Health Care Professional Information
Scientific Name
Phytolacca americana, Phytolacca decandra
Common Name
Poke Root, pocan, red plant
Clinical Summary
Derived from various parts of the plant, including root, leaf, and berry. Patients use this herb to treat rheumatoid arthritis, infections, and cancer (as part of the Hoxsey herbal tonic).
Pokeweed causes significant toxicity following oral or topical administration. Reported adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, protracted vomiting, hypotension, convulsions, dyspnea, and death.
Purported Uses
- Cancer treatment
- Fungal infections
- Induce vomiting
- Infections
- Mastitis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Tonsillitis
Constituents
- Alkaloids: Betanidine, betanine, phytolaccine, prebetanine
- Lectins: Pokeweed mitogen glycoproteins (Pa1-Pa5)
- Saponins: Phytolaccosides (A1, D2, and O), jaligonic acid, phytolaccagenic acid, aesculentic acid
- Other: Isoamericanin A, pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), alpha-spinasterol, histamine, GABA
(1) (4)
Mechanism of Action
Pokeweed mitogens and glycosidic saponins are known toxins that possess mitogenic and irritant properties (1). Pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) shows broad antiviral activity in vitro. PAP inhibits replication of herpes simplex, influenza and poliovirus, possibly via inactivation of eukaryotic ribosomes (2). Saponin extracts from pokeweed, chiefly phytolaccagenin, exhibit antiinflammatory activity as demonstrated by carrageenan rat paw edema tests. Pokeweed's histamine and GABA content may have hypotensive effects. PAFP-s, an antifungal peptide extract from pokeweed, displays fungistatic effects against a variety of species in vitro (3).
Warnings
Significant toxicity results from oral and topical administration of pokeweed.
Adverse Reactions
Reported: Nausea, vomiting, stomach cramps, diarrhea, weakness, hematemesis, hypotension, tachycardia.
Toxicity: Prolonged vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dyspnea, muscle spasms, convulsions, death.
(1)
Literature Summary and Critique
No study supports the use of pokeweed for any proposed claim.
Consumer Information
How It Works
Bottom Line: Because there is no evidence that it works and has toxic effects, pokeweed should NOT be used to treat cancer, infections, inflammation, or any other medical condition.
Pokeweed products are extracts from all parts of the plant: leaves, root, and berries. Pokeweed contains chemicals that are known toxins, but several of its other components have shown biological activity in laboratory experiments. For example, pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP) is able to stop replication of viruses such as herpes simplex, influenza and poliovirus in the test tube, while pokeweed anti-fungal protein (PAFP) does the same to fungi. Certain saponins from pokeweed also reduce inflammation in rats. None of these effects have been seen in the human body. Pokeweed is used in allergy testing because it produces an allergic immune response in many people. However, this should not be confused with stimulating the immune system. There is no proof that pokeweed enhances the body's immune response against infections. Moreover, the toxic effects of pokeweed indicate that any benefits might not be worth the risks of taking this herb.
Purported Uses
- To treat cancer
No scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat fungal infections
Although pokeweed extracts stop fungal growth in the test tube, there is no proof from clinical trials that this effect occurs in humans. No other scientific evidence supports this use.
- To induce vomiting
Vomiting is a reported side effect of pokeweed.
- To treat infections
Although pokeweed extracts stop growth of certain viruses in the test tube, there is no proof from clinical trials that this effect occurs in humans. No other scientific evidence supports this use.
- To reduce inflammation in conditions such as mastitis and rheumatoid arthritis
Although pokeweed extracts reduced inflammation in one experiment in rats, there is no proof from clinical trials that it can treat inflammatory conditions in humans. No other scientific evidence supports this use.
- To treat tonsillitis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
No clinical trials have been performed to test whether pokeweed is safe or effective. On the contrary, there have been several reports of pokeweed causing undesirable side effects when ingested or applied topically to the skin.
Patient Warnings
- Significant toxicity results from taking pokeweed by mouth or applying topically.
Side Effects
- Nausea and vomiting
- Stomach cramps
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Vomiting blood
- Low blood pressure
- Tachycardia (fast heart rate)
- Toxicity from high doses or prolonged use of pokeweed can cause protracted vomiting, bloody diarrhea, dyspnea (difficulty breathing), muscle spasms, convulsions, and death.
