Groundsel
OTHER NAME(S): Cineraria, Common Groundsel, Flor Amarilla, Ground Glutton, Grundy Swallow, Petit Séneçon, Senecio Común, Séneçon Commun, Séneçon Vulgaire, Simson, Yuyito, Senecio vulgaris, Hierba Cana, Séneçon
Overview
Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a weed found in moderate climates worldwide. It contains dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).
The PAs in groundsel can cause severe liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects.
Despite serious safety concerns, some people use groundsel for colic, menstrual cramps, epilepsy, parasite infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Groundsel overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Groundsel is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals might block blood flow in the veins, causing liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. All products should be considered likely unsafe.
When applied to the skin: Groundsel is likely unsafe. The dangerous PAs in groundsel can be absorbed through broken skin and cause toxicity. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to apply groundsel products that are labeled PA-free.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Groundsel is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals might block blood flow in the veins, causing liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. All products should be considered likely unsafe.
When applied to the skin: Groundsel is likely unsafe. The dangerous PAs in groundsel can be absorbed through broken skin and cause toxicity. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to apply groundsel products that are labeled PA-free.
Pregnancy: Groundsel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. These products might contain dangerous PAs, which can cause birth defects and liver damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: Groundsel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. The dangerous chemicals in groundsel can pass into breast-milk and might harm the nursing infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Groundsel might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.
Liver disease: The PAs in groundsel might cause liver damage and make liver disease worse.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with GroundselGroundsel is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down groundsel. This could increase the risk of serious side effects of groundsel.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of groundsel might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
References
- Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38.
- WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.
- Fox DW, Hart MC, Bergeson PS, et al. Pyrrolizidine (Senecio) intoxication mimicking Reye syndrome. J Pediatr 1978;93:980-2.
- Food and Drug Administration. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. July 6, 2001. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html.
- Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
- Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
- Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20.
- Cheng D, Nguyen VT, Ndihokubwayo N, Ge J, Mulder PPJ. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid variation in Senecio vulgaris populations from native and invasive ranges. PeerJ. 2017;5:e3686