Alpine Ragwort
OTHER NAME(S): Ragwort, Senecio Herb, Séneçon des Bois, Séneçon des Forêts, Séneçon Hercynien, Séneçon des Sarrasins, Senecio nemorensis, Hierba Cana Alpina, Séneçon Des Bois
Overview
Alpine ragwort (Senecio nemorensis) is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Alpine ragwort contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Some of these chemicals are toxic and can cause serious liver damage. PAs are in different parts of the plant but are most concentrated in the roots.
People use alpine ragwort for diabetes, high blood pressure, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using alpine ragwort can also be unsafe.
Don't confuse alpine ragwort with similarly named golden ragwort or tansy ragwort. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Alpine Ragwort overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Alpine ragwort products that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are likely unsafe. PAs can damage the liver and lungs and possibly cause cancer. Do not use alpine ragwort products unless they are certified as free of PAs.
When applied to the skin: Alpine ragwort products that contain PAs are likely unsafe when applied to broken skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PA-free alpine ragwort is safe or what the side effects might be when used on unbroken skin.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Alpine ragwort products that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are likely unsafe. PAs can damage the liver and lungs and possibly cause cancer. Do not use alpine ragwort products unless they are certified as free of PAs.
When applied to the skin: Alpine ragwort products that contain PAs are likely unsafe when applied to broken skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PA-free alpine ragwort is safe or what the side effects might be when used on unbroken skin.
Pregnancy: Alpine ragwort preparations that contain PAs are likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. These products might cause birth defects and liver damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpine ragwort products certified as free of PAs are safe to use during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: Alpine ragwort preparations that contain PAs are likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. The toxic chemicals in alpine ragwort can pass into breastmilk and might harm the nursing infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if alpine ragwort products certified as free of PAs are safe to use while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Alpine ragwort may 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 alpine ragwort might make liver disease worse. Stay on the safe side and avoid using any alpine ragwort preparation if you have liver disease.
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 Alpine RagwortAlpine ragwort is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down alpine ragwort. This could change the effects and side effects of alpine ragwort.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of alpine ragwort might be. Alpine ragwort might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
References
- 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.