Discover the 9 Shocking benefits of Gleditsia triacanthos or honey locust and side effects.

Gleditsia triacanthos, comes from Greek, and means with three thorns, due to its three-pointed spines.

It is located next to streams, roads, and paths; in parks and gardens, it is also used as the main species in forest safety belts throughout the world.

But these are only the best-known uses of the Gleditsia triacanthos tree.

In reality, there is a part of its history that deserves to be told, and that is that, behind its imposing size of about twenty to thirty meters in height and its thorny appearance, its medicinal role hides.

The fact is that, due to its properties, it can be used as a therapeutic and prophylactic agent in the care of digestive system problems.

But that’s not all, get ready to discover other benefits that the so-called black acacia offers.

Scientific name: Gleditsia triacanthos

Top ranking: Gleditsia

Category: Species

Species: G. triacanthos; L., Sp. Pl. 2: 1056, 1753

Family: Fabaceae

Subfamily: Caesalpinioideae

Health Benefits of Gleditsia triacanthos

Its chemical composition includes substances with physiological activity, such as alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, saponins, anthraglycosides, vitamins K and C, present in its leaves, bark, flowers, and fruits.

All these components allow Gleditsia triacanthos to provide important services in favor of human health, such as those indicated below:

1. Ally of intestinal health.

In many places, it is used as a laxative and also to treat other conditions of the gastrointestinal tract.

2. It serves as an anesthetic.

Stenocarpine, which is used as a local anesthetic, is present in its branches and leaves.

3. To treat wounds and sore throats.

It is also argued that infusions of the bark of the black acacia are useful to heal wounds and some sore throats.

4. It works as an antispasmodic.

Its use has been suggested to prevent or interrupt intestinal smooth muscle spasms.

5. To reduce blood pressure.

Many scientists claim that it possesses the ability to dilate blood vessels, thereby lowering blood pressure.

6. Helps to improve intestinal problems.

From its active component atraglycosides found in the pericarp of the plant, it derives its laxative effects, which is why it is indicated for the treatment of chronic constipation.

7. It is used to treat dangerous diseases.

Substances that many believe are effective in treating very harmful diseases such as measles, whooping cough, and smallpox are extracted from the black acacia pods.

8. Effective to treat some skin damage.

Its external application, in the form of powder or ointment, is appreciated for the healing of ulcers and skin eruptions.

9. To treat throat problems.

From its bark and wood, an extract called black catechu is obtained, with which candies are made that are used as a remedy for pharyngitis and sore throats. They are claimed to be very effective.

Properties of the Gleditsia triacanthos

Has antispasmodic properties

Analgesic characteristics are attributed

It has anodyne virtues, that is, to calm pain

Is a psychotropic

Has anti-inflammatory attributes

It is used as a laxative

It is believed that it can be used as a contraceptive

It is considered an alkaloid

How to use Gleditsia triacanthos

Its seeds, bark, leaves, and flowers have been used for centuries to cure upset stomachs and other ailments. So, as you can see, practically the entire tree has medicinal properties.

However, as attractive as it is, never forgets the golden rule: before using drugs that are prepared based on Gleditsia, it is essential to first consult a qualified doctor.

On the other hand, the different forms of preparation for its use are infusions, powder, tinctures, and ointments. Each of them has its application depending on the diseases you want to attack. At this moment we will show you the different uses that it can be given:

In infusions. The most common way to use it is to treat digestive diseases such as diarrhea, gastritis, mucous colitis, and inflammation of the biliary tract, as well as hypertension and throat infections, and other conditions.

Powders and ointments. These are the pharmacy presentations indicated for the cure of skin problems.

Advantages and disadvantages of Gleditsia triacanthos

As has been seen, various medicinal applications have been found in their different parts. For example, the former Soviet pharmaceutical industry produced the drug triacetin, based on Gleditsia, for its antispasmodic effect by dilating blood vessels and lowering blood pressure.

Now it is convenient to learn its advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages of Gleditsia triacanthos

It is used to treat diarrhea and colitis

It is used for hypertension treatments

It is used to improve chronic constipation

It is believed to work to treat gallbladder inflammation

Used to lower blood pressure

Use topically to cure some skin conditions

Able to improve stomach spasms

Helpful for treating stomach ulcers

Disadvantages of Gleditsia triacanthos

It should be used with caution in people with low blood pressure.

Caution must be exercised, since, due to its component of saponins, if consumed in excess it can cause intoxication.

Some of its properties are still being studied, so its benefits are not yet fully understood.

Side effects of Gleditsia triacanthos or honey locust

It is impressive that this large thorny tree brings so many benefits. However, you have to take some steps in your job to just get profit without negative consequences.

The fact is that due to the triacanthine alkaloid it contains -which in large doses becomes a toxic agent for the organism- the medicines and infusions of Gleditsia triacanthos must be used with great care, as it could cause excessive paleness of the skin, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, diarrhea, and drowsiness.

Also, consider that not complying with the suggested doses of triacanthine-containing medications can lead to the destruction of red blood cells and create alterations in cerebral blood circulation.

All of this underscores the need to strictly adhere to medical instructions.

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