Introduction to Arum italicum: origin, habitat and nomenclature
The Arum italicum, known as common arum, snake leaf, humillo, jaro, snake bread or Aaron's herb, is a perennial herbaceous plant From the Araceae family. It is native to the Mediterranean basin, spreading throughout western Asia, North Africa, and much of Europe, taking root primarily in humid regions, gardens, orchards, and forests, as well as along roadsides and disturbed soil.
This species stands out for the variety of names it receives in the different regions: in Castilian, Galician, Basque and Catalan names appear such as bearded dragon, candle, jarillo, realgar, herbs of the harvest, xerria, Suge Artaburu o illarondokoIts presence is especially frequent in hedges, banks and soils rich in organic matter.
EtymologicallyThe term "arum" comes from the Greek "aron", which means "heat", alluding to the peculiar production of heat energy during flowering, while "italicum" refers to its Italian origin.
Botanical characteristics of Arum italicum
El Arum Italicum is characterized by its underground rhizomatous tuber, from which sprout long, petiolate, light green leaves with whitish veins. These leaves appear in autumn and wither in spring. Their triangular, sagittate (lance-shaped) shape is very distinctive.
La inflorescence It arises from a fleshy axis, the spadix, which supports numerous tiny flowers grouped together and partially protected by a lanceolate, yellowish-green spatheThis floral system attracts pollinating insects with an intense scent, facilitating pollination thanks to a temporary trapping mechanism at the base of the slippery spathe.
Flowering occurs in the milder months, and after it, the characteristic flowers appear. berry-shaped fruits They turn from green to a bright orange-red when ripe, clustering into visible clumps after the spathe falls. Their life cycle is perfectly adapted to humid, shady environments.
Chemical composition and toxicity of Arum italicum
Arum italicum has a notable toxicity in all its fresh parts., although especially in leaves, fruits, and rhizomes. Its main compounds include:
- Glycosidic saponins, present in leaves and tubers.
- Calcium oxalate in the form of microscopic crystals, responsible for the irritation caused by the plant juice when in contact with skin and mucous membranes.
- Aroin, an irritating compound that causes local itching.
- Calcium and potassium salts and hydrocyanic acid, contributors to toxicity.
- Starch in the rhizome, with concentrations that can reach up to 70%.
La Toxicity is partially eliminated by appropriate heat treatment (prolonged cooking) or drying, although the risk never disappears completely. Accidental ingestion, especially of fruit by children or animals, can cause serious symptoms of poisoning, with symptoms such as gastric irritation, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, excessive salivation, breathing difficulties and, in severe cases, cardiac and neurological disorders.
In case of poisoning, it is recommended to empty the stomach and intestines, provide oil, and keep the affected person in a warm environment. In addition, administer milk, tea, or coffee, and, if possible, activated charcoal under medical supervision.
History, traditional uses and medicinal applications of Arum italicum
The medicinal use of Arum Italicum It dates back to ancient times, being cited by botanists and classical physicians as Theophrase y Dioscorides, who highlighted its qualities in the treatment of toothaches and respiratory problems.
Among its traditional applications are::
- Expectorant: The rhizome, once cooked and filtered, was used as a home remedy for colds, bronchitis and respiratory conditions, although its internal use is currently not recommended due to the toxic risk.
- Purgative: Formerly used to stimulate intestinal transit, although this use has been abandoned due to its severe side effects.
- Healing and external anti-inflammatory: Poultices of fresh leaves or crushed rhizome were applied to wounds, sores, burns, calluses, warts, chilblains, whitlows, and blemishes to speed healing and relieve inflammation. The recommended frequency was one or two applications daily, renewing the poultice.
- Ointments and salves To treat chilblains, stubborn ulcers or rheumatism, prepared from fresh leaves.
- Decongestant for respiratory conditions through infusion or decoction of previously boiled and dried rhizome.
Furthermore, in times of scarcity, the starch from tubers that survived prolonged cooking was used as a food supplement mixed with flour, although this use was also dangerous and was carried out in extreme cases.
