Each 1 drop serving contains: Ailantus Glandulosus 9 CH • Apis Mellifera 7 CH • Arsenicum album 9 CH • Belladonna 5 CH • Hepar Sulfuris Calcareum 5 CH • Kalium Bichromicum 6 CH • Mercurius Solubilis 7 CH • Phytolacca decandra 5 CH. Other Ingredients: Ethanol.
Brand name products often contain multiple ingredients. To read detailed information about each ingredient, click on the link for the individual ingredient shown above.
In 2004, Canada began regulating natural medicines as a category of products separate from foods or drugs. These products are officially recognized as "Natural Health Products." These products include vitamins, minerals, herbal preparations, homeopathic products, probiotics, fatty acids, amino acids, and other naturally derived supplements.
In order to be marketed in Canada, natural health products must be licensed. In order to be licensed in Canada, manufacturers must submit applications to Health Canada including information about uses, formulation, dosing, safety, and efficacy.
Products can be licensed based on several criteria. Some products are licensed based on historical or traditional uses. For example, if an herbal product has a history of traditional use, then that product may be acceptable for licensure. In this case, no reliable scientific evidence is required for approval.
For products with non-traditional uses, some level of scientific evidence may be required to support claimed uses. However, a high level of evidence is not necessarily required. Acceptable sources of evidence include at least one well-designed, randomized, controlled trial; well-designed, non-randomized trials; cohort and case control studies; or expert opinion reports.
Finished products licensed by Health Canada must be manufactured according to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) as outlined by Health Canada.
This is a homeopathic preparation. Homeopathy is a system of medicine established in the 19th century by a German physician named Samuel Hahnemann. Its basic principles are that "like treats like" and "potentiation through dilution." For example, in homeopathy, diarrhea would be treated with an extreme dilution of a substance that normally causes diarrhea when taken in high doses.
Practitioners of homeopathy believe that more dilute preparations are more potent. Many homeopathic preparations are so diluted that they contain little or no active ingredient. Therefore, most homeopathic products are not expected to have any pharmacological effects, drug interactions, or other harmful effects. Any beneficial effects are controversial and cannot be explained by current scientific methods.
Dilutions of 1 to 10 are designated by an "X." So a 1X dilution = 1:10, 3X=1:1000; 6X=1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 1 to 100 are designated by a "C." So a 1C dilution = 1:100; 3C = 1:1,000,000. Dilutions of 24X or 12C or more contain zero molecules of the original active ingredient.
Homeopathic products are permitted for sale in the US due to legislation passed in 1938 sponsored by a homeopathic physician who was also a Senator. The law still requires that the FDA allow the sale of products listed in the Homeopathic Pharmacopeia of the United States. However, homeopathic preparations are not held to the same safety and effectiveness standards as conventional medicines. For more information, see the Homeopathy monograph.
Below is general information about the effectiveness of the known ingredients contained in the product La Gorge De Capucin. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
INSUFFICIENT RELIABLE EVIDENCE to RATE
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of pokeweed.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of tree of heaven.
Below is general information about the safety of the known ingredients contained in the product La Gorge De Capucin. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
LIKELY SAFE ...when organic arsenic is consumed in normal food amounts. Organic forms of arsenic normally found in foods have not been linked to toxicity (7135,16309). ...when arsenic trioxide is used intravenously and appropriately under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Arsenic trioxide (Trisenox) is an FDA-approved prescription drug (15).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when inorganic arsenic is used orally, especially when used long-term or in high doses. Taking large doses acutely, or in small doses for prolonged periods of time, can cause serious side effects. Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily has been associated with symptomatic arsenicism. Acute doses of 5 mg, or sometimes less, can cause gastrointestinal symptoms. Higher doses can cause severe poisoning and death (7135,16310,16312,16313,16316,102892). Prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water and other sources has been linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, hypertension, and mortality (99824,99827,99829,99830,99832,99834,99835,109108,109110). Inorganic arsenic is classified as a human carcinogen (16312,16316). The maximum permissible level of arsenic in drinking water is 10 mcg/L (16316).
