What is Galanthus nivalis used for in medicine?
Besides AD, Galanthus nivalis can be used in treatment of memory loss and dementia that are caused by a variety of neurological disorders (Zaganas and Schousboe, 2014). Mitochondrial dysfunction is also prevented by galantamine, which may prove helpful in dementia. Galanthamine is an alkaloid that was extracted from Galanthus and other Amaryllidaceae. Owing to its acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity, galanthamine is used and marketed to treat Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Galantamine is a natural product belonging to the isoquinoline alkaloid family of compounds. It was first discovered and isolated in the 1950s from Galanthus nivalis (common snowdrop) and Galanthus woronowii (Caucasian snowdrop), members of the Amaryllidaceae family (Marco and do Carmo Carreiras, 2006[20]).
What is the common name for Galanthus nivalis?
Galanthus nivalis, commonly called snowdrop, is a bulbous perennial that is native to Europe and southwestern Asia. Common snowdrop (Galanthus nivalis) This species has 1/4-inch, blue-green leaves and 6- to 9-inch stems that support a single flower, 1 inch in diameter. Flowering from January to March, the common snowdrop blooms slightly earlier than the giant snowdrop.Make sure you use a specially formulated compost, like Westland Bulb Potting & Planting Mix to keep them moist, as snowdrop bulbs are prone to drying out over the summer months.Planting snowdrop bulbs Growing snowdrops usually yields best results in moist, well drained soil so consider adding garden compost, leaf mould or rotted manure to the ground before planting the bulbs. When planting your snowdrop bulbs, we recommend planting them at 2-3 times their depth.You can also grow snowdrops in pots, either on their own, or mixed with other bulbs, but be sure to keep the pot well watered throughout the summer months.Wait for them to finish flowering, lift the whole clump with a fork and divide into smaller clumps of three or four bulbs. These can then be replanted at the same depth in areas which have been improved with leaf mould or compost. You’ll soon have a marvellous carpet of snowdrops to enjoy every spring.
Can you eat galanthus?
Snowdrops should not be eaten as they contain a poisonous compound, lycorine, which can cause diarrhoea, nausea, and vomiting. Snowdrops are themselves poisonous. This is due to poisonous alkaloid compounds, which are particularly concentrated in their bulbs. Two key alkaloids found in snowdrops are lycorine and galantamine; both are also found in daffodils.Common snowdrops are tiny plants that produce one small white flower which hangs down like a drop prior to opening. These are highly poisonous dog plants even if only a few leaves are eaten.Snowdrops (Galanthus) signal the end of winter with their delicate white flowers. Following their blooming period, it’s crucial for their leaves to remain intact until they yellow and wither. This phase is essential for the plant’s lifeslcycle, as it allows snowdrops to store energy for the next growing season.Not only are the white flowers of the snowdrop a sight to behold, its bulb contains the alkaloid galantamine – approved for use in the management of Alzheimer’s disease in over 70 countries worldwide, including the UK. Extract of snowdrop was noted by the ancient Greeks for its powerful mind-altering effects.
Is Galanthus nivalis poisonous?
Bear in mind that galanthus bulbs and plants are poisonous to humans and pets, and can cause vomiting if ingested. Galanthus nivalis grows in most soils, but does particularly well in heavier, moist soils. They do best in light shade, similar to their native woodland habitat. In modern medicine, a naturally occurring substance within the plant, called galantamine, is used to help treat the symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. However, the bulbs themselves are poisonous to humans and can cause nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting if eaten.
Is Galanthus poisonous to dogs?
Snowdrops: (Galanthus) While all the plant is toxic, usually the bulbs are most toxic to pets. Also present in winter. Tulip: (Tulipa) The bulbs are the most toxic, however all parts of the plant can be toxic in large quantities. Snowdrops are themselves poisonous. This is due to poisonous alkaloid compounds, which are particularly concentrated in their bulbs.Snowdrops have no serious insect or disease problems and are deer-resistant. However, there is a caution for pets and children: the plants are poisonous if ingested. Some gardeners also report skin irritation and recommend gloves when handling.
Does Galanthus nivalis like sun or shade?
Its common name is a reference to the time of year when the plant blooms—late winter to early spring—when snow can be present. Snowdrop grows best in full sun to part shade in clay or loam soil with high organic matter. The site needs good drainage although snowdrop will tolerate a site that is occasionally wet. It was considered very unlucky to pick one, and to bring a single bloom into the house meant certain death. Getting outside and looking for snowdrops is a brilliant way to boost your mental wellbeing.Although Snowdrops can be planted in containers, they do not enjoy dry soil and may need repotting each year to ensure they remain healthy. Fill the pot with any peat-free compost until you’ve reached its halfway point.Deadheading snowdrops isn’t necessary. They will thrive happily when left alone, as long as they don’t get too compact once naturalised.If I’m being picky about language then yes, it is possible to dig up snowdrops as entire plants (the bulbs, leaves, flowers and all) and then to plant them in a new location and have them thrive, if the conditions are correct.For many Victorians, a single snowdrop signified death and they considered it bad luck to bring one into the home. This could be, in part, due to the bulb of a snowdrop being highly poisonous if eaten.