Traditional preparation and use procedures for Arum italicum
At traditional herbal medicine’s most emblematic landmarks, the rhizome was collected between late winter and early spring, when it had the highest concentration of active ingredients. The process involved washing, peeling, and cutting the rhizome lengthwise, then drying it on reeds or hanging it, ensuring the decomposition of its toxic compounds before use.
The main historical forms of administration have been:
- Oral decoctionA piece of dried rhizome, boiled in water until its toxicity was eliminated, was filtered and drunk throughout the day as an expectorant. This method was abandoned due to its risks.
- External poultice: The rhizome or the fresh leaves, well crushed, were applied to wounds, sores, calluses, warts or spots, covered with a bandage and renewed twice a day to promote healing and eliminate calluses.
- Purgative: Less widespread application and abandoned due to its irritating and potentially dangerous action.
- Ointments and salves: To treat inflammatory conditions, especially chilblains and muscle pain.
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Risks, warnings, and safe handling of Arum italicum
Handling Arum italicum requires extreme caution., preferably wearing gloves and avoiding contact with mucous membranes, eyes, or mouth. Simple contact with the fresh juice of leaves or rhizomes can cause stinging, redness, and irritation due to the presence of oxalate and aroin crystals.
When handling the plant for ornamental or study purposes, it is advisable to isolate it from children and pets, since the berries are especially attractive and dangerous to them. Remember that the The main route of poisoning is the accidental ingestion of fresh fruits or rhizomes..
If you experience symptoms of poisoning (abdominal pain, vomiting, diarrhea, neurological symptoms), it is essential to seek medical attention immediately.
In case of poisoning, first aid measures include:
- Gastric evacuation and administration of oils or activated charcoal under medical guidance.
- Administer fluids (milk, tea, coffee) and keep the patient warm.
- Do not induce vomiting without medical supervision.
Other applications: food, fodder and ornamental value
In certain regions and times of need, the tubers of the Arum Italicum They were boiled and processed with repeated water changes to reduce their toxicity, and their starch was then mixed with conventional flours. However, the risk has always been high, and this practice is restricted to historical contexts of scarcity.
In some rural settings, cooked leaves were occasionally used as forage, since animals reject its consumption fresh due to its irritating taste, but after cooking its toxicity decreased significantly.
Beyond its medicinal use, the Arum Italicum It is appreciated as ornamental plant in gardens and parks, thanks to its showy leaves and bright red berries, although it should be kept out of the reach of children and pets. It has also acquired some relevance in the homeopathy contemporary
Cultural, symbolic and mythological importance of Arum italicum
Throughout history, the Arum Italicum has been a symbol of prosperity and well-being In some cultures. In ancient Greece, it was attributed with aphrodisiac properties and used in rituals, while in the Middle Ages, it was used in love potions. Its representation is even found on friezes such as the Ara Pacis in Rome, where it is associated with fertility and prosperity.
In the local culture of some rural areas, the appearance of the spathe In spring it served as an indicator to predict the year's harvests, an example of the symbolic and agronomic value attributed to this species.
Currently, the internal uses of the Arum Italicum They are totally not recommended by modern phytotherapy due to its risks and the existence of safe alternatives for treating the same conditions. The potential toxicity and difficulty in precise dosage mean its use is restricted to historical references and very specific external uses, always with great caution.
At current phytotherapy, it is advisable to turn to safer alternatives to treat colds, bronchitis, skin problems and similar conditions, reserving the knowledge of the Arum Italicum mainly to the informative and ethnobotanical fields.
The accumulated knowledge about Arum Italicum It reflects both its therapeutic potential and the risks inherent in its use. Its rich history, variety of applications, and strong cultural and ornamental presence make this plant a paradigmatic example of the duality between usefulness and danger in the world of medicinal plants. Handling and appreciating it requires respect, knowledge, and caution, especially valuing the safer alternatives offered by contemporary phytotherapy.