Asclepias tuberosa
Asclepias t uberosa (pleurisy root), also known as tuberous milkweed and orange milkweed, is a plant that is used to make medicine. Despite serious safety concerns, Asclepias tuberosa is used to treat coughs, pleurisy, pneumonitis, bronchitis and influenza. It is also used to treat uterine disorders, muscle spasms and pain, to loosen phlegm and facilitate expectoration, and to promote sweating.
How does Asclepias tuberosa work?
There is not enough information available to say how Asclepias tuberosa might work as a medicine.
How effective is Asclepias tuberosa?
There is not enough scientific data to say how effective Asclepias tuberosa is for coughs, pneumonitis, pleurisy, bronchitis, uterine disorders, pain and cramps, and when used to promote sweating. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Asclepias tuberosa in these applications.
Safety and side effects
Asclepias t uberosa may not be safe and harmless because it contains a potent chemical similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Asclepias tuberosa could cause serious heart problems as a result. Asclepias tuberosa can also cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting and skin rashes.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Asclepias tuberosa is not safe to use during pregnancy. Asclepias tuberosa can stimulate the uterus and also act in a similar way to oestrogen. These effects can endanger pregnancy.
The use of Asclepias tuberosa may also not be safe and harmless during breastfeeding, which is why breastfeeding women should avoid Asclepias tuberosa.
Heart problems: Asclepias t uberosa could interact with medications used to treat heart problems. For this reason, you should not use Asclepias tuberosa if you suffer from heart disease.
Interactions
Asclepias tuberosa should not be used in combination with the following medications.
Digoxin
Digoxin helps the heart to beat more strongly. Asclepias tuberosa also appears to affect the heart. Taking Asclepias tuberosa in combination with digoxin could increase the effect of digoxin and the risk of side effects. For this reason, Asclepias tuberosa should only be used after prior consultation with your doctor if you are taking digoxin.
Care should be taken when combining Asclepias tuberosa with the following medications:
Estrogen preparations
Large amounts of Asclepias tuberosa may have a similar effect to oestrogen in some areas, although the effect is not as strong as with oestrogen preparations. Taking Asclepias tuberosa in combination with oestrogen preparations could reduce the effectiveness of these preparations.
Diuretics
Asclepias tuberosa could affect the heart. Diuretics can reduce potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects of asclepias tuberosa.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of Asclepias tuberosa depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to be able to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for Asclepias tuberosa. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.