Snowdrop - Galanthus nivalis
Snowdrop is a hardy perennial that blooms in the late winter, often appearing through snow cover. The flowers have a mild, sweet honey scent. The ones I use, which are organically grown by me, on my property, are the common snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis.
The flowers, bulbs, and shoots are antimicrobial, antioxidant, anti-HIV, and possibly anticancer.1
The substance of most interest is an alkaloid, galantamine. It is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor that increases brain acetylcholine. It is used in many countries for the management of mild to moderate Alzheimer’s disease.2
In addition, the lectins from Galanthus nivalis are being investigated for its antiviral potential against human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). These lectins have also displayed anti-coronavirus activity.3
Dosing: Tincture 3-7 drops 2-3 times a day.
Contraindications: Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding.
1 Kong CK, Low LE, Siew WS, Yap WH, Khaw KY, Ming LC, Mocan A, Goh BH, Goh PH. Biological Activities of Snowdrop (Galanthus spp., Family Amaryllidaceae). Front Pharmacol. 2021 Feb 19;11:552453. doi: 10.3389/fphar.2020.552453. PMID: 33679383; PMCID: PMC7933568.
2 Babashpour-Asl M, Kaboudi PS, Barez SR. Therapeutic and medicinal effects of snowdrop (Galanthus spp.) in Alzheimer's disease: A review. J Educ Health Promot. 2023 Apr 28;12:128. doi: 10.4103/jehp.jehp_451_22. PMID: 37397105; PMCID: PMC10312406.
3 International Journal of Agricultural Technology 2020 Vol. 16(5):xxx Available online http://www.ijat-aatsea.com ISSN 2630-0192 (Online) Plant lectins have antagonistic effects against Coronavirus family: Natural products can control Coronaviral infections: A review Bhattacharyya, M. and Patni, B.*
Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose or treat any illness. I am not a medical professional and cannot diagnose or treat any illness.