-IBIS-1.5.0-
rx
herb
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Ipecac)
botanicals
definition
botanical name(s): Cephaelis ipecacuanha
synonyms: ipecac
part(s) used: root, rhizome
qualities:
affinities:
actions: emetic, small doses anti-emetic, expectorant, cholagogue, stomachic,
antiprotozoal, sialagogue
dosage: for emetic purposes:
» syrup of ipecac: half oz., 2 doses only
» tincture: 0.25 - 1.0 ml.
» powder: 0.6 - 1.3 g
therapy: poisonings, nausea; amebic dysentery; bronchitis, asthma, cough
AHPA Botanical Safety Rating: 2b, 2d (not for long-term use, may cause nausea and vomiting; contraindicated in cardiac disease) (McGuffin)
toxicity: 2
» caution is advised during pregnancy (Brinker, 1996, p. 115) since its alkaloid component, emetine, is a uterine stimulant in animal uteri (Brinker, 1989, Farnsworth)
» dermatitis and oral pharyngitis with papule and pustule formation may occur; inhalation of the powder or dust leads to airway restriction spasmodic cough, oppression in the chest, asthma, suffocation (von Oettingen, p. 390)
» gastrointestinal irritation causes emesis; salivation, diaphoresis, prostration, hematemesis, hemoptysis, lacrimation, and bloody diarrhea may occur. Esophageal stricture has been noted to occur following excessive use, especially in young children. Long-term use may lead lead to myocardial depression and degeneration of heart, liver and kidneys (Millspaugh, p. 76; Theines and Haley, p. 130).
» ocular effects are serious and quite severe; hyperemia and ocular edema with visual disturbances may occur (Von Oettingen, p. 390)
» irritative or corrosive poisonings prohibit its use as an emetic due to re-exposure of esophageal tissue to corrosives (Brinker, 1989)
» contraindicated in organic heart disease due to its depressive effect on the heart (Brinker, 1996)
constituents: alkaloids, emitine, glycosides, small amounts of starch
footnotes
Brinker F. 1989. To Health With Herbs (from Eclectic Dispensatory of Botanical Therapeutics. vol. I, Alstat E (comp.)), Portland, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Brinker F. 1996. The Toxicology of Botanical Medicines, rev. 2nd ed., Sandy, Oregon: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Farnsworth NR, Bingel AS, Cordell GA, Crane FA, Fong HHS. 1975. Potential Value of Plants as Sources of New Antifertility Agents I. J. Pharm. Sci., 64:535-98.
McGuffin, Michael, ed. 1997. American Herbal Products Associations Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: The CRC Press.
Millspaugh, C.F. 1974. American Medicinal Plants. New York: Dover Publications.
Thienes, C.H., Haley, T.J. 1975. Clinical Toxicology. 5th ed. Philadelphia: Lea and Febiger.
von Oettingen, W.F. 1958. Poisoning: A Guide to Clinical Diagnosis and Treatment. Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders and Company.