Juniper

Scientific Name(S): Juniperus communis Family: Cupressacea

Common Name(S): Juniper

plants in the genus Juniperus of the cypress family Cupressaceae . Depending on taxonomic viewpoint, there are between 50-67 species of juniper, widely distributed throughout the northern hemisphere, from the Arctic , south to tropical Africa in the Old World, and to the mountains of Central America in the New World.

The cone is a small green berry during its first year of growth and turns blue-black during the second year. The small flowers bloom from May to June.

History: Juniper berries (the mature female cone) have long been used as a flavoring in foods and alcoholic beverages such as gin. Production by apothecaries and other historical uses for gin have been reported. Gin's original preparation used juniper for kidney ailments. The berries also serve as seasonings, for pickling meats and as flavoring for liqueurs and bitters. Other uses include perfumery and cosmetics. Oil of juniper, also known as oil of sabinal, is used for preserving catgut ligatures. Juniper tar is also used for its gin-like flavor and in perfumery. In herbal medicine, juniper has been used as a carminative and as a steam inhalant in the management of bronchitis. It has also been used to control arthritis.

Uses of Juniper

Juniper berries have long been used as a flavoring for beverages and as a seasoning for cooking. It is also used as a diuretic and in the management of bronchitis and arthritis.

Side Effects of Juniper

Skin and respiratory allergic reactions, potentially carcinogenic DNA damage and, in large doses, convulsions and renal damage. Use is limited to low concentrations. Juniper should not be ingested by pregnant women.

Toxicology: Adverse effects in humans are generally of an allergic nature. These include occupational allergy affecting the skin and respiratory tract through a sensitivity to airborne juniper pollen. Two reports note that Chinese, Japanese and Filipinos tend to be more sensitive to juniper pollens than Caucasians. Juniper and other related pollens affect 13% to 36% of patients with pollen allergies.

Epidermal contact with juniper tar (eg, preparation for psoriasis treatment) can cause potentially carcinogenic DNA damage in human tissue.

Single large doses of juniper berries may cause catharsis, and repeated large doses may be associated with convulsions and renal damage.

Kidney irritation from juniper oil is examined in one report, that relates this effect to 1-terpinen-4-01 content.

Because the berries are known to exert their diuretic effect by irritating the renal tissue, products containing juniper should be used with caution by all and should never be used by those with reduced renal function. Safer and more effective diuretic and carminative drugs exist. The oil can induce gastric irritation and may induce diarrhea. Therefore, its use is limited to low concentrations (less than 0.01 %) as a beverage flavor.

Juniper tar has an oral lethal dose of 8014 mg/kg in the rat.

Summary: Junipers are evergreen trees found widely in the northern hemisphere. The dried ripe fruit is commonly used as a flavoring in foods and alcoholic beverages, particularly gin, and in cosmetics and perfumes. Juniper berries and their extracts have been used with some success as diuretics. Juniper may have some promise in diabetic treatment, but further study is necessary. Juniper has an extensive toxicology profile, and therefore must be used with caution.