Pleurisy

Related Terms

Asclepiadaceae (family), Asclepias tuberose, butterfly milkweed, butterfly weed, chigger-weed, pleurisy root.

Background

Pleurisy (Asclepias tuberosa) is found throughout most of the United States, except for the Pacific Northwest. Among gardeners, the plant is better known as butterfly weed or butterfly milkweed, as its showy reddish-orange flowers attract butterflies. In the past, pleurisy was used for pulmonary conditions, such as asthma and bronchitis. However, there is insufficient evidence currently available in humans to support the use of pleurisy for any indication.
Some natural medicine textbooks say that pleurisy contains large amounts of cardiac glycosides; therefore, large doses should be avoided and pleurisy should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular (heart) conditions or taking cardiac glycosides.

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 of pleurisy 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
Although not well studied in humans, pleurisy may alter amine concentrations in the brain and interact with antidepressants.
The roots of the pleurisy plant have been found to contain glycosides of ikemagenin, lineolon, pleurogenin, ascandroside, cardenolide, uzarigenin, coroglaucigenin, and corotoxigenin. Some natural medicine textbooks say that pleurisy contains large amounts of cardiac glycosides; therefore, large doses should be avoided and pleurisy should be used cautiously in patients with cardiovascular (heart) conditions or taking cardiac glycosides, including digoxin.
Although not well studied in humans, pleurisy may contain estrogen-like compounds. Caution is advised when taking pleurisy with other hormonal agents.

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

Abe F, Yamauchi T. An androstane bioside and 3'-thiazolidinone derivatives of doubly-linked cardenolide glycosides from the roots of Asclepias tuberosa. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2000;48(7):991-993.
Abe F, Yamauchi T. Pregnane glycosides from the roots of Asclepias tuberosa. Chem Pharm Bull.(Tokyo) 2000;48(7):1017-1022.
Petricic J. [On the cardenolides of roots of Asclepias tuberosa L.]. Arch Pharm Ber.Dtsch.Pharm Ges 1966;299(12):1007-1011.
Torbert HA, Prior SA, Runion GB, et al. Nitrogen and Carbon Cycling in a Model Longleaf Pine Community as Affected by Elevated Atmospheric CO(2). Environ.Manage. 12-4-2003.