Caprifoliaceae) were investigated using the 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) scavenging and superoxide anion scavenging methods. The extracts were prepared from the fruits, branches, and leaves of V lantana and V opulus species. The branch extracts of V lantana and V opulus inhibited superoxide anion in a concentration-dependent manner. Compared with t-tocopherol, the fruit extract of V lantana did not show any scavenging effect on superoxide anion formation. V lantana leaf extracts, however, showed a moderate scavenging effect on superoxide anion formation, whereas V lantana branch extracts showed a strong scavenging effect (IC50 = 3.1 mg/ml) on superoxide anion in higher concentration. On the other hand, all extracts exhibited a scavenging effect on the DPPH radical with various potencies. When compared with butylated hydroxytoluene, V opulus branch and V lantana leaf extracts, as well as V lantana branch, V opulus fruit and V lantana fruit extracts, showed strong DPPH radical scavenging activity with IC50 values of 0.014, 0.035, 0.052, 0.057 and 0.085 mg/ml, respectively.
PMID: 17852468 DOI: 10.1080/09637480701381648  Int J Food Sci Nutr. 2008 May;59(3):175-80. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of Viburnum opulus proanthocyanidins on stress-induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage.
Zayachkivska OS, Gzhegotsky MR, Terletska OI, Lutsyk DA, Yaschenko AM, Dzhura OR.
Abstract
Recent studies demonstrated that the proanthocyanidins (PA), the polymers of flavan-3-ols, naturally occurring plant metabolites widely available in fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, flowers and bark, have anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic, anti-allergic, antioxidant and vasodilatory actions. We hypothesized that Viburnum opulus PA (VOPA, Caprifoliaceae), due to activation of multifactorial gastrointestinal mucosal defense mechanisms, exert gastroduodenoprotective effects. The aim of the study was: 1) to investigate VOPA effects on gastroduodenal mucosal integrity and pattern of carbohydrate binding proteins and nitric oxide (NO) content in intact mucosa and that exposed to non-topical ulcerogens (stress) in rats without and with capsaicin (125 mg/kg, sc) denervation; and 2), to assess the role of activity of antioxidizing enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), gluthatione peroxidase (GPx) in VOPA-induced gastroduodenoprotection against water immersion and restraint stress (WRS) in rats. VOPA was administered orally in dose of 25, 50 or 75 mg/kg body weight. Gastroduodenal mucosal damage detected by routine light microscopic investigation and lectin histochemistry set, purified from plant and animal sources of Carpatian region. NO content, pro-and antioxidant system were determined by routine laboratory methods. Pretreatment with VOPA afforded gastroduodenoprotection and was accompanied by an increase in NO expression, both changes being reversed by sensory denervation, as well as by the rise of SOD, CAT activity and fall in MDA content. Our study shows that VOPA exerts a potent gastroduodenoprotective activity via an increase in endogenous NO generation, suppression of lipid peroxidation and mobilization of antioxidant activity and changes in glycoconjugate content of the gastroduodenal mucosa of rat.
PMID: 17218766  J Physiol Pharmacol. 2006 Nov;57 Suppl 5:155-67. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Viburnum opulus: could it be a new alternative, such as lemon juice, to pharmacological therapy in hypocitraturic stone patients?
Tuglu D, Yilmaz E, Yuvanc E, Erguder I, Kisa U, Bal F, Batislam E.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE:
Citrate, potassium, and calcium levels in Viburnum opulus (V. opulus) and lemon juice were compared to evaluate the usability of V. opulus in mild to moderate level hypocitraturic stone disease.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
V. opulus and lemon fruits were squeezed in a blender and 10 samples of each of 100 ml were prepared. Citrate, calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and pH levels in these samples were examined.
RESULTS:
Potassium was found to be statistically significantly higher in V. opulus than that in lemon juice (p = 0.006) whereas sodium (p = 0.004) and calcium (p = 0.008) were found to be lower. There was no difference between them in terms of the amount of magnesium and citrate.
CONCUSIONS:
Because V. opulus contains citrate as high as lemon juice does and it is a potassium-rich and calciumand sodium-poor fluid, it can be an alternative to pharmaceutical treatment in mild-to-moderate degree hypocitraturic stone patients. These findings should be supported with clinical studies.
PMID: 25641457 DOI: 10.4081/aiua.2014.4.297  Arch Ital Urol Androl. 2014 Dec 30;86(4):297-9. doi: 10.4081/aiua.2014.4.297. hncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Influence of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer.
Ulger H, Ertekin T, Karaca O, Canoz O, Nisari M, Unur E, Elmali F.
Abstract
In this study, the effects of gilaburu (Viburnum opulus) juice on colon tumorogenesis were investigated. Eight weeks old Balb-C male mice received subcutaneous injections of 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH) (20 mg/kg body weight) once a week for 12 weeks. Both the sham control (group 1) and the DMH control (group 2) groups received drinking water alone, whereas the mice of groups 3 and 4 received gilaburu juice for 30 weeks (started with first DMH injection) and for 18 weeks (started after last DMH injection), respectively. Eighteen weeks after the last DMH injection, all mice were killed and the histogenesis of colon tumors was investigated from the paraffin-embedded sections of colon, which were stained with hematoxylin-eosin. The sites and incidences of tumoral lesions (low-grade dysplasia, high-grade dysplasia, intramucosal carcinoma and invasive carcinoma) were analyzed and compared with control. The results showed that the body weights of the mice were similar in all the groups. No tumoral lesions were found in group 1. Colon tumors developed in all DMH-treated mice (groups 2, 3 and 4). In these groups, the greatest numbers of tumor lesions were detected in the distal colon, followed by the mid-colon and only a few in the proximal colon. There was a reduction in the mean total number of tumor lesion in groups 3 (8.5) and 4 (8.3), when compared to group 2 (11.3). The incidence of invasive carcinoma in group 3 was significantly lower than group 2 (p < 0.05). On the basis of these results, we conclude that gilaburu juice may be useful for the prevention of colon cancer at the initiation stage.
PMID: 22546843 DOI: 10.1177/0748233712445049  Toxicol Ind Health. 2013 Oct;29(9):824-9. doi: 10.1177/0748233712445049. Epub 2012 Apr 30. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Viburnum opulus L.: A remedy for the treatment of endometriosis demonstrated by rat model of surgically-induced endometriosis.
Saltan G, Süntar I, Ozbilgin S, Ilhan M, Demirel MA, Oz BE, Keles H, Akkol EK.
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE:
Endometriosis is a gynecological disorder characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. The fruits of Viburnum opulus L. have been used to treat gynecological disorders including primary and secondary dysmenorrhea and ovarian cysts.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Air-dried and powdered fruits of V. opulus were extracted sequentially with n-hexane, ethyl acetate (EtOAc), and methanol (MeOH), respectively for four days. Endometriosis was induced by suturing 15mm piece of endometrium into abdominal wall of Sprague Dawley rats. In second laparotomy, the dimensions of endometrial implants were measured and intra-abdominal adhesions were scored. The abdomen was closed. Extracts were daily administered to the rats. At the end of the experiment, rats were sacrified and endometriotic foci areas and intra-abdominal adhesions were re-evaluated. The tissues were also histopathologically investigated. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor-a (TNF-a), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels of peritoneal fluid were measured. HPLC analyses were conducted on the most potent EtOAc and MeOH extracts to determine the amount of the major compound, chlorogenic acid.
RESULTS:
The endometriotic volumes were found to be reduced significantly in the EtOAc extract-administered group to 30.1mm3 and in the MeOH extract-administered group to 34.7mm3 as compared to the control group. No adhesion was observed in the reference and EtOAc groups. Histopathological data also supported the results. Both EtOAc and MeOH extract-administered groups displayed significant remission in the levels of TNF-a, VEGF and IL-6. When the active extracts were subjected to HPLC analysis, chlorogenic acid was found to be the major compound and the amount of this compound was calculated as 0.5112±0.0012mg and 1.7072±0.0277mg/100mg extract, repectively.
CONCLUSIONS:
The results of the present study indicate that the effectiveness of the fruit extract of V. opulus could be partially attributed chlorogenic acid. Other phenolic compounds could potentiate the activity due to their amount.
PMID: 27647013 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.09.029  J Ethnopharmacol. 2016 Dec 4;193:450-455. doi: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.09.029. Epub 2016 Sep 16. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Antioxidant properties of European cranberrybush fruit (Viburnum opulus var. edule).
Rop O, Reznicek V, Valsikova M, Jurikova T, Mlcek J, Kramarova D.
Abstract
In the literature there is little available information concerning European cranberrybush fruit (Viburnum opulus var. edule). This plant can be cultivated, even in harsh climatic conditions, because of its low environmental demands, and it is possible to harvest the fruit even in the snow cover. The aim of this study was to determine the content of polyphenolics, antioxidant activity, flavonoids and vitamin C in the fruit of three cultivars Leningradskaya otbornaya , Souzga and Taezny rubiny of this species. In the case of polyphenolics, high contents [up to 8.29 g of gallic acid/kg of fresh mass (FM)] were observed. The 1,1 -diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and 2,2 -azinobis-3-ethyl-benzthiazino-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS) tests were applied to determine antioxidant activity, which was also high in comparison with other fruit species. The corresponding correlations between the polyphenolic content and antioxidant activity were in case of the DPPH test r(2) = 0.88 and for the ABTS test r(2) = 0.98. For comparison, the scavenging activity towards reactive oxygen species (superoxide anion, hydroxyl radical and nitric oxide) was determined by using a 25% fruit extract of particular cultivars. Antioxidant efficiency was also assessed using the rat liver slice model. Furthermore, the contents of flavonoids and vitamin C were assayed, giving values of 4.89 g/kg and 1.64 g/kg FM, respectively. The work should contribute to the popularization of this species as a promising crop plant in human nutrition.
PMID: 20657454 DOI: 10.3390/molecules15064467  Molecules. 2010 Jun 23;15(6):4467-77. doi: 10.3390/molecules15064467. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov