Bishop's weed

Related Terms

5-MOP, 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), 8-MOP, Ammi majus, Ammi majus Linn, Apiaceae (family, formerly Umbelliferae), bergapten, bishop's flower, bishopsweed, bullwort, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, cinnamic acid, false queen Anne's lace, ferulic acid, furanocoumarins, gallic acid, greater ammi, lady's lace, large bullwort, methoxsalen, oxypeucedanin, phenolic acids, photochemotherapy, psoralens, tannic acid, Umbelliferae (former family), vanillic acid, xanthotoxin.
Note: Bishop's weed is also a widely used common name for other Apiaceae family plants, such as goutweed, also known as bishop's goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.), and khella (Ammi visnaga).
The prescription drug methoxsalen was developed from bishop's weed.

Background

Bishop's weed (Ammi majus) is an annual plant in the Apiaceae family, often cultivated for its attractive flowering stems. It is also a commonly used spice in India.
Bishop's weed contains psoralens, which are substances that react with ultraviolet (UV) light and darken the skin. Psoralens are currently used together with UV light therapy to treat skin disorders such as psoriasis and vitiligo. Oral 8-methoxypsoralen, a drug made from bishop's weed, has been described as the drug of choice in photochemotherapy for vitiligo and psoriasis.
Early evidence suggests that psoralen compound 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) from Ammi majus may help treat vitiligo (leukoderma). However, case reports also mention potential phototoxic skin damage, phototoxic dermatitis, and pigmentary retinopathy caused by Ammi majus.
There is currently insufficient evidence available in humans to support the use of Ammi majus for any medical condition. High-quality human studies are needed before any strong conclusion can be made about its safety and effectiveness.

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 *


8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a compound found in bishop's weed, has been used to treat psoriasis, although there is some concern that it may cause eye damage. There is a lack of available research on the safety of bishop's weed. High-quality human studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a compound found in bishop's weed, has been used to treat psoriasis, although there is some concern that it may cause eye damage. There is a lack of available research on the safety of bishop's weed. High-quality human studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a compound found in bishop's weed, has been used to treat tinea versicolor. However, high-quality human studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a compound found in bishop's weed, has been used to treat tinea versicolor. However, high-quality human studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a compound found in bishop's weed, may help treat vitiligo (leukoderma). However, high-quality human studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C


Early research suggests that 8-methoxypsoralen (8-MOP), a compound found in bishop's weed, may help treat vitiligo (leukoderma). However, high-quality human studies are needed before a conclusion can be made.

 C
* 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)
For psoriasis, tinea versicolor, and vitiligo (leukoderma), 10-milligram capsules of a preparation containing ultramicronized methoxypsoralen (8-MOP) has been used. The authors concluded that the therapeutic effective dose was found to be 0.25 milligrams per kilogram of body weight.

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
Bishop's weed may increase the risk of bleeding when taken with blood thinners.
In theory, bishop's weed may increase the effects of drugs that are broken down by the liver's cytochrome P450 enzyme system.
Bishop's weed may cause the skin to become sensitive to ultraviolet light.

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

Ahsan, S. K., Tariq, M., Ageel, A. M., al Yahya, M. A., and Shah, A. H. Effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum and Ammi majus on calcium oxalate urolithiasis in rats. J Ethnopharmacol 1989;26(3):249-254.
Bethea, D., Fullmer, B., Syed, S., Seltzer, G., Tiano, J., Rischko, C., Gillespie, L., Brown, D., and Gasparro, F. P. Psoralen photobiology and photochemotherapy: 50 years of science and medicine. J Dermatol Sci 1999;19(2):78-88.
Dollahite, J. W., Younger, R. L., and Hoffman, G. O. Photosensitization in cattle and sheep caused by feeding Ammi majus (greater Ammi; Bishop's-Weed). Am J Vet.Res 1978;39(1):193-197.
El Mofty, A. M. Observations on the use of Ammi majus Linn. In vitiligo. Br J Dermatol 1952;64(12):431-441.
El Mofty, A. M., el Sawalhy, H., and el Mofty, M. Clinical study of a new preparation of 8-methoxypsoralen in photochemotherapy. Int J Dermatol 1994;33(8):588-592.
Kavli, G. and Volden, G. Phytophotodermatitis. Photodermatol. 1984;1(2):65-75.
Kiistala, R., Makinen-Kiljunen, S., Heikkinen, K., Rinne, J., and Haahtela, T. Occupational allergic rhinitis and contact urticaria caused by bishop's weed (Ammi majus). Allergy 1999;54(6):635-639.
Ossenkoppele, P. M., van der Sluis, W. G., and van Vloten, W. A. [Phototoxic dermatitis following the use of Ammi majus fruit for vitiligo]. Ned.Tijdschr.Geneeskd. 3-16-1991;135(11):478-480.
Singh, U. P., Singh, D. P., Maurya, S., Maheshwari, R., Singh, M., Dubey, R. S., and Singh, R. B. Investigation on the phenolics of some spices having pharmacotherapeuthic properties. J Herb Pharmacother 2004;4(4):27-42.
Shlosberg, A. and Egyed, M. N. Examples of poisonous plants in Israel of importance to animals and man. Arch Toxicol Suppl 1983;6:194-196.