Parthenium argentatum

Related Terms

Argentatin, Asteraceae (family), Compositae (family), daisies, dandelion, goldenrod, guayule rubber plant, Parthenium argentatum (Gray)., ragweed, sunflower.

Background

Guayule (Parthenium argentatum) is native to the southwestern United States and may be a natural source of hypoallergenic latex because large quantities of rubber accumulated in its cells lack the latex proteins that cause allergic reactions. Preliminary tests show that guayule latex film may be an effective barrier to virus transmission, even after long-term storage.
There is currently insufficient evidence available in humans to support the use of guayule for any indication.

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 guayule 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
Guayule may interfere with the way the body processes certain drugs using the liver's cytochrome P450 system. As a result, the levels of these drugs may be altered, and may increase/decrease the effects or increase potentially serious adverse reactions. If using any medications, check the package insert and speak with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, about possible interactions.
Constituents from guayule showed cytotoxic effects on cancer cell lines. Although the clinical significance is unknown, caution is advised in patients taking anticancer agents due to unknown combined effects.

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

Carey AB, Cornish K, Schrank P, et al. Cross-reactivity of alternate plant sources of latex in subjects with systemic IgE-mediated sensitivity to Hevea brasiliensis latex. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol 1995;74(4):317-320.
Cornish K, Lytle CD. Viral impermeability of hypoallergenic, low protein, guayule latex films. J.Biomed.Mater.Res. 12-5-1999;47(3):434-437.
Pan Z, Durst F, Werck-Reichhart D, et al. The major protein of guayule rubber particles is a cytochrome P450. Characterization based on cDNA cloning and spectroscopic analysis of the solubilized enzyme and its reaction products. J.Biol.Chem. 4-14-1995;270(15):8487-8494.
Pan Z, Herickhoff L, Backhaus RA. Cloning, characterization, and heterologous expression of cDNAs for farnesyl diphosphate synthase from the guayule rubber plant reveals that this prenyltransferase occurs in rubber particles. Arch.Biochem.Biophys. 8-1-1996;332(1):196-204.
Parra-Delgado H, Garcia-Pillado F, Sordo M, et al. Evaluation of the cytotoxicity, cytostaticity and genotoxicity of argentatins A and B from Parthenium argentatum (Gray). Life Sci 10-14-2005;77(22):2855-2865.
Siler DJ, Cornish K, Hamilton RG. Absence of cross-reactivity of IgE antibodies from subjects allergic to Hevea brasiliensis latex with a new source of natural rubber latex from guayule (Parthenium argentatum). J.Allergy Clin.Immunol. 1996;98(5 Pt 1):895-902.