Swamp Milkweed
OTHER NAME(S): Asclépiade Incarnate, Asclépiade Rouge, Asclépias Incarnata, Ciénaga de Algodoncillo, Rose-Colored Silkweed, Swamp Silkweed, Asclepias incarnata, Asclépiade rouge, Algodoncillo de Pantano
Overview
Swamp milkweed (Asclepias incarnata) is a plant native to North America. It's been traditionally used as medicine in homeopathic products.
Swamp milkweed contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals can cause dangerous heart issues.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use swamp milkweed for digestion problems and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Uses
We currently have no information for Swamp Milkweed overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Swamp milkweed is likely unsafe. It contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are similar to the prescription drug digoxin.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Swamp milkweed is likely unsafe. It contains powerful chemicals called cardiac glycosides. These chemicals are similar to the prescription drug digoxin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Swamp milkweed is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. It can cause serious heart issues.
Heart disease: Swamp milkweed can make a heart condition worse. Avoid use.
Low blood potassium levels: It's unsafe to use swamp milkweed if you have low potassium levels. Avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with Swamp MilkweedTaking macrolide antibiotics along with swamp milkweed might increase the chance of side effects from swamp milkweed.
- Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with Swamp MilkweedTaking tetracycline antibiotics along with swamp milkweed might increase the chance of side effects from swamp milkweed.
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Swamp MilkweedDigoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Swamp milkweed also seems to affect the heart. Taking swamp milkweed along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take swamp milkweed if you are taking digoxin.
- Quinine interacts with Swamp MilkweedSwamp milkweed can affect the heart. Quinine might increase how much swamp milkweed stays in the body. Taking quinine along with swamp milkweed might increase the effects and side effects of swamp milkweed.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with Swamp MilkweedSwamp milkweed might 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 Swamp MilkweedSwamp milkweed might 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 Swamp MilkweedSwamp milkweed might affect the heart. Some medications for inflammation, called corticosteroids, can decrease potassium and other electrolytes. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects of the heart.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of swamp milkweed might be. Swamp milkweed contains chemicals that can have serious effects on the heart. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
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- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- 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.
- Asclepias incarnata L. In: USDA, Agricultural Research Service, National Plant Germplasm System. 2022. Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN Taxonomy). National Germplasm Resources Laboratory, Beltsville, Maryland. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxon/taxonomydetail?id=4472. Accessed 14 August 2022.
- Warashina T, Noro T. Cardenolide and oxypregnane glycosides from the root of Asclepias incarnata L. Chem Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 2000;48(4):516-24.
- Komarnytsky S, Esposito D, Rathinasabapathy T, Poulev A, Raskin I. Effects of pregnane glycosides on food intake depend on stimulation of the melanocortin pathway and BDNF in an animal model. J Agric Food Chem. 2013;61(8):1841-9.