Star Of Bethlehem
OTHER NAME(S): Dame d'Onze Heures, Estrella de Belén, Étoile de Bethléem, Étoile de Marie, Nap-at-noon, Ornithogale en Ombelle, Sleepydick, Snowdrop, Ornithogalum umbellatum, Star-of-Bethlehem, Estrella De Belén, Étoile De Bethléem
Overview
Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a plant. Its bulb contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides, which can lead to death when consumed.
The cardiac glycosides in star of Bethlehem affect the heart. These chemicals can slow the heart rate down.
People use star of Bethlehem for congestive heart failure (CHF), but there is no good scientific evidence to support this use. Using star of Bethlehem is unsafe.
Uses
We currently have no information for Star of Bethlehem overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.
Heart disease: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can interfere with heart disease drugs and make heart disease worse. Avoid use.
Low blood potassium levels: It's unsafe to use star of Bethlehem if you have low potassium levels. Avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with Star of BethlehemTaking some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.
- Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with Star of BethlehemTaking some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Star of BethlehemDigoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Star of Bethlehem also seems to affect the heart. Taking star of Bethlehem along with digoxin can increase the effects and the risk of side effects of digoxin and star of Bethlehem. Do not take star of Bethlehem if you are taking digoxin without talking to your healthcare professional.
- Quinine interacts with Star of BethlehemQuinine might increase the amount of star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. Taking quinine along with star of Bethlehem might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with Star of BethlehemStar of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Star of BethlehemStar of Bethlehem can affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.
- Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with Star of BethlehemStar of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of star of Bethlehem might be. Star of Bethlehem can also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
- United States Pharmacopeial Convention I, editor. Drug Information for the Health Care Professional. 19th ed. Micromedex, 1999.
- Perez Gutierrez RM, Laguna GY, Walkowski A. Diuretic activity of Mexican equisetum. J Ethnopharmacol 1985;14:269-72.
- Lemus I, Garcia R, Erazo S, et al. Diuretic activity of an Equisetum bogotense tea (Platero herb): evaluation in healthy volunteers. J Ethnopharmacol 1996;54:55-8.
- Waud RA. The action of Ornithogalum umbellatum on the heart. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 1954;111:147-51.
- Vogelsang A. Ornithogalum umbellatum in the treatment of congestive heart failure: progress report. J Am Geriatr Soc 1961;9:1096-9.
- Vogelsang A. Clinical trial of Ornithogalum umbellatum on the human heart; preliminary report. Can Med Assoc J 1955;73:295-6.
- Smith JA, Paterson GR. Rhodexin A and rhodexoside in Ornithogalum umbellatum. J Pharm Pharmacol 1967;19:221-5.