Health Guide

Prunus spinosa

Meet **Prunus spinosa**, better known as Blackthorn or Sloe. While you might know it as the spiky shrub lining hedgerows, it is a nutritional powerhouse hiding in plain sight. Historically used in traditional European medicine, the deep purple fruits are packed with polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins. These compounds act as potent antioxidants, offering a natural way to support your body's defense systems. While often consumed as a tart tea or jam, this berry is a concentrated source of Vitamin C and minerals. It is nature's answer to gentle detoxification and immune support.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Antioxidant Capacity (ORAC Value)

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Antioxidant Units

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Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Need It

Immune Defender: The exceptionally high Vitamin C content helps fortify your immune system against seasonal threats.
Natural Anti-inflammatory: Rich in anthocyanins, it helps reduce inflammation in the body, easing joint discomfort.
Digestive Aid: Traditionally used to soothe the stomach and relieve mild constipation or bloating.
Antioxidant Powerhouse: Protects cells from oxidative stress, slowing the aging process.

Deep Dive

Prunus spinosa works primarily through its unique phytochemical profile. The anthocyanins (which give the fruit its dark color) are powerful antioxidants that neutralize free radicals. Additionally, the flavonoids (like rutin and quercetin) strengthen blood capillaries, improving circulation. Unlike synthetic supplements, the nutrients in Blackthorn are bioavailable and work synergistically with the fiber naturally present in the fruit, promoting better gut health and sustained energy release.

Natural Food Sources

Unlike common supermarket fruits, Prunus spinosa is foraged or bought from specialty markets. The fresh fruit is extremely tart and astringent, so it is rarely eaten raw. It is best processed.

Food	Amount	% DV (Approx)
Sloe Berries (Raw)	100g	High (Vit C)
Sloe Gin/Liqueur	50ml	Low-Med
Sloe Jam/Jelly	1 tbsp	Medium
Sloe Flower Tea	1 cup	Low

Supplementation

Usage: If you cannot access the fresh or dried berries, look for standardized Blackthorn Berry Extract capsules or fluid extracts. Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions, but generally, dried extract (3:1) ranges from 300mg to 600mg daily. Who should take it: Ideal for those prone to seasonal colds, suffering from mild varicose veins, or needing gentle digestive support.

Top Food Sources

Sloe Berries

High in Vitamin C & Tannins

Blackthorn Leaves

Used as a mild diuretic

Blackthorn Flower

Digestive aid

Sloe Gin

Treat, not medicine

Sloe Jam

Best way to consume fruit

Frequently Asked Questions

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. They are incredibly astringent (mouth-drying) and sour. Frost helps sweeten them, but they are best cooked into jams, jellies, or steeped in gin/tea.

It is a cousin! It belongs to the same genus (Prunus) but is a distinct species. Sloes are smaller, rounder, and have a much more bitter taste than domestic plums or damsons.

Use 1-2 teaspoons of dried, crushed (whole, uncrushed seeds are safe) berries per cup of boiling water. Steep for 10-15 minutes. Strain well.

Not directly a weight loss supplement, but its high fiber content (when eating the fruit pulp) and digestive support can assist in maintaining a healthy metabolism.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety Profile

Prunus spinosa is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when consumed in culinary amounts or standard supplement doses.

⚠️ CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: The seeds (pits) inside the berries contain amygdalin, a cyanogenic glycoside. When crushed or chewed, this converts to hydrogen cyanide (a poison).

Do NOT crush or chew the pits.
Commercial preparations (jams, teas, extracts) are safe because the seeds are removed or left intact.
Tea made from the dried leaves is safe but should not be consumed in excess.

Interactions: None major reported, but caution is advised if taking blood thinners due to Vitamin K content.

Scientific References

[1]Turkiewicz, I.P., et al. (2019). 'Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa L.) fruit: A review of its phytochemistry and health benefits.' *Journal of Ethnopharmacology*.
[2]Gudej, J. (2003). 'Flavonoids, phenolic acids and coumarins from the leaves of Prunus spinosa.' *Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica*.
[3]European Medicines Agency (2017). 'Assessment report on Prunus spinosa L., fructus.' *EMA/HMPC/383333/2016*.