Cactus Grandiflorus
The Queen of the Night, whose Latin name is Cactus Grandiflorus, is a plant from the cactus family. The flower, stem and young shoots of this plant are used as medicine. Cactus Grandiflorus is used for chest pain and water retention associated with a weak heart and as a heart stimulant. Cactus Grandiflorus is also used for bladder infections and other urinary tract problems, bleeding and shortness of breath. Women use Cactus Grandiflorus for painful or heavy menstruation. Cactus Grandiflorus is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain.
How does Cactus Grandiflorus work?
Cactus Grandiflorus contains chemicals that can stimulate and strengthen the heart.
How effective is Cactus Grandiflorus?
There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of Cactus Grandiflorus for chest pain, water retention due to heart failure, menstrual pain and heavy menstrual bleeding, urinary tract problems, shortness of breath and applied to the skin for joint pain. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of Cactus Grandiflorus in these applications.
Safety and side effects
Cactus Grand iflorus appears to be safe and harmless for most people when used for problems other than heart disease. Cactus Grandiflorus is not safe and harmless for the treatment of heart problems unless this treatment is under direct medical supervision. Cactus Grandiflorus should not be used to treat heart problems without medical supervision, as the effects on the heart should be controlled. The fresh sap of Cactus Grand iflorus may cause a burning sensation in the mouth, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. It may cause itching and skin blisters if applied to the skin.
Precautions and warnings
Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of Cactus Grandiflorus during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should better refrain from using Cactus Grandiflorus.
Heart disease: There are concerns that Cactus Grandiflorus could harm people with existing heart disease or interfere with the treatment of heart disease.
Interactions
Caution should be exercised when using Cactus Grand iflorus in combination with the following medications:
Medications for depression [MAO inhibitors (monoamine oxidase inhibitors)]
Cactus Grandiflorus contains a chemical called tyramine. Large amounts of tyramine can cause high blood pressure. Normally the body breaks down tyramine in order to excrete it. This normally prevents tyramine from increasing blood pressure. Some medications used in the treatment of depression prevent the breakdown of tyramine. This can result in high levels of tyramine in the body and dangerously high blood pressure.
Dosage
An appropriate dosage of Cactus Grandiflorus depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for Cactus Grandiflorus. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.