Common noun: Hedera Helix L.
Family: Ivy family - araliaceae.
Habitat: Europe, Asia and Africa. In woods, walls and shady places in general.
Active principles: Saponin (hederin), glycosides, malic acid , chlorogenic, formic, etc.
Active parts: Mainly the fruits. In lower levels the leaves.
Uses : It has been used as a medicinal plant. The fruits, which must never be used in home preparations because they are very dangerous, are emetic, so they were used to provoke vomiting. Leaves in external preparations are suitable to cure skin wounds. Also as an external vasodilator ( hederine in little doses achieves this effect but in greater doses is vasoconstrictive)
Toxicity : High. Specially if fruits are ingested. Symptoms: Digestive disorders and, in high doses, respiratory breakdown. The simple contact with the plant may produce skin reactions because of the prickly hairs covering the new buds. The plant juice may produce skin eruptions.