Bamboo
OTHER NAME(S): Arrow Bamboo, Bambou, Bambou Flèche, Bambou du Japon, Bamboo Leaf Extract, Bambou Métaké, Bambú, Yadake, Bambusa species, Phyllostachys species, Sasa species, Pseudosasa species, Dendrocalamus species, Sinobambusa species, and others.r u003Cbru003Er r Family: Poaceae/Gramineae.u003Cbru003Er r Subfamily: Bambusoideae., Bambu
Overview
The bamboo plant is a type of giant grass. There are over 1,000 different species. Most grow in Asia. Young bamboo shoots are used as food and medicine.
Bamboo shoots are eaten like other vegetables. They're a source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins E and C. They also contain chemicals that might have anti-cancer and thyroid effects.
People use bamboo for dental cavities and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Bamboo overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Bamboo shoots that have been processed properly are likely safe when consumed as food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if bamboo is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: Toothpaste containing bamboo salt is possibly safe when used twice daily for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if bamboo is safe or what the side effects might be when applied to other parts of the body.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Bamboo shoots that have been processed properly are likely safe when consumed as food. There isn't enough reliable information to know if bamboo is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.
When applied to the skin: Toothpaste containing bamboo salt is possibly safe when used twice daily for up to 4 weeks. There isn't enough reliable information to know if bamboo is safe or what the side effects might be when applied to other parts of the body.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if bamboo is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Thyroid disorders, such as too little thyroid function (hypothyroidism), an enlarged thyroid gland (goiter), or a thyroid tumor: Taking bamboo shoots long-term might make these conditions worse.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for an overactive thyroid (Antithyroid drugs) interacts with BambooEating bamboo shoots long-term might decrease thyroid function. Medications for an overactive thyroid also decrease thyroid function. Taking bamboo shoots along with medications for an overactive thyroid might decrease thyroid function too much.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of bamboo 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.
- Kim KK, Kawano Y, Yamazaki Y. A novel porphyrin photosensitizer from bamboo leaves that induces apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Anticancer Res 2003;23(3B):2355-2361.
- Ando H, Ohba H, Sakaki T, et al. Hot-compressed-water decomposed products from bamboo manifest a selective cytotoxicity against acute lymphoblastic leukemia cells. Toxicol In Vitro 2004;18(6):765-771.
- Chandra AK, Ghosh D, Mukhopadhyay S, et al. Effect of bamboo shoot, Bambusa arundinacea (Retz.) Willd. on thyroid status under conditions of varying iodine intake in rats. Indian J Exp Biol 2004;42(8):781-786.
- Kitajima T. Contact allergy caused by bamboo shoots. Contact Dermatitis 1986;15(2):100-102.
- Iseki K, Ishikawa H, Suzuki T, et al. Melanosis coli associated with ingestion of bamboo leaf extract. Gastrointest Endosc 1998;47(3):305-307.
- Sang-A-Gad P, Guharat S, Wananukul W. A mass cyanide poisoning from pickling bamboo shoots. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2011 Nov;49(9):834-9.
- Satya S, Bal LM, Singhal P, Naik SN. Bamboo shoot processing: food quality and safety aspect (a review). Trends in Food Sci. Technol. 2010;21(4):181-9.
- Biria M, Rezvani Y, Roodgarian R, Rabbani A, Iranparvar P. Antibacterial effect of an herbal toothpaste containing bamboo salt: a randomized double-blinded controlled clinical trial. BMC Oral Health 2022;22(1):193.