Products
There are currently no drugs containing rowan berries on the market in many countries. The medicinal drug is available from Dixa AG (Sorbi fructus). Rowan berry extracts are also included in some cosmetics.
Stem plant
Rowan berries are the fruits of the rowan tree, a member of the rose family, a tree that grows up to 15 m tall and is common in many countries in Europe.
Ingredients
Ingredients include the constipating tannins, coloring agents, vitamin C, sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, the gelling agent pectin, and the irritant parasorbic acid.
Medicinal drug
The fruits, Sorbi aucupariae fructus and Sorbi fructus, respectively, are used as a medicinal drug and as food. The fruits look like small apples because of the genetic relationship.
Fields of application
Rowan berries are used for food and stimulants such as the preparation of jams and spirits. In pharmacy, the fruits have been used as a laxative, diuretic and to promote menstruation. The berry extract Sorbus Aucuparia Extract is an ingredient of cosmetics with skin care properties.
Adverse effects
The red, bitter-tasting fruits are traditionally considered poisonous. At the same time, they are also used as food as indicated. How toxic are rowan berries? According to the literature, the irritant parasorbic acid is the toxic principle, which is contained mainly in the ripe fruits. When fresh berries are eaten, dose-dependent digestive symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea may occur. However, parasorbic acid can be inactivated by cooking to form harmless sorbic acid. Sorbic acid (E 200) is a known food preservative. In summary, rowan berries are considered only moderately toxic. Adults should consume them fresh only in small amounts and children should refrain from eating them as a precaution. Cooking can inactivate the irritating parasorbic acid.
