Phytolacca americana: Origin, history and botanical description
Phytolacca americana, popularly known as pokeweed, pokeweed, wafer grass, American grapes, or American spinach, is a plant recognized both for its striking appearance and for its many traditional and medicinal uses. It belongs to the Phytolaccaceae family and is native to North America, although it is now naturalized throughout much of the world, including Europe and Asia, where it frequently acts as an invasive species.
Historically, Phytolacca americana It has been used by indigenous peoples of North America and by traditional Chinese medicine in various preparations, both for nutritional and healing purposes. However, the plant is known for its toxicitylarvae, nymphs, and adults, so Extreme caution is recommended in handling and consumption.
This species is characterized by being a perennial herb that can reach between 1 and 3 meters in height. It presents robust stems, generally green or reddish in color, with large, ovate leaves up to 25 cm long. Its flowers are hermaphrodite, small, white or pink, arranged in axillary or terminal clusters that can measure up to 30 cm in length. The plant later produces very showy black or purple berries.
During the flowering season, which runs from spring to late autumn, the Phytolacca americana It adorns fields, roadsides and humid areas with a mild climate.
Taxonomy and nomenclature
- Kingdom: Plant
- Division: Magnoliophyta
- Class: Magnoliopside
- Order: caryophyllales
- Family: Phytolaccaceae
- Gender: Phytolacca
- Species: Phytolacca americana L.
The name "Phytolacca" comes from the Greek python (plant) and Latin lacquer (red dye), referring to both its botanical nature and the colorant obtained from its berries.
Main active compounds and chemistry of the plant
Phytolacca americana It stands out for its complex phytochemical composition, which gives it both its medicinal properties and its significant toxicity. Among the main compounds identified are:
- Triterpene saponins: Phytolaccosides (A, B, C, D, E, F, G), phytolaccagenin, jaligonic acid, esculentic acid, phytolaccagenic acid, oleanolic acid.
- Triterpene alcohols: α-spinasterol, α-spinasterol-β-D-glucoside, 6-palmityl-Δ7-stigmasterol-Δ-D-glucoside.
- Other active ingredients: Phytolaccatoxin (main toxin of the plant), astragalin, lectins, tannins, starch, PAP-R protein (pokeweed antiviral protein), canthomicrol, caryophyllene, pokeweed mitogens, phenolic compounds and glycosides.
These active ingredients present various biological activities, among which are anti-inflammatory, purgative, antiviral, analgesic and even immunomodulatory effects. However, Phytolactin and phytolaccatoxin are responsible for the adverse effects and toxicity, especially present in roots, seeds and green berries.
Medicinal properties attributed to Phytolacca americana
The medicinal use of the Phytolacca americana It has been documented since ancient times, especially by Native American peoples and in folk medicine. The main attributed medicinal properties and existing evidence are detailed below:
- Anti-inflammatory and antirheumatic: Traditionally, it has been used to relieve joint pain, arthritis and rheumatism, usually in the form of a poultice or ointment made from the root.
- Purgative and emetic: The fruits and roots have been used as powerful purgatives and sometimes as emetics (vomiting inducers), an action due to the presence of saponins.
- Expectorant and alternative: It has been used to promote expectoration in respiratory conditions and as an alternative in chronic skin conditions.
- Analgesic: Root powder applied topically has been recommended to relieve localized pain.
- Antiviral and antitumor: Modern research suggests that the PAP-R protein (pokeweed antiviral protein) has antiviral activity, detecting inhibitory effects on HIV and some types of cancer cells in studies. vitroAlthough promising, these actions are in the experimental phase.
- Antibacterial: Extracts of the plant have shown some activity against oral bacteria involved in caries and periodontitis, such as Porphyromonas gingivalis y Streptococcus mutans.
- Application in skin diseases: Traditional medicine reports its use for eczema, psoriasis, acne, sores, and skin ulcers, although direct contact can be irritating to sensitive skin.
- Mouth and Throat Pain Relief: It has been used in gargles or diluted mouthwashes for tonsillitis and laryngitis, taking advantage of its analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential.
- Homeopathic uses: Pokeweed is a common ingredient in homeopathic preparations that claim to relieve symptoms of tonsillitis, mastitis, and lymphatic disorders.
It is essential to emphasize that, although many properties enjoy tradition and even preliminary support in laboratory studies, There are no conclusive clinical trials that certify its effectiveness in humans.. Therefore, its use does not replace conventional medical treatment.
Other traditional and ethnobotanical uses
- natural dye: Its ripe berries produce a reddish-purple dye, historically used to dye wool, silk, and cotton fabrics, and even in the wine industry to intensify the color of red wine, although the latter may increase the risk of toxicity.
- Feeding: Some communities have consumed young shoots after careful cooking, as the toxic compounds are reduced by the heat. Eating fresh parts is strongly discouraged.
- Ornamental gardening: Thanks to its showy clusters of flowers and berries, it is valued as an ornamental plant in gardens and even as food for pollinating insects.
- Biologic control: The possibility of using its toxins to control invasive aquatic species, such as the zebra mussel, has been studied.
- Animal feeding: Its leaves can serve as fodder for certain species of lepidoptera, such as the giant leopard moth, but All parts of the plant are poisonous to mammals, including livestock and humans..
Part used and pharmaceutical forms
- Fruits: Used externally in poultices, their use is very restricted in phytotherapy due to their toxicity.
- Root: Main part used in traditional medicinal preparations (ointments, salves, dry powder), always under strict supervision.
- Tender shoots: Occasionally consumed as food after prolonged cooking in several waters to eliminate toxic principles.
Current formulations include tinctures, extracts, capsules, oils, and ointments, although most products lack clinical regulation and their therapeutic use should always be supervised by specialized healthcare personnel.
Dosage, preparation and recommendations for use
There are no specific safety guidelines or standardized dosages for the use of Phytolacca americana.In traditional herbal medicine, when it has been consumed, it has been resorted to as an infusion of tender shoots boiled in several waters, or to the local use of highly diluted root extracts. Any uncontrolled oral or topical use can lead to serious poisoning. If you purchase herbal supplements, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommended dosage and consult a healthcare professional before starting any treatment.
Nutritional properties and benefits in the diet
Some sources indicate that Phytolacca americana It may have some nutritional value, especially in its cooked sprouts, which provide vitamins and minerals in varying amounts. However, this use is minor and not recommended due to the toxic risk. The nutritional benefit is valued as moderate and always under extraordinarily controlled preparation conditions.
Adverse effects, toxicity and contraindications
All parts of Phytolacca americana are potentially toxic., with the roots, seeds, and green berries being the most dangerous. The main substance responsible for the toxic effects is phytolactin, a potent saponin glycoside. Accidental contact or ingestion can cause symptoms ranging from mild gastrointestinal symptoms to severe poisoning.
- Mild symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, cramps, and dizziness.
- Severe symptoms: Heart rhythm disturbances, seizures, respiratory distress, respiratory paralysis, and even death in exceptional cases or due to high doses.
- Contact dermatitis: Contact with the sap, leaves, or roots may cause skin reactions, blisters, or rashes similar to those caused by poison ivy.
Contraindications
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Children and people with chronic conditions.
- Individuals under treatment with anticoagulants, antihypertensives or diuretics, due to possible interaction.
In many countries, the sale of this plant to the public is restricted or prohibited due to its toxicity, and it is listed on official lists as a species that poses a high health risk if handled uncontrolled.
Current scientific context and clinical evidence
Although a relevant part of the uses of Phytolacca americana They come from folk tradition and traditional medicine, but clinical evidence of their effectiveness is limited. Studies vitro and in animals they have shown antiviral, anti-inflammatory and even antitumor effects (mainly the PAP protein), but There are no robust human clinical trials to support its therapeutic use.Research continues, especially into the immunomodulatory potential of some of its fractions, but its use as a medicine currently lacks firm legal or regulatory support.
Other uses and curiosities of Phytolacca americana
- It has been used as a natural repellent and in household preparations for pest control.
- Several patents have been registered for the use of its active ingredients in the control of aquatic invasive species.
- In popular culture, the plant's berries have been used to make natural dyes and household paints, although handling them carries risks.
- In agricultural tradition, it has been considered both a harmful weed and an ally due to its use as a dye and its supposed medicinal benefits.
Glossary of botanical and medical terms
- Berry: Fleshy and juicy fruit that contains seeds, like those of Phytolacca americana.
- Carpel: Female organ of the flower where the seeds develop.
- Bunch: Type of inflorescence in which the flowers are grouped on a common axis.
- Glabrous: Hairless.
- Petiolate: That has a petiole or stalk that joins the leaf to the stem.
- Hermaphrodite: Flower containing male and female reproductive organs.
- Succulent: With fleshy and juicy tissues.
- Emetic: Substance that induces vomiting.
- Purgative: Substance that promotes bowel movements.
- Phytolactin: Toxic glucoside characteristic of Phytolacca americana.
Legal notice, health warning and safety recommendations
The use of Phytolacca americana