CHILDREN: LIKELY SAFE
when organic arsenic is consumed in food amounts.
Organic forms of arsenic found in a normal diet have not been linked to toxicity (7135,16309).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when inorganic arsenic is used orally, especially when used long-term or in high doses.
Large doses acutely, or in small doses for prolonged periods of time, can cause serious side effects. Prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been linked to reduced scores on intelligence tests, developmental delays, impaired verbal comprehension, decreased memory and attention, and higher blood pressure in children (16319,99826,99828,99836,102898).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY SAFE
when organic arsenic is consumed in food amounts.
Organic forms of arsenic found in a normal diet have not been linked to toxicity (7135,16309).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when inorganic arsenic is taken orally, especially when used long-term or in high doses.
While exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water does not seem to increase the risk of neural tube defects (102897), it has been associated with an increased risk for spontaneous abortion, stillbirth, and neonatal mortality (99833). Exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water and other sources while pregnant has also been linked to changes in birth weight, length, and head circumference (102895), with one study showing that higher maternal blood arsenic levels are associated with 44% greater odds of delivering a small for gestational age infant and 103% greater odds of delivering a large for gestational age infant (102895,102896). Avoid arsenic supplements and water contaminated with arsenic during pregnancy or lactation.
LIKELY SAFE ...when FDA-approved purified bee venom is given by subcutaneous injection by a trained medical professional (2619,6070,96572).
POSSIBLY SAFE ...when applied using stings from live bees. Live bee stings have been safely administered under medical supervision in doses up to 20 bee stings three times weekly for up to 24 weeks (13222). There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of bee venom when used topically or injected in combination with acupuncture.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY SAFE
when used by subcutaneous injection by a trained medical professional.
Significant adverse effects to fetus or mother have not been reported. However, some clinicians decrease maintenance dose by half during pregnancy (2619).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE
when used by subcutaneous injection in high doses.
High doses of bee venom can increase release of histamine, which can cause uterine contraction (2619); avoid using in high doses.
POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used rectally. It is not known whether significant amounts of the toxic alkaloids are absorbed from the rectum (106909). ...when used topically. It is not known whether significant amounts of the toxic alkaloids are absorbed through the skin (106909).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally. Belladonna contains toxic alkaloids and has been linked to reports of serious adverse effects (12,553,34144).
CHILDREN: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Fatalities in children may occur at doses of belladonna providing atropine 0.2 mg/kg (34168). Two belladonna berries, which contain 2 mg atropine per fruit, may be lethal for a small child (34144). Severe adverse effects and fatalities have been reported in infants treated with topical homeopathic teething products containing belladonna (17493,34142,34146,93537).
PREGNANCY: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Belladonna contains toxic alkaloids and has been linked to reports of serious adverse effects (12,553,34144).
LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when used orally.
Belladonna can reduce milk production and is secreted into breast milk (15).
LIKELY UNSAFE ...when pokeweed is used orally. All parts of the pokeweed plant, especially the root, are considered to be toxic (3477,3479). The Herb Trade Association recommends against selling pokeweed as an herbal beverage or food (3478). Severe poisoning has been reported from ingesting tea brewed from pokeweed root (3478) and pokeweed leaves (3480,69094). Poisoning also has resulted from ingestion of pokeberry wine and pokeberry pancakes (3479). Consuming just 10 berries can be toxic to an adult (6). Green berries are considered more toxic than mature, red berries (4). ...when applied topically to the skin. Skin contact can cause hematological changes (3477,3481,3482). Protective gloves should be used to handle the plant (3477).
CHILDREN: UNSAFE
when used orally.
Children have died after ingesting pokeweed berries. Consumption of even one berry can be toxic (3479).
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: LIKELY UNSAFE
when pokeweed is used orally or applied topically; avoid using.
Evidence suggests the pokeweed berry has uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects (4,19). Pokeweed is generally considered unsafe for any use.
There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of tree of heaven.
PREGNANCY AND LACTATION:
Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.
Below is general information about the interactions of the known ingredients contained in the product La Gorge De Capucin. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
Arsenic trioxide can prolong the QT interval.
