Croton Seeds
OTHER NAME(S): Ba Dou, Croton, Croton Cathartique, Graines de Croton, Kamandrah, Piñón de Indias, Tiglium, Tiglium Seeds, Croton tiglium, Piñón De Indias, Graines De Croton
Overview
Croton is a plant. The seeds and oil extracted from the seeds are used to make medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, people take croton seeds for constipation and other uses. Croton seeds are sometimes applied directly to the skin for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), gout, and other conditions.
Croton seeds and the oil from the seeds contain chemicals that have a powerful irritating effect on the stomach and intestines.
Croton seeds and the oil from the seeds contain chemicals that have a powerful irritating effect on the stomach and intestines.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Blockage in the bowel.
- Constipation.
- Gallbladder disease.
- Gout.
- Malaria.
- Nerve pain.
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Swelling (inflammation) of the main airways in the lung (bronchitis).
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of croton seeds for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Croton seeds and oil are UNSAFE when taken by mouth. A few drops of croton seed oil can cause death. Croton seeds and oil can cause burning of the mouth, vomiting, dizziness, painful bowel movements, and collapse.
When applied to the skin: Croton seeds and oil are UNSAFE when applied to the skin. If croton seed oil is put on the skin, it can cause itching, burning, and blistering.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Croton seeds and oil are UNSAFE when taken by mouth. A few drops of croton seed oil can cause death. Croton seeds and oil can cause burning of the mouth, vomiting, dizziness, painful bowel movements, and collapse.
When applied to the skin: Croton seeds and oil are UNSAFE when applied to the skin. If croton seed oil is put on the skin, it can cause itching, burning, and blistering.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Croton seeds are UNSAFE for anyone to use, but women who are pregnant should use extra care to avoid croton seeds because they can cause an abortion. Croton seeds are also UNSAFE to use if you are breast-feeding.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Croton Seeds overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of croton seeds depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for croton seeds. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Tyler VE, Brady LR, Robbers JE. Pharmacognosy. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Lea & Febiger, 1976.
- Saputera, Mangunwidjaja D, Raharja S, Kardono LB, Iswantini D. Characteristics, efficacy and safety testing of standardized extract of Croton tiglium seed from Indonesia as laxative material. Pak J Biol Sci 2008;11(4):618-22.