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Yucca

Palmlilies, also known as yucca, are perennial woody plants whose roots are used to make medicine. Palm lily products are used for osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, migraine headaches, intestinal inflammation, colitis, high cholesterol, stomach disorders, diabetes, poor circulation and liver and gallbladder disorders. Some people apply palm lily products directly to the skin to treat ulcers, skin diseases, bleeding, sprains, joint pain, hair loss and dandruff. In industrial production, palm lily extracts are used as a foaming agent and flavoring agent in carbonated beverages. Many compounds contained in the palm lily have been used in the past to produce new medicines.

How does the palm lily work?

Palm lily contains chemicals that may help lower high blood pressure and high cholesterol levels. Palm lily products may also reduce arthritis symptoms such as pain, swelling and stiffness.

How effective are palm lily products?

There is not enough scientific data to make a statement about the effectiveness of palm lily products for the following conditions:

  • Arthritis: new research suggests that a palm lily extract may reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis such as pain, swelling and stiffness.
  • High blood pressure: The use of palm lily products in combination with an appropriate diet and exercise could help with high blood pressure.
  • High cholesterol and high triglyceride levels: Taking palm lily products in combination with a low-fat diet and exercise appears to help lower blood lipid levels, including cholesterol and triglycerides.

There is also insufficient scientific information on the effectiveness of palm lily products for migraines, digestive tract disorders, diabetes, poor circulation and skin problems.

Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of palm lily products in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Palm lily products appear to be safe and harmless for short-term oral use. However, they can cause side effects such as stomach upset, nausea and vomiting. Not enough is known about the safety and harmlessness of long-term ingestion of palm lily products or use on the skin.

Precautions and warnings

Pregnancy and lactation: Not enough is known about the use of palm lily products during pregnancy and lactation. For this reason, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid palm lily products.

Interactions

At the present time there is no information on interactions of palm lily products with medications or supplements.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of palm lily products depends on various factors such as age, state of health and others. At this time, there is insufficient scientific data to determine appropriate dosage ranges for palm lily products. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

  1. Balestrieri, C., Felice, F., Piacente, S., Pizza, C., Montoro, P., Oleszek, W., Visciano, V., and Balestrieri, M. L. Relative effects of phenolic constituents from Yucca schidigera Roezl. bark on Kaposi's sarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis. Biochem Pharmacol 5-14-2006;71(10):1479-1487. view abstract.
  2. Favel, A., Kemertelidze, E., Benidze, M., Fallague, K., and Regli, P. Antifungal activity of steroidal glycosides from Yucca gloriosa L. Phytother.Res 2005;19(2):158-161. View abstract.
  3. Hayashi, K., Nishino, H., Niwayama, S., Shiraki, K., and Hiramatsu, A. Yucca leaf protein (YLP) stops the protein synthesis in HSV-infected cells and inhibits virus replication. Antiviral Res 1992;17(4):323-333. view abstract.
  4. Kim, S. W., Park, S. K., Kang, S. I., Kang, H. C., Oh, H. J., Bae, C. Y., and Bae, D. H. Hypocholesterolemic property of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria extracts in human body. Arch Pharm.Res 2003;26(12):1042-1046. view abstract.
  5. Mahillon, V., Saussez, S., and Michel, O. High incidence of sensitization to ornamental plants in allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2006;61(9):1138-1140. view abstract.
  6. Olas, B., Wachowicz, B., Majsterek, I., Blasiak, J., Stochmal, A., and Oleszek, W. Antioxidant properties of trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene against modification of variety of biomolecules in human blood cells treated with platinum compounds. Nutrition 2006;22(11-12):1202-1209. view abstract.
  7. Poljacki, M., Paravina, M., Jovanovic, M., Subotic, M., and Duran, V. [Contact allergic dermatitis caused by plants]. Med Pregl. 1993;46(9-10):371-375. view abstract.
  8. Kanerva, L., Estlander, T., Petman, L., Makinen-Kiljunen, S. Occupational allergic contact urticaria to yucca (Yucca aloifolia), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), and spathe flower (Spathiphyllum wallisii). Allergy. 2001;56(10): 1008-11. View abstract.
  9. Electronic Code of Federal Regulations. Title 21. Part 182 -- Substances Generally Recognized As Safe. Available at: http://ecfr.gpoaccess.gov/cgi/t/text/text-idx?c=ecfr&sid= 786bafc6f6343634fbf79fcdca7061e1&rgn=div5&view= text&node=21:3.0.1.1.13&idno=21
  1. Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JE. Pharmacognosy. 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger, 1988.