Details
Up to 40% of patients treated with prescription arsenic trioxide have a prolonged QT interval on their electrocardiogram (ECG) (15). Theoretically, non-prescription arsenic could have an additive effect when combined with drugs that prolong the QT interval.
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Bee venom might stimulate immune system activity (6044,6071).Theoretically, bee venom might interfere with immunosuppressant therapy. Immunosuppressant drugs include azathioprine (Imuran), basiliximab (Simulect), cyclosporine (Neoral, Sandimmune), daclizumab (Zenapax), muromonab-CD3 (OKT3, Orthoclone OKT3), mycophenolate (CellCept), tacrolimus (FK506, Prograf), sirolimus (Rapamune), prednisone (Deltasone, Orasone), corticosteroids (glucocorticoids), and others.
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Belladonna may increase the risk of adverse effects when used concomitantly with anticholinergic drugs.
Details
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Theoretically, belladonna might reduce the effects of cisapride.
Details
Belladonna contains atropine. In vivo evidence suggests that atropine can prevent cisapride from increasing motility in the gastrointestinal tract (25191).
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Theoretically, tree of heaven extract might reduce platelet aggregation and increase the risk of bleeding if used with antiplatelet or anticoagulant drugs. In vitro evidence shows that tree of heaven crude extract attenuates epinephrine and adenosine diphosphate-induced platelet aggregation (102452). This interaction has not been seen in humans. Until more is known, use with caution in patients taking anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs.
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Below is general information about the adverse effects of the known ingredients contained in the product La Gorge De Capucin. Some ingredients may not be listed. This information does NOT represent a recommendation for or a test of this specific product as a whole.
General
...Orally, organic forms of arsenic found in the diet are well tolerated, with no clear links to adverse effects.
However, high doses or chronic intake of inorganic arsenic is associated with potentially serious adverse effects.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Orally: With the acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic, anemia, arrhythmias, bruising, gastrointestinal irritation or damage, hepatotoxicity, and peripheral neuropathy.
With chronic intake of inorganic arsenic, arsenicism can occur, including anorexia, cancer, skin hyperpigmentation and hyperkeratosis, and toxicity of the cardiovascular and neurological systems.
Cardiovascular
...Orally, doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause hematopoietic depression including anemia, arrhythmias, and blood vessel damage leading to bruising (7135,16309,16312).
Acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 10 mg/kg daily or more causes vasodilation and myocardial depression leading to myocardial injury, shock, and circulatory failure (17,7135,16313,16316,102892). Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by cardiomyopathy and arrhythmias (17,7135,16309,16310,16316). Prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water at levels greater than or equal to 20 mcg/L has been linked, in a dose-dependent manner, to a 9% to 43% greater risk of cardiovascular disease, 11% to 55% greater risk of coronary heart disease, and 16% to 90% greater risk of cardiovascular-related death (99827). Also, each interquartile increase in urinary inorganic arsenic levels is associated with an increased risk of both cardiovascular and all-cause mortality in a specific area of the US (109110). A metabolite of arsenic, monomethylarsonic acid, has also been positively linked to stroke risk (99831). Increased exposure to inorganic arsenic has also been linked to the development of left ventricular hypertrophy (99835). The cardiovascular adverse effects of inorganic arsenic appear to be more profound in males with hypertension (99829).
The association between arsenic exposure and hypertension has also been investigated. A meta-analysis of observational research has found that the odds of having hypertension and risk of hypertension were increased by 14% and 30%, respectively, in those with the highest arsenic exposure when compared with the lowest. Exposure was determined based on intake of rice and rice products, as well as exposure in water, or levels in urine, hair, or toenails (109108). Additionally, increased exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been linked to higher blood pressure in children (102898).
Dermatologic ...Orally, chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by skin hyperpigmentation, hyperkeratosis, alopecia, and occlusive peripheral vascular disease leading to gangrene (17,7135,16309,16310,16316,102894). In one case, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused eczema of the hands, arms, and legs (102893).
