SABINA

SABINA, Juniperus sabina L., family of conifers, Cossack or Don juniper, an evergreen shrub, distributed in the southern regions of the USSR. For medical purposes, the dried tops of young branches (Summitates Sabinae) are used, containing resin, sugar, tannin, the bitter substance pini-picrin, and essential oil (4%), which determines the therapeutic and toxic action of sabina. The oil has a locally irritating effect, especially sharp in relation to mucous membranes and kidney parenchyma, therefore the use of this oil should be limited and very cautious, despite the fact that the oil has a diuretic and antiseptic effect, manifested through the paths of its excretion through the kidneys. It is excreted in part in the free state, and mainly in combination with glucuronic acid. S. in the form of extract, infusion, essential oil, ointment, etc., has long been used as a menstrual inducer and abortifacient, externally for sluggish ulcers and syphilitic condylomas. At present, due to its poisonous properties, it is completely abandoned - it is used only in folk medicine by folk healers, which often leads to severe poisonings (see). The fruits of S. - blue berries with a blue-white bloom - are sometimes mixed with juniper berries.

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