How It Works
Bottom Line: Stillingia should not be used to treat cancer, infections, or other medical conditions, because there is no proof that it works.
Stillingia is a root extract. Almost no research has been performed with this herb, most likely because it is known to contain chemicals called diterpene esters, toxic irritants that can cause swelling and inflammation of the skin. One laboratory experiment suggested that diterpene esters can halt the growth of cancer cells, but this has not been confirmed with stillingia root.
Purported Uses
To treat bronchitis and relieve chest congestion
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat cancer as part of the Hoxsey Herbal Tonic
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To relieve constipation
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat hemorrhoids
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat laryngitis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat skin abcesses
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat muscle spasms
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat syphilis
No scientific evidence supports this use.
Research Evidence
No clinical trials have tested whether stillingia is safe or effective.
Warnings
Stillingia contains chemicals called diterpene esters, which are known to irritate skin and mucous membranes. Major toxicities can occur when this herb is taken by mouth.
This product is regulated by the F.D.A. as a dietary supplement. Unlike approved drugs, supplements are not required to be manufactured under specific standardized conditions. This product may not contain the labeled amount or may be contaminated. In addition, it may not have been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Side Effects
Vertigo
Burning sensation on mucous membranes
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle aches
Pruritus (itching of the skin)
Skin eruptions
Cough
Fatigue
Sweating
Special Point
Stillingia root is one of the ingredients in the Hoxsey Herbal Therapy, which is promoted for treating cancer but has never been proven to be effective.
Scientific Name
Common Name
Stillingia treculeana, queen's root, queen's delight, yaw root
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root of the plant. This supplement is used to treat syphilis, bronchitis, constipation, hemorrhoids, skin conditions, and as part of the
Hoxsey herbal tonic for cancer. Stillingia contains diterpene esters that cause mucosal irritation and skin eruptions. Other reported toxicities include vertigo, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle ache, pruritus, cough, fatigue, and sweating. No clinical data support the use of this supplement for any proposed claim. Significant toxicity can occur following administration.
(1)
Purported uses
Bronchitis
Cancer treatment
Chest congestion
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Laryngitis
Skin abscesses
Spasms
Syphilis
Constituents
Terpenoids: Stillingia factors S1-S8
Diterpene esters: Phorbol, ingenane, daphnane
Volatile oils
Other: Sylvacrol, resinic acid, stillingine, tannin, hydrocyanic acid (leaf and stem)
(1)
Mechanism of Action
No studies have evaluated stillingia for any proposed claim. Stillingia contains diterpene esters, toxic irritants that can cause swelling and inflammation of the skin
(1). Anecdotal in vitro research suggests that diterpene esters may have antitumor activity
(2), but this has not been confirmed with stillingia root.
Warnings
The diterpene esters in stillingia are irritants to the skin and mucous membranes
(1).
Adverse Reactions
Toxicity: Vertigo, burning sensation on mucous membranes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle ache, pruritus, skin eruptions, cough, fatigue, sweating
(1).
Herb-Drug Interactions
None known
Literature Summary and Critique
No studies have evaluated stillingia root for any proposed claim.
References