Endocrine ...Orally, prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been associated with a 23% to 75% increase in the risk for diabetes (99830,99834). For every 100 mcg/L increase in inorganic arsenic levels in drinking water, the associated risk for diabetes increases by 13% (99834). A small meta-analysis has found that overall exposure to arsenic, including organic and inorganic arsenic, is associated with an increased risk of developing gestational diabetes (106539).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 5 mg, or sometimes less, can cause vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramps, and flatulence (16316,102893). These effects usually resolve in about 12 hours without treatment (16316). Doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause gastrointestinal irritation (7135,16309,16312). Acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 10 mg/kg daily or more causes severe gastrointestinal symptoms including bloody rice-water diarrhea (17,7135,16313,16316,102892). Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by anorexia and gastrointestinal disturbances (17,7135,16309,16310,16316).
Genitourinary ...Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused irregular menstruation (102893). A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from genitourinary diseases (106541).
Hematologic ...Orally, chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by anemia, leukopenia, and occlusive peripheral vascular disease (17,7135,16309,16310,16316).
Hepatic
...Orally, doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause hepatotoxicity (7135,16309,16312).
The homeopathic remedy, arsenicum album, has been associated with three cases of acute liver injury. In one case, a 70-year-old male with pre-existing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) cirrhosis died following the acute liver injury associated with use of this compound for about 12 weeks. High levels of arsenic were found in his hair and nail samples. Symptoms in the two other individuals resolved upon discontinuation of homeopathic arsenic and use of corticosteroids (109114).
Musculoskeletal ...Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused leg cramps in one patient (102893).
Neurologic/CNS
...Orally, doses of inorganic arsenic 1 mg/kg daily can cause peripheral neuropathy and encephalopathy (7135,16309,16312).
In one case, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused headache, dizziness, and difficulty concentrating (102893). Acute ingestion of inorganic arsenic 10 mg/kg daily or more can cause cerebral edema, leading to encephalopathy, convulsions, coma, and death (17,7135,16313,16316). Chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, characterized in part by sensory disturbances, peripheral neuropathy, encephalopathy, confusion, and memory loss (17,7135,16309,16310,16316). A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from nervous system diseases (106541).
In children, prolonged exposure to inorganic arsenic in drinking water has been linked to reduced scores on intelligence tests, developmental delays, impaired verbal comprehension, and decreased memory and attention (16319,99826,99828,99836).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused conjunctivitis in one patient (102893). A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from traffic accidents. This is suggested to be related to a higher prevalence of visual field narrowing due to macular degeneration, as well as motor or sensory dysfunction, in those exposed to arsenic during infancy (106541).
Oncologic ...Inorganic arsenic is classified as a human carcinogen (16312,16316). Orally, chronic intake of 10 mcg/kg daily of inorganic arsenic produces arsenicism, which can result in cancers of the skin, lungs, liver, kidneys, and bladder (17,7135,16309,16310,16316). Chronic ingestion of lower doses of inorganic arsenic, as a contaminant in well water, has also been linked to cancers of the skin, bladder, kidneys, and lungs (7135,99824,99832,106540). More specifically, levels of inorganic arsenic greater than 200 mcg/L in drinking water have been linked to lung cancer (99824). Levels of inorganic arsenic greater than 10 mcg/L in drinking water are also dose-dependently linked to an increased risk for bladder and kidney cancers (99832). A meta-analysis of observational research has found that arsenic exposure, especially from water and soil, is associated with prostate cancer risk (109109). A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from liver cancer (106541).
Psychiatric ...Orally, chronic intake of inorganic arsenic 30 ng daily has reportedly caused insomnia and anxiety in one patient (102893).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased mortality from respiratory diseases (106541).
Other
...Orally, high doses of inorganic arsenic can cause death.
In one case, a 24-year-old female receiving a combination of arsenic trioxide, realgar, and mung bean flour from an illegal medical provider died within days of taking the compounded preparation. Laboratory analysis revealed the amount of arsenic consumed to be around 1.1 grams on day 1 and 0.9 grams on day 4. Researchers concluded that arsenic as the source of poisoning was clear based on the amount of arsenic ingested and the patient's clinical presentation prior to death, which included vomiting, diarrhea, reduced urine output, liver and kidney abnormalities, and myocardial injury (102892).
