-IBIS-1.5.0-

rx

herb

Euphorbia spp. (Spurge)

botanicals

definition

botanical name(s): Euphorbia pilulifera; many different species

synonyms: spurge, Asthma weed, pill-bearing spurge

part(s) used: herb, root

qualities:

affinities:

actions:

dosage:

» tincture: 1 - 2 ml.

therapy:

AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2d

toxicity: 1

» may cause nausea and vomiting (McGuffin)

» caution is advised in patients with history of recent surgery, diabetes, hypoglycemia, nephrotic syndrome, urinary tract infections, acute infectious hepatitis, leukemia, Graves’ disease, or related genetic disorders (Langer and Greer, pp. 66-67); caution is also advised for those with thyroid problems, as studies indicate a possible goitrogenic response (Langer and Greer, p. 79)

» may reduce lactation and decrease or change the nutritional quality and flavor of milk (Muenscher, p. 19); may result in the production of toxic milk (Fuller and McClintock, pp. 133-139)

» plant latex is capable of causing a contact dermatitis (Fuller and McClintock, pp. 350, 373; Hardin, pp. 12-15; Kinghorn, p. 137-160); uveitis and keratoconjunctivitis have also been noted (Duke, p. 192)

» Fresh plant may be a oropharyngeal and intestinal irritant; following ingestion, a burning and irritation with salivation, dysphagia, and dysphonia slowly develops. Gastroenteric symptoms occur simultaneously, or follow, and include vomiting, diarrhea and severe abdominal pain which may be accompanied by diaphoresis, pallor, vertigo, delirium, hot and cold flashes and prostration. Rigidity, collapse, and convulsions may occur (AMA, pp. 6 - 7; Brundage, p. 89, Duke, p. 189; Fuller and McClintock, pp. 133-139).

» isolated constituents considered potential carcinogens (Duke, p. 189; Keeler and Tu, pp. 264-271; Kinghorn, pp. 137-160)

constituents: flavonoids, terpenoids, phenolic acids, choline

footnotes

Brundage, A.H. 1929. A Manual of Toxicology, 15th ed. New York: D. Appleton and Co.

Duke, J.A. 1985. C.R.C. Handbook of Medicinal Herbs. Boca Raton, FL: The C.R.C. Press.

Fuller, T.C., and McClintock, E. 1986. Poisonous Plants of California. Los Angeles: University of Southern California Press.

Hardin, J. W.; and Arena, J.M. 1974. Human Poisoning from Native Cultivated Plants, 2nd ed. Durham, NC: Duke University Press.

Keeler, R.F., and Tu, A.T. 1983. Handbook of Natural Toxins. New York: Marcel Dekker, Inc.

Kinghorn, A.D. Editor. 1979. Toxic Plants. New York: Columbia University Press.

Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.

Langer, P., and Greer, M.A. 1977. Anti-Thyroid Substances and Naturally Occurring Goitrogens. New York: Karyer, Greer.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.

horn, A.D. Editor. 1979. Toxic Plants. New York: Columbia University Press.

Lampe, K.F., and McAnn, M.A. 1985. AMA Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants. Chicago: American Medical Association.

Langer, P., and Greer, M.A. 1977. Anti-Thyroid Substances and Naturally Occurring Goitrogens. New York: Karyer, Greer.

McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Association’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.

Muenscher, W.C. 1951. Poisonous Plants of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.

ts of the United States. New York: The MacMillan Company.