Asclepias tuberosa
(Pleurisy root)

Therapeutic Actions:

• Antispasmodic, induces peripheral capillary relaxation
• Diaphoretic
• Expectorant
• Relieves pain and eases breathing

Clinical Indications:

• Bronchitis
• Influenza
• Pleurisy
• Pneumonia

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy due to uterine stimulation and estrogenic activity reported in animal research

Drug/Nutrient Interaction:

• May enhance the effect of digitaloid glycosides

Chemical Constituents:

• Alpha- and B-amyrin
• Amino acids
• Cardenolides:
  
  Asclepiadin
• Choline
• Flavonoids:
  
  Isorhamnetin
  Kaempferol
  Quercitin
  Rutin
• Friedalin
• Viburnitol

Toxicity:

• Symptoms:
  
  CNS depression
  Diarrhea
  GI upset
  Nausea
  Vomiting
  Death due to respiratory paralysis

• Treatment:
  
  Activated charcoal
  Avoid use of drugs
  Emesis or gastric lavage

Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).