A long-term observational study in adults has found that exposure to inorganic arsenic from consumption of contaminated milk powder during infancy is associated with increased all-cause mortality (106541).
General
...Purified bee venom given subcutaneously by a trained medical professional is generally well tolerated when used for diagnosis or immunotherapy of bee sting allergy.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Parenterally: Dizziness, injection site erythema, itching, nausea and vomiting, swelling, tenderness, urticaria.
Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):
Parenterally: Anaphylaxis, asthma, chest pain or tightness, coagulation abnormalities, confusion, edema, hypotension, laryngeal edema, malaise, palpitations, respiratory distress, somnolence.
Cardiovascular ...Case reports have described stroke, and bradycardia associated with bee venom therapy (96576). Other reported adverse cardiovascular effects include cardiac dysfunction, palpitations, hypotension, and chest pain or tightness (1343,2619,6070,6078,111472,111474).
Dermatologic ...Local adverse effects of parenteral bee venom include erythema, swelling, numbness, pain, and tenderness at the injection site, itching, urticaria, and edema (1343,13222,102531). Bee stings have been associated with eosinophilic foreign body granuloma (111482), and bee venom acupuncture can cause dermatitis, contact urticaria, skin infection with Mycobacterium chelonae (11483), giant dermatofibroma, or chronic folliculitis (96576). A case report describes panniculitis associated with bee venom immunotherapy (96576).
Hematologic ...Bee venom therapy has been associated with coagulation abnormalities including intravascular hemolysis and thrombocytopenia (6046,96576,111474). Bee venom given with acupuncture can cause disseminated intravascular coagulation (6046,96576).
Hepatic ...Two case reports describe hepatotoxicity, including acute icteric hepatitis associated with bee venom acupuncture (96576). Another case report describes hepatitis B reactivation complicated by nephritic syndrome during bee venom immunotherapy (96576).
Immunologic
...Immune-mediated reactions associated with bee venom include rash, itching, generalized hypersensitivity reaction, anaphylaxis, serum sickness reaction, and immune thrombocytopenia
6077,95899,96576,11470). Estimates of the rate of immunologic reactions to various forms of bee venom range from 0.025% to 29% (96576,105770,11470,111475). They occur most frequently when doses are increased rapidly. Females and people with a c-KIT mutation may have more severe and frequent adverse effects (1343,6077,102533,11470). Doses of bee venom associated with adverse effects vary from 0.1 to 2 mL, and anaphylaxis has occurred after 1-24 doses (11470).
Bee venom is also associated with autoimmune disorders, including systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Guillain-Barre syndrome, and pemphigus vulgaris (96574,111473). In a case report, a 68-year-old female developed Guillain-Barré syndrome with progressive quadriplegia ten days after receiving acupuncture with honeybee venom for pain (96573). In another case, a 64-year-old female developed pemphigus foliaceus, involving pruritic, erythematous, erosive skin lesions with crusting and plaques, after bee venom acupuncture twice weekly for 2 months. Immunoglobulin G was detected in the intercellular spaces between keratinocytes. Partial resolution occurred after 2 months of treatment with oral corticosteroids and azathioprine (111473).
Musculoskeletal ...Bee venom can cause rhabdomyolysis (111474). A 63-year-old female who received an accidental injection into the psoas muscle of 2 mL of normal saline containing bee venom diluted in a 1:2000 ratio, experienced severe burning pain at the injection site which persisted for 1 month, with imaging showing inflammation of the muscle. The pain gradually resolved over the following 5 months (11475).
Neurologic/CNS ...Bee venom can cause pain, headache, somnolence, and confusion (1343,2619,6070,6078,96576,111472). It has also been associated with a case of neuralgic amyotrophy (96576).
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Bee venom has been associated with asthma, hyperventilation, respiratory distress, paralysis of respiratory muscles, and pulmonary or laryngeal edema (1343,2619,6070,6078,96576,111474).
