Dusty Miller
OTHER NAME(S): Cinéraire Maritime, Jacobaea Maritima, Senecio Bicolor, Séneçon Cendré, Séneçon Maritime, Silver Ragwort, Cineraria maritima, Senecio cineraria, Cineraria, Séneçon Cinéraire
Overview
Dusty miller (Cineraria maritima) is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.
Dusty miller 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 dusty miller for cataracts and eye problems, respiratory illnesses, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using dusty miller can also be unsafe.
Uses
We currently have no information for Dusty Miller overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Dusty miller products that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are likely unsafe. PAs can damage the liver and lungs and possibly cause cancer. Do not use dusty miller products unless they are certified as free of PAs.
When applied to the skin: Dusty miller products that contain PAs are likely unsafe when applied to broken skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PA-free dusty miller is safe or what the side effects might be when used on unbroken skin.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Dusty miller products that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are likely unsafe. PAs can damage the liver and lungs and possibly cause cancer. Do not use dusty miller products unless they are certified as free of PAs.
When applied to the skin: Dusty miller products that contain PAs are likely unsafe when applied to broken skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PA-free dusty miller is safe or what the side effects might be when used on unbroken skin.
Pregnancy: Dusty miller 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 dusty miller products certified as free of PAs are safe to use during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: Dusty miller preparations that contain PAs are likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. The toxic chemicals in dusty miller can pass into breastmilk and might harm the nursing infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dusty miller 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: Dusty miller 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 dusty miller might make liver disease worse. Stay on the safe side and avoid using any dusty 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 Dusty MillerDusty miller is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down dusty miller. This could change the effects and side effects of dusty miller.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of dusty miller might be. Dusty miller 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.
- Danesch U, Rittinghausen R. Safety of a patented special butterbur root extract for migraine prevention. Headache 2003;43:76-8..
- 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.