Agave
OTHER NAME(S): American Agave, American Aloe, Amerikanische Agave, Century Plant, Garingboom, Hundertjährige Agave, Maguey, Pita Común, Pite, Spreading Century Plant, Wild Century Plant, Agave americana
Overview
Agave (Agave americana) is a plant found in southwestern US and Central and South America. It has thick, rigid leaves that form the shape of a rosette.
Some chemicals in agave might reduce swelling and prevent the growth of some cancer cells. Some chemicals might also cause the uterus to contract.
People use agave for constipation, cancer, male-pattern baldness, diarrhea, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Agave overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if agave is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Fresh agave is possibly unsafe. Exposure to the fresh agave plant may cause swelling and redness, skin sores, and swelling of small blood vessels within minutes to hours of exposure. The sap appears to be the most irritating part of the plant.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if agave is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Fresh agave is possibly unsafe. Exposure to the fresh agave plant may cause swelling and redness, skin sores, and swelling of small blood vessels within minutes to hours of exposure. The sap appears to be the most irritating part of the plant.
Pregnancy:Taking agave by mouth during pregnancy is likely unsafe. It might stimulate the uterus and cause contractions.
Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if agave is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Agave overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of agave 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
- Golan H, Landau M, Goldberg I, et al. [Dermatitis from contact with Agave americana]. Harefuah 2000;139(7-8):276-8, 326.
- Brenner S, Landau M, Goldberg I. Contact dermatitis with systemic symptoms from Agave americana. Dermatology 1998;196(4):408-411.
- High WA. Agave contact dermatitis. Am J Contact Dermat 2003;14(4):213-214.
- Brazzelli V, Romano E, Balduzzi A, et al. Acute irritant contact dermatitis from Agave americana L. Contact Dermatitis 1995;33(1):60-61.
- Ricks MR, Vogel PS, Elston DM, et al. Purpuric agave dermatitis. J Am Acad Dermatol 1999;40(2 Pt 2):356-358.
- Kerner J, Mitchell J, Maibach HI. Irritant contact dermatitis from Agave americana L. Incorrect use of sap as "hair restorer". Arch Dermatol 1973;108(1):102-103.
- Basilio CM, Seyler L, Bernstein J, et al. Isolation and characterization of an utero-active compound from Agave americana. P R Health Sci J 1989;8(3):295-299.
- Du Toit PJ. Isolation and partial characterization of a protease from Agave americana variegata. Biochim Biophys Acta 1976;429(3):895-911.
- Yokosuka A, Mimaki Y, Kuroda M, et al. A new steroidal saponin from the leaves of Agave americana. Planta Med 2000;66(4):393-396.
- Peana AT, Moretti MD, Manconi V, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extracts and steroidal sapogenins of Agave americana. Planta Med 1997;63(3):199-202.
- Villarreal R, Martinez O, Berumen U, Jr. Phytobezoar from the stem ("quiote") of the cactus Agave americana: report of case. Am J Gastroenterol 1985;80(11):838-840.
- Crawford GH, Eickhorst KM, McGovern TW. Botanical briefs: the century plant--Agave americana L. Cutis 2003;72(3):188-90.
- Cherpelis BS, Fenske NA. Purpuric irritant contact dermatitis induced by Agave americana. Cutis 2000;66(4):287-8.
- Misra AK, Varma SK, Kumar R. Anti-inflammatory effect of an extract of Agave americana on experimental animals. Pharmacognosy Res. 2018;10(1):104-8.
- Ayenew KD, Wasihun Y. Hepatoprotective effect of methanol extract of Agave americana leaves on paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023;23(1):99.