Renal ...Bee venom immunotherapy has been associated with nephrotic syndrome, acute interstitial nephritis, and acute tubular necrosis (96576,111474). A case report describes a 50-year-old male with type 2 diabetes and normal renal function who developed acute kidney injury with combined features of interstitial nephritis and tubular necrosis after being stung by more than 1000 bees. He made a full recovery over several weeks with intermittent hemodialysis (111474).
General
...Orally, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects even at low doses, and is considered poisonous.
Most Common Adverse Effects:
Orally: Anticholinergic side effects, including blurred vision, constipation, delirium, dilated pupils, dizziness, dry mouth, fever, headache, hypertension, muscle rigidity and tremor, psychosis, respiratory failure, and slurred speech.
Cardiovascular ...Orally, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects such as hypertension, hypotension, tachycardia, and ventricular premature beats (553,34168,34180).
Dermatologic
...Orally, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry, red skin and decreased perspiration (553,34146,34152).
One case of rash and another case of hives have been reported in patients taking belladonna with phenobarbital and ergotamine orally; it is unclear if the adverse effects were due to belladonna or the other ingredients (34154).
Topically, belladonna plaster (Cuxon Gerrard) can cause contact dermatitis (34152).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dry mouth and constipation (553,34162,34163,34176,34180,34181).
Genitourinary ...Orally, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects such as urinary retention (553,34145,34150,34163).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects such as memory and attention impairment, headache, and confusion (553,34163,34180).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally and topically, belladonna can cause anticholinergic side effects such as dilation of pupils and blurred vision (553,34157,34168,34169,34180). A case report describes anisocoria (unequal pupil sizes) in a 70-year-old female who used homeopathic pink eye relief drops (Similasan) containing belladonna, eyebright, and hepar sulphuris (calcium sulfide) in one eye for 3 days. The pupil dilation lasted more than 2 weeks and did not respond to bright light or pilocarpine (106907). Another report describes a case of acute angle closure glaucoma, requiring referral to an ophthalmologist, in a 55-year-old female who used these eye drops for 2 days (106906).
General
...Pokeweed is generally regarded as unsafe for use.
Any benefits of therapy may not outweigh the risk of toxicity. Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, weakness, hypotension, bloody emesis, bloody diarrhea, tachycardia, difficulty breathing, salivation, urinary incontinence, spasms, convulsions (3477,3478,3479), severe thirst, somnolence, transient blindness, respiratory failure (3477,3479), and death (3477).
Orally and topically, pokeweed has been reported to cause plasmacytosis, mitotic changes in peripheral blood cells, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, abnormal platelet morphology, and other hematologic abnormalities (3477,3478,3481,3482). Protective gloves should be used to handle the plant (3477).
Cardiovascular ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause hypotension and tachycardia (3477,3478,3479).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, diarrhea, a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, bloody emesis, and bloody diarrhea (3477,3478,3479).
Genitourinary ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause urinary incontinence (3477,3478,3479).
Hematologic ...Orally and topically, pokeweed has been reported to cause plasmacytosis, mitotic changes in peripheral blood cells, eosinophilia, thrombocytopenia, abnormal platelet morphology, and other hematologic abnormalities. When used topically, these effects are more likely to occur in individuals with cuts or abrasions on the skin (3477,3478,3481,3482). Protective gloves should be used to handle the plant (3477).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause weakness, salivation, spasms, convulsions (3477,3478,3479), severe thirst, and somnolence (3477,3479).
Ocular/Otic ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause transient blindness (3477,3479),
Pulmonary/Respiratory ...Orally, all parts of the pokeweed plant can cause difficulty breathing (3477,3478,3479), respiratory failure (3477,3479), and death (3477).
General ...There is currently a limited amount of information available about the safety of tree of heaven. Orally, large amounts of the bark have been reported to cause queasiness, dizziness, headache, limb tingling, and diarrhea (18).
Gastrointestinal ...Orally, large amounts of tree of heaven bark have been reported to cause queasiness and diarrhea (18).
Neurologic/CNS ...Orally, large amounts of tree of heaven bark have been reported to cause dizziness, headache, and limb tingling (18).