Cupressus arizonica

Related Terms

Cupressaceae (family), Cupressoideae (subfamily), Cupressus, Cupressus arizonica, Cupressus funebris Endl (mourning cypress), Cupressus sempervirens, cypress (Cupressus species), hinokitiol, Italian cypress, phosphatidyl-choline, phosphatidyl-ethanolamine, phospholipids.
Note: This monograph covers only the Cupressus species. The following are names for plant species that use the common name cypress but are not covered in this monograph: cypress (Chamaecyparis species), cypress (Callitropsis species), African cypress (Widdringtonia species), bald cypress (Taxodium species), Chinese swamp cypress (Glyptostrobuspensilis), Cordilleran cypress (Austrocedrus chilensis), Fujian cypress (Fokienia hodginsii), Guaitecas cypress (Pilgerodendron uviferum), Patagonian cypress (Fitzroya cupressoides), Siberian cypress (Microbiota decussata), cypress-pines (Actinostrobus species), cypress-pines (Callitris species), Eastern red cedar, Japanese cypress (Chamaecyparis obtusa), Western red cedar (Thuja plicata).
Note: This monograph does not include sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT).

Background

The genus Cupressus is one of several genera within the family Cupressaceae that share the common name cypress. Cypresses are evergreen trees or large shrubs native to warm temperate habitats, and are found throughout the Mediterranean area. Cupressus sempervirens (Mediterranean cypress) is a species of cypress native to the eastern Mediterranean region.
Cypress essential oil has been used as a fragrance and in aromatherapy. Cypress essential oil may have mood-elevating effects upon inhalation after physical work. Early evidence suggests that cypress may have antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and immunostimulant effects.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. 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 healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for cypress in adults.

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.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Cypress may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Cypress may enhance the immune system. Use cautiously with agents that may stimulate or suppress the immune system.
Cypress may interact with drugs used to treat asthma, antihistamines, or drugs that are eliminated by the kidneys.

Attribution

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).

Bibliography

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Boutin-Forzano, S., Gouitaa, M., Hammou, Y., et al. Personal risk factors for cypress pollen allergy. Allergy 2005;60(4):533-535.
Charpin, D, Calleja, M, Lahoz, C, et al. Allergy to cypress pollen. Allergy 2005;60(3):293-301.
Dhivert-Donnadieu, H. [Allergy to cypress: clinical aspects]. Allerg.Immunol.(Paris) 2000;32(3):133-135.
Gelardi, M., Maselli, Del Giudice, et al. Nasal resistance and allergic inflammation depend on allergen type. Int.Arch.Allergy Immunol. 2006;141(4):384-389.
Geller-Bernstein, C., Waisel, Y., and Lahoz, C. Environment and sensitization to cypress in Israel. Allerg.Immunol.(Paris) 2000;32(3):92-93.
Panzani, R. C. [History of allergy to cypress pollen]. Allerg.Immunol.(Paris) 2000;32(3):142-144.
Papa, G, Romano, A, Quaratino, D, et al. Prevalence of sensitization to Cupressus sempervirens: a 4-year retrospective study. Sci Total Environ 4-10-2001;270(1-3):83-87.
Suzuki, H., Ueda, T., Juranek, I., et al. Hinokitiol, a selective inhibitor of the platelet-type isozyme of arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase. Biochem.Biophys.Res Commun. 9-7-2000;275(3):885-889.