Pokeweed
OTHER NAME(S): Phytolacca americana, pigeonberry, pokeberry, pokeweed
Overview
Pokeweed is a plant called Phytolacca americana. All parts of the plant, including the leaves, stems, berries, and roots, contain toxic chemicals that are poisonous when taken by mouth. Although pokeweed may be available in some products that are applied to the skin, its benefits and risks are not well defined. Before using pokeweed, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions you have or medicines you are taking.
Uses
What is pokeweed used for?
Pokeweed (Phytolacca americana) is sometimes applied to the skin for various purposes, but its benefits are not well defined.
Note: Pokeweed may be available in products that are applied to the skin. The FDA has not reviewed pokeweed for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about cosmetics here.
How does pokeweed work (mechanism of action)?
Pokeweed is a plant called Phytolacca americana. The entire plant, including its leaves, berries, stems, and roots, contains chemicals that are toxic when taken by mouth. Pokeweed poisoning can cause severe stomach pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to death. See the Side Effects section for more information. Although specific cooking and washing methods may make the leaves and stems edible, these processes must be closely followed to avoid poisoning. It may be best to avoid pokeweed completely.
Pokeweed is available in some products that are applied to the skin. However, it is not clear if or how it may work for any specific use.
Herbal products, like pokeweed, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific pokeweed product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.
How should I store pokeweed?
You should store pokeweed according to the product label. Most natural products should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of pokeweed?
There is not enough research to know what side effects pokeweed may cause when it is applied to the skin. Pokeweed is toxic when taken by mouth (see below for more information).
There may be side effects of pokeweed that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of pokeweed?
While less common, the most serious side effects of pokeweed are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Pokeweed may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using pokeweed and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Pokeweed Poisoning.All parts of the pokeweed plant contain chemicals that are toxic when taken by mouth. Eating any part of the plant can cause pokeweed poisoning. Seek medical help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Burning in the mouth, throat, or stomach
- Foamy diarrhea
- Headache
- Severe stomach pain or cramps
- Severe vomiting
Precautions
Who should not use pokeweed?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use pokeweed.
- Phytolacca americana
- Pigeonberry
- Pokeberry
- Pokeweed
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific pokeweed products they stock.
What should I know about pokeweed before using it?
Pokeweed contains toxic chemicals that can cause serious health problems. Do not eat pokeweed or take products that contain pokeweed by mouth.
Pokeweed may be available in products that are applied to the skin, including salves, oils, and liquid extracts. Do not apply pokeweed to broken or damaged skin. If you get pokeweed in your eyes, wash them right away with water. If your symptoms get worse while using pokeweed, stop using it and speak to a health care provider. Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are using, or use it as recommended by your health care provider.
Pokeweed products cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease, and the FDA has not tested these products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels.
Keep pokeweed out of the reach of children. Children may be at an increased risk for serious side effects from pokeweed. Speak to your health care provider about the possible risks to your child.
Herbal products, such as pokeweed, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amount of each chemical in a specific pokeweed product can change for many reasons, including the area where the plant was grown, the weather during growth, the time of year when it was harvested, and the way the plant was processed after being harvested. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects because of this variability. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.
What should I tell my health care provider before using pokeweed?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if pokeweed is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how pokeweed could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. But pokeweed can be toxic when taken by mouth. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if pokeweed passes into breast milk, but pokeweed may cause harm to an infant or a small child. If you apply pokeweed to your skin, do not allow your infant to come into contact with your skin unless it has been washed first. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
Interactions
Does pokeweed interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between pokeweed and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect pokeweed.
Does pokeweed interact with medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
The interactions between pokeweed and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, research on drug interactions with pokeweed is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking pokeweed with any medicines.
Dosing
What should I do if I accidentally use too much pokeweed?
If you or someone else has used too much pokeweed, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.
Pokeweed is toxic when taken by mouth. However, it is available in some products that are applied to the skin. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use pokeweed safely. Do not use more than recommended on the label.
References
- Gardner, Z; McGuffin, M. Botanical Safety Handbook (Second Edition), American Herbal Products Association, 2013.
- Missouri Department of Conservation: “Pokeweed.”
- Poison Control National Capital Poison Center: “Pokeberries: A Grape Look Alike.”
- Queensland Poisons Information Centre: “Pokeweed.”
- Toxicon: “Description of a fatal case of acute Phytolacca americana poisoning due to leaf ingestion in China,” “Human exposures to Phytolacca americana in Kentucky.”