Adonis blossom

The Adonis blossom (genus Adonis) belongs to the buttercup family (Ranunculaceae) and is mainly found in Europe and Asia. The best-known species are the spring Adonis blossom (Adonis vernalis) and the autumn Adonis blossom (Adonis aestivalis). The plant is not only beautiful to look at because of its bright yellow or red flowers but is also of interest in naturopathy and botany due to its pharmacological properties.

What benefits does the Adonis blossom offer? The Adonis blossom contains a number of bioactive compounds that are used in traditional and modern medicine. Many of these compounds have been linked to positive effects in animal, in vitro, and human studies. Particularly noteworthy among the findings are the cardioactive glycosides the plant contains:

Cardiovascular effects: The spring Adonis blossom contains adonidin, an active compound that has a heart-strengthening effect. It acts similarly to digitalis (foxglove) and is used in naturopathy for the treatment of cardiac weakness (heart failure). According to researchers, adonidin improves the contractile force of the heart and can thus help alleviate the symptoms of weak heart function (1,2,3).

Diuretic: In an animal study, the plant had a diuretic effect, meaning it promotes the excretion of water through the urine. This property could potentially be helpful in cardiovascular diseases associated with fluid retention (edema) by removing excess fluids from the body and thereby reducing the strain on the heart (4).

Antioxidant effects: In several studies, the active compounds in the plant showed an antioxidant effect that could represent potential protection against free radicals (5).

How does the Adonis blossom work? More than 120 chemical compounds have so far been isolated and identified from the plant genus Adonis. In addition to the well-known cardiac glycosides, several flavonoids have also been detected that possess a wide range of pharmacological properties. These include antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and antiallergic effects (6,7,8,9). The effect of the Adonis blossom on heart health is based mainly on its cardioactive glycosides, especially adonidin and cymarin. These compounds influence the function of the heart by inhibiting the activity of sodium-potassium ATPase in the heart muscle cells.

Intake and use The Adonis blossom was traditionally used in the form of tea, tinctures, or powder. Today, however, the use of Adonis blossom in phytotherapy is restricted, since it is a potentially highly potent remedy but at the same time toxic in case of overdose, which is why the dosage must be carefully controlled. In modern medicine, Adonis blossom is used in some countries in the form of standardized medicines for the treatment of mild heart failure due to its cardioactive effects. Such preparations are subject to strict controls to ensure safe dosing. Traditionally, Adonis blossom infusions were used for heart problems and nervousness; however, uncontrolled use should be discouraged, as the plant contains potentially toxic constituents.

What risks does the use of the Adonis blossom entail? The Adonis blossom is toxic due to its cardioactive glycosides when taken in excessively high doses. Caution is therefore advised, and intake should only take place under medical supervision. The possible risks include:

  • Cardiac arrhythmias: An overdose can lead to severe cardiac arrhythmias, as the active compounds influence the electrical impulses in the heart (10,11).
  • Gastrointestinal complaints: The possible side effects observed in animal studies include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can occur in sensitive individuals or in case of overdose (1).
  • Interactions with medications: Due to its effects, Adonis blossom can interact with cardioactive medications. This can increase the risk of toxic effects.

Important notes The use of the Adonis blossom should always take place in consultation with a physician. Especially people with existing heart problems or those who are already taking cardioactive medications should be careful, as interactions can occur.

References:

  1. Shang, X., Miao, X., Yang, F., Wang, C., Li, B., Wang, W., Pan, H., Guo, X., Zhang, Y., & Zhang, J. (2019). The Genus Adonis as an Important Cardiac Folk Medicine: A Review of the Ethnobotany, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology. Frontiers in pharmacology, 10, 25. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2019.00025
  2. Elkiey M A, Darwish SM, Abdel Wahab SM, et al. Estimation of the cardiac glycosidal contents of Adonis autoumnalis Linn and Adonis dentate Del. Planta Med, 15, 1997, 201–204.
  3. Joubert JPJ. Cardiac glycosides. In: Toxicants of plant origin, Glycosides, ed. Cheeke PR, CRC Press, Boca Raton, 1989, 61–96
  4. Wang D. S., Zhou Z. Q., Wang S. L., Wang X. Y., Gu X. T. (1981). The pharmacology of the total glycosides of Adonis amurensis. III The diuretic effects of the total glycosides and the relationship between the effects and ion in urine. ZhongChengYao Yanjiu 5 35–36.
  5. Cüce, M. (2023). Antioxidant and antimicrobial activities of methanol extracts from Adonis paryadrica (Ranunculaceae) – a critically endangered endemic species growing in the Turkish flora. International Journal of Secondary Metabolite, 10(1), 147-157. https://doi.org/10.21448/ijsm.1271974George V. C., Dellaire G., Rupasinghe H. P. V. (2017). Plant flavonoids in cancer chemoprevention: role in genome stability. J. Nutrit. Biochem. 45 1–14. 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2016.11.007
  6. Kim S. J., Pham T. H., Bak Y., Ryu H. W., Oh S. R., Yoon D. Y. (2018). Orientin inhibits invasion by suppressing MMP-9 and IL-8 expression via the PKC/ ERK/AP-1/STAT3-mediated signaling pathways in TPA-treated MCF-7 breast cancer cells. Phytomedicine 50 35–42. 10.1016/j.phymed.2018.09.172
  7. Aziz N., Kim M. Y., Cho J. Y. (2018). Anti-inflammatory effects of luteolin: a review of in vitro, in vivo, and in silico studies. J. Ethnopharmacol. 225 342–358. 10.1016/j.jep.2018.05.019
  8. Maham, M., & Sarrafzadeh-Rezaei, F. (2014). Cardiovascular effects of Adonis aestivalis in anesthetized sheep. Veterinary research forum : an international quarterly journal, 5(3), 193–199.
  9. Guo, D., Hu, X., Zhang, H., Lu, C., Cui, G., & Luo, X. (2018). Orientin and neuropathic pain in rats with spinal nerve ligation. International immunopharmacology, 58, 72–79. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2018.03.013
  10. Wang M. X., Feng W. X. (1982). The abnormal of heart rate induced by Adonis amurensis. Chin. J. Pract. Intern. Med. 2:50.
  11. Zhang X. E. (1999). Two cases of abnormal heart rate induced by Adonis amurensis. J. Electrocard. 18:53.