Related Terms

• Amygdaloides latex, asthma spurge, bisabolane sesquiterpenoid, caper spurge, dieterpenoids (segetanes, jatrophanes, paralianes), Euphpekinensin, Euphorbia acaulis, Euphorbia alkaloid, Euphorbia antiquorum, Euphorbia balsamifera, Euphorbia capitata, Euphorbia characias, Euphorbia chrysocoma, Euphorbia dendroides, Euphorbia dracunculoides, Euphorbia ebracteolata, Euphorbia fischeriana, Euphorbia fulgens, Euphorbia genus, Euphorbia helioscopia, Euphorbia hermentiana, Euphorbia heterophylla, Euphorbia hirta, Euphorbia kansui, Euphorbia lancifolia, Euphorbia latex, Euphorbia lathyris, Euphorbia leuconeura, Euphorbia marginata, Euphorbia myrsinites, Euphorbia neriifolia, Euphorbia obtusifolia, Euphorbia paralias, Euphorbia peplus, Euphorbia pekinensis, Euphorbia pilulifera, Euphorbia poisonii, Euphorbia pulcherrima, Euphorbia pubescens, Euphorbia rigida, Euphorbia royleana, Euphorbia serpyllifolia, Euphorbia tinctoria, Euphorbia tirucalli, Euphorbia triangularis, Euphorbia variegate, Euphorbia wallichii, ixbut, gopher spurge, Mediterranean spurge, petty spurge, pillbearing spurge, spotted spurge, snakeweed, thyme-leaves spurge, triterpenes, wolf's milk extract, ZeQi.

Background

• There are over 2,000 species of Euphorbia in the world, ranging from annual weeds to trees. Most originate in Africa and Madagascar, and a significant percentage of these are succulent. All contain latex and have a unique flower structure.

• Native Americans used the plant for many medicinal purposes including treatment of skin infections (applied on the skin) and gonorrhea (internally). Traditionally, Euphorbia species have been used internally as laxatives and externally for rheumatism and skin conditions. However, nearly all the Euphorbias are poisonous and exude an acrid milky fluid when broken.

• Euphorbia is stated to possess antitussive, antifungal and antitumor properties. There is mixed evidence showing euphorbia's effectiveness for chronic bronchitis, eczema, epilepsy and oral inflammation. Small doses tend to be expectorant and diaphoretic. Larger doses produce emesis (vomiting) usually without much pain or spasm, nausea or dizziness. The roots and leaves of euphorbia are a strong laxative. Petty spurge sap has traditionally been used as a wart cure.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Analgesic (pain reliever), antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, bloating, cancer, catarrh (inflammation of mucous membrane), diaphoretic (induces sweating), digestive problems, dysentery (severe diarrhea), emetic (induces vomiting), expectorant (encourages coughing up of mucous), gonorrhea, hay fever, immune system regulation, laryngeal spasm, laxative, multi-drug resistance, molluscicidal (kills mollusks), parasites/worms, respiratory disorders, rheumatism, skin conditions, tumors, warts.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• A 50 milligram tablet of pulverized plant administered three times daily for two to six weeks has been taken by mouth to treat both wet and dry eczema.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of euphorbia in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Allergy or hypersensitivity to inhalation of pollen from Euphorbia fulgens Karw has been documented, but there is no relation to the toxic substances in the milk-sap of the Euphorbiaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• In general, the sap from euphorbia can cause contact dermatitis and injury to the eye. Euphorbia should be handled with caution using gloves and eye protection. Euphorbia may also irritate or affect the motility of the gastrointestinal tract and cause nausea and vomiting.

• Euphorbia may enhance African Burkitt's lymphoma and Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). Use cautiously in these patients, and consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Euphorbia is not recommended in pregnant and breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Euphorbia may interact with anticonvulsant medications or devitalizing agents. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining any therapies.

• Euphorbia has potential antitussive (preventing or relieving cough) effects, and may increase the effect or side effects if taken with other antitussive agents. Caution is advised.

• Theoretically, euphorbia may interact with other hormone-regulating agents. Examples include menopausal agents or birth control pills.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Euphorbia may interact with herbs or supplements that have anticonvulsant effects or devitalizing effects. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining any therapies.

• Euphorbia has potential antitussive (preventing or relieving cough) effects, and may increase the effect or side effects if taken with other antitussive herbs or supplements. Caution is advised.

• The aqueous leaf extract of Euphorbia hirta may decrease the effect of castor oil-induced diarrhea.

• Theoretically, euphorbia may interact with other hormone-regulating herbs and supplements, such as black cohosh or St. John's wort.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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