Last updated: September 27, 2011
administration (ad-MIH-nih-STRAY-shun)
In medicine, the act of giving a treatment, such as a drug, to a patient. It can also refer to the way it is given, the dose, or how often it is given.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antifungal (AN-tee-FUN-gul)
A drug that treats infections caused by fungi.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)antiviral (AN-tee-VY-rul)
A drug used to treat infections caused by viruses.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)biological (BY-oh-LAH-jih-kul)
Pertaining to biology or to life and living things. In medicine, refers to a substance made from a living organism or its products. Biologicals may be used to prevent, diagnose, treat or relieve of symptoms of a disease. For example, antibodies, interleukins, and vaccines are biologicals. Biological also refers to parents and children who are related by blood.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)blood (blud)
A tissue with red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and other substances suspended in fluid called plasma. Blood takes oxygen and nutrients to the tissues, and carries away wastes.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)cancer (KAN-ser)
A term for diseases in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems. There are several main types of cancer. Carcinoma is a cancer that begins in the skin or in tissues that line or cover internal organs. Sarcoma is a cancer that begins in bone, cartilage, fat, muscle, blood vessels, or other connective or supportive tissue. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the blood. Lymphoma and multiple myeloma are cancers that begin in the cells of the immune system. Central nervous system cancers are cancers that begin in the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Also called malignancy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)clinical (KLIH-nih-kul)
Having to do with the examination and treatment of patients.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)diarrhea (dy-uh-REE-uh)
Frequent and watery bowel movements.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)dyspnea (DISP-nee-uh)
Difficult, painful breathing or shortness of breath.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)edema (eh-DEE-muh)
Swelling caused by excess fluid in body tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)extract (EK-strakt)
In medicine, a preparation of a substance obtained from plants, animals, or bacteria and used as a drug or in drugs.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)herbal (ER-bul)
Having to do with plants.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)histamine (HIS-tuh-meen)
A substance that has many effects in the body. It is released from some types of white blood cells during allergic reactions. It causes small blood vessels to dilate (widen) and become leaky, which can cause tissues to swell. It also causes smooth muscles to contract, gastric acid to be made, and the heart rate to increase. Histamine is used in tests for allergies, asthma, and gastric acid secretion. It is a type of neurotransmitter.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)hypotension (HY-poh-TEN-shun)
Abnormally low blood pressure.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)immune response (ih-MYOON reh-SPONTS)
The activity of the immune system against foreign substances (antigens).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)immune system (ih-MYOON SIS-tem)
The complex group of organs and cells that defends the body against infections and other diseases.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)in vitro (in VEE-troh)
In the laboratory (outside the body). The opposite of in vivo (in the body).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammation (IN-fluh-MAY-shun)
Redness, swelling, pain, and/or a feeling of heat in an area of the body. This is a protective reaction to injury, disease, or irritation of the tissues.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)inflammatory (in-FLA-muh-TOR-ee)
Having to do with inflammation (redness, swelling, pain, and a feeling of heat that helps protect tissues affected by injury or disease).
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)nausea (NAW-zee-uh)
A feeling of sickness or discomfort in the stomach that may come with an urge to vomit. Nausea is a side effect of some types of cancer therapy.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)oral (OR-ul)
By or having to do with the mouth.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)PAP
An enzyme produced by the prostate. It may be found in increased amounts in men who have prostate cancer. Also called prostatic acid phosphatase.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)peptide (PEP-tide)
A molecule that contains two or more amino acids (the molecules that join together to form proteins). Peptides that contain many amino acids are called polypeptides or proteins.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)protein (PROH-teen)
A molecule made up of amino acids that are needed for the body to function properly. Proteins are the basis of body structures such as skin and hair and of substances such as enzymes, cytokines, and antibodies.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)response (reh-SPONTS)
In medicine, an improvement related to treatment.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)saponin (SA-poh-nin)
A substance found in soybeans and many other plants. Saponins may help lower cholesterol and may have anticancer effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)side effect (side eh-FEKT)
A problem that occurs when treatment affects healthy tissues or organs. Some common side effects of cancer treatment are fatigue, pain, nausea, vomiting, decreased blood cell counts, hair loss, and mouth sores.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)significant (sig-NIH-fih-kunt)
In statistics, describes a mathematical measure of difference between groups. The difference is said to be significant if it is greater than what might be expected to happen by chance alone. Also called statistically significant.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)stomach (STUH-muk)
An organ that is part of the digestive system. The stomach helps digest food by mixing it with digestive juices and churning it into a thin liquid.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)tachycardia (TA-kih-KAR-dee-uh)
Rapid beating of the heart, usually defined as greater than 100 beats per minute.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)topical (TAH-pih-kul)
On the surface of the body.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxic (TOK-sik)
Having to do with poison or something harmful to the body. Toxic substances usually cause unwanted side effects.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)toxicity (tok-SIH-sih-tee)
The extent to which something is poisonous or harmful.
Source: The National Cancer Institute's Dictionary of Cancer Terms
(http://www.cancer.gov/dictionary)
