Piscidia communis

Related Terms

Barbasco (Spanish - Venezuela), beta-sitosterol, bois ? enivrer (French), bois enivrant (French), bois ivrant (French), calcium oxalate, chijol (Spanish - Mexico), cocinte, corce de bois de chien (French), dehydromilletone, dogwood, dogwood Jamaica, ehijol, Erythrina piscipula, Fabaceae (family), fish catching coral tree, fish poison bark, fish poison tree, fishfuddle, fishfudle, fishpoison, fishpoison tree, fish-poison tree, flavonoids, flor de papagallo (Spanish), Florida fish poison tree, Florida fishpoison tree, fukiic acid, glucosides, guana hedionda (Spanish - Cuba), haabi, haabin, Ichthyomethia piscipula, ichthyone, isoflavones, isomilletone, jabin, Jamaica dogwood, Jamaica dogwood bark, Jamaica fish-fuddle tree, Jamaican cornouiller, javin, lisetine, malic acid, milletone, mulungfi, murungfi, palo de zope (Spanish - Guatemala), piscerythrone, piscidia, piscidic acid, piscidin, piscidine, piscidone, resin, resin alkaloid, rotenoids, rotenone, sinicuichi, succinic acid, sumatrol, tannins, tartaric acid, ventura, volatile oil, West Indian dogwood, zopilocuave (Spanish - El Salvador).
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Background

The Jamaican dogwood tree is native to the West Indies, Florida, and Central America. Its scientific names include Piscidia communis, Piscidia erythrina, and Piscidia piscipula. The bark has a bitter taste and unpleasant odor. It is also called fispoison and fishfuddle because of its traditional use in slowing fish in order to make them easier to catch.
Traditional uses of Jamaican dogwood in medicine include pain relief, sedation, menstrual uses, psychiatric uses, gastrointestinal uses, and aid for labor. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence in support of Jamaican dogwood for any use at this time. Jamaican dogwood may be toxic and may cause breathing difficulties, drowsiness, muscular relaxation, and lack of coordination. Medicinal use of Jamaican dogwood is not recommended unless under the care of a healthcare professional.

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)
The following doses have been used: 1-2 teaspoons or 1-4 grams of Jamaican dogwood root boiled in water and drunk when needed; 1-4 milliliters of Jamaican dogwood tincture taken three times daily or as needed; 5-20 drops or 1-2 milliliters of Jamaican fluid extract taken three times daily; 2-8 milliliters of liquid extract of Piscidio; 1-5 grains of solid extract of Jamaican dogwood; and 1-2 grams of dried Jamaican dogwood root bark or decoction three times daily.
To treat dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), 10 drops of Jamaican dogwood has been given hourly.
To treat sleep disorders in elderly people or those who have anxiety, 0.5-1 drachm has been used.
However, experts recommend avoiding use of Jamaican dogwood in any person unless under the advice of a healthcare practitioner, due to evidence of harmful effects.

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
Jamaican dogwood may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol.
Jamaican dogwood may increase blood pressure. Avoid in people taking drugs that affect blood pressure.
Jamaican dogwood may also interact with agents that kill mites or tics, agents that may prevent skin disease, agents that may reduce anxiety, agents that may treat breathing disorders, agents that may treat eye disorders, agents that may treat heart disorders, agents that may treat stomach disorders, anesthetics, antispasm agents, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers.

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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