Important premise
The rhododendron, together with the azalea, embodies the representative par excellence of the plants belonging to the genus Rhododendron: we are talking about small shrubs of the Ericaceae family, typical of America and Europe. Often times, rhododendrons are confused for azaleas: it is necessary to clarify this.Both plants are members of the same family and of the same genus, but rhododendrons have more impressive dimensions, more important size and persistent leaves (the leaves of azaleas are deciduous).
Toxic plant?
It should be remembered, however, that the excessive intake of rhododendron extracts can cause serious side effects in the body: it is no coincidence that in toxicology, rhododendron is one of the plants indicted for causing toxic effects, therefore labeled as potentially dangerous. In any case, the use of rhododendron for therapeutic purposes is supported by rather satisfactory pharmacological validations; therefore, its use is not banned.
Botanical varieties and properties
As we have seen, there are many species of rhododendrons: in order not to generalize, the most important ones are listed below, all differentiated by peculiar and distinguishable characters.
- Rhododendron ferrugineum: represents the most common species of rhododendrons, also better known as rose of the Alps. We are talking about a small evergreen tree (shrub), which generally does not exceed 50 cm, but can sometimes reach the meter thanks to the particularly tortuous branching. These species can be recognized, in particular, by the large and developed flowers, with the characteristic bell-shaped shape; the color of the flowers varies from pink-fuchsia to ruby red, an element that distinguishes this species from all the others. Rhododendron sp. ferrugineum it has leathery leaves, tinged with red on the underside. The plant contains tannins and arbutin; in herbal medicine, the decoction of leaves and dry branches of rhododendron sp. ferrugineum boasts diuretic, sweat, antirheumatic and calming properties. [adapted from Reasoned dictionary of herbal medicine and phytotherapy, by A. Bruni, M. Nicoletti]
- Rhododendron hirsutum: this variety of rhododendrons cannot go unnoticed among the dense foliage of the forests of the central-eastern Alps and the Asian mountains.
The stem, which does not exceed 50-80 cm in height, has developed ramifications especially in the apical part, from which numerous leathery leaflets of a mostly elliptical shape, persistent and tormenting at the margins, branch off. The beautiful flowers are pink, generally grouped in racemose inflorescences called corymbs. The leaves contain important active ingredients, including herculin and arbutin (bitter glycosides); due to the presence of these active ingredients, rhododendron boasts diuretic and diaphoretic properties, that is, capable of increasing body sweating.
- Rhododendron chrysanthum: typical of the Asian regions, this rhododendron is used in particular in the phytotherapeutic field for its hypotensive, antirheumatic, antitussive and expectorant properties. This variety is also used in homeopathy: the mother tincture obtained from leaves and branches is useful in case of neuralgia and rheumatic pains. These properties are attributed to rhododendron due to the presence of some chemical constituents, such as: andromedotoxin (tetracyclic diterpene), canferol, quercetin, hyperoside (flavonoids), arbutin, essential oil and citric acid.
Other species of rhododendron are used as antivirals (eg. Rhododendron aureum) and antirheumatic (eg. Rhododendron maximum).
Those just described are just some of the numerous varieties of rhododendrons currently identified in botany; in any case, the various species are all united by the magnificent and showy blooms, which perform maliciously straggling among the green spaces of nature.
Rhododendron and toxicology
Already at the time of Pliny the toxicity of rhododendrons was known, eclipsed by the elegance and charm of their colorful flowers. Even bees, greedy for nectar, have always been attracted by rhododendron flowers, and together they cooperate to produce honey: at the time of the ancient Roman army - precisely during the Asian campaign - an intoxication of soldiers was observed following the intake of excessive doses of rhododendron honey.
In any case, the probability of taking "toxic" honey obtained from rhododendron flowers is very low since the nectar of this plant is mixed with countless varieties of other flowers; consequently, the danger of toxicity is almost averted.
In general, the symptoms of acute or chronic toxicity generated by the excessive intake of rhododendron extracts include: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, neurological disorders and, in case of severity, cardiovascular collapse.
To give an example, the Rhododendron sp. hirsutum it may contain toxic diterpene molecules (with an andromedane nucleus), responsible for possible states of hypotension, spasms, bradycardia, heart failure.
All parts of the rhododendron plant contain andromedotoxin, attributable to "hypotension and long-term impairment of heart function. Clearly, the aphorism" is the dose that makes the poison "valid once again: which means that the subject can suffer damage only following the intake of excessive quantities of rhododendron extract.
"Lack of evidence of toxicity does not equate to" evidence of lack of toxicity "
Rhododendron in brief »
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