Diarbekir Manna

Latin Name: Diarbekir Manna - meaning ‘Manna’, the sugary sap or exudate secreted by and collected from plants in and around Diyarbakir in southeastern Turkey.

Diarbekir Manna is believed to come from Fraxinus Ornus, commonly known as the Manna Ash tree

A sample of ‘Diarbekir Manna’ can be found in the Department of Pharmacology of Trinity College Dublin, based in St. James’s University Hospital in the Historical Medicinal Collection.  In 1867 the Royal College of Physicians presented their Materia Medica collection to Trinity College, and one of these samples was “Dirarbekir Manna” which was acquired by the RCPI by purchase by Dr. Neligan for display in the college’s museum. The sample, along with 44 others were sent from Turkey to the International Exhibition in London in they year 1862 before being purchased at the close of the Exhibition.

Active Ingredients: The primary active ingredient is Mannitol (C₆H₁₄O₆)

Medicinal Uses of Mannitol:

1. Mild laxative effect: Traditionally, particularly in th 17th to 19th century Manna was used as a gentle laxative to relieve constipation. Mannitol is poorly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and remains in the small intestines, working osmotically by drawing water into the lumen. The added water softens stool and promotes bowel movement.

2. Diuretic Effect: Mannitol is filtered by the kidneys but it is not reabsorbed. It increases the osmolarity of glomerular filtrate causing more water to be retained in the renal tubules, thus increasing urine output. This effect could be employed pharmacologically to reduce intracranial pressure and lower intraocular pressure in glaucoma. Mannitol is administered intravenously.

Side Effects:

• As a diuretic mannitol may cause electrolyte imbalances at high dosages 

Sample #21/43