Hound’s Tongue
OTHER NAME(S): Bizniega, Cinoglosa, Cynoglosse Officinale, Cynoglossi Herba, Cynoglossi Radix, Dog-Bur, Dog's Tongue, Fleur Gitane, Gypsy Flower, Langue-de-Chien, Langue de Chien, Lengua de Perro, Oreja de Liebre, Sheep-Lice, Viniebla, Woolmat, Cynoglossum officinale, Hounds Tongue, Lengua De Perro, Cynoglosse
Overview
Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is a plant. The leaf and root are sometimes used to make medicine.
Hound's tongue contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can be toxic to the lungs and the liver and should be avoided.
People use hound's tongue for infections, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Hound's tongue can also be unsafe.
Uses
We currently have no information for Hound's Tongue overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Hound's tongue is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may block blood flow in the veins and cause liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. Do not use hound's tongue preparations that are not certified and labeled "PA-free".
When applied to the skin: It's likely unsafe to apply hound's tongue to broken skin. The dangerous chemicals in hound's tongue can be absorbed quickly through broken skin and can lead to serious side effects. There isn't enough information to know if it's safe to apply certified PA-free hound's tongue to the skin. It's best to avoid use.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Hound's tongue is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may block blood flow in the veins and cause liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. Do not use hound's tongue preparations that are not certified and labeled "PA-free".
When applied to the skin: It's likely unsafe to apply hound's tongue to broken skin. The dangerous chemicals in hound's tongue can be absorbed quickly through broken skin and can lead to serious side effects. There isn't enough information to know if it's safe to apply certified PA-free hound's tongue to the skin. It's best to avoid use.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's likely unsafe to use hound's tongue when pregnant or breast-feeding. It contains chemicals that can cause birth defects and liver damage. Stay on the safe side and avoid using any hound's tongue preparation when pregnant or breast-feeding.
Liver disease: Hound's tongue contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can cause liver damage and may 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 Hound's TongueHound's tongue is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down hound's tongue. This could change the effects and side effects of hound's tongue.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of hound's tongue might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.
References
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- 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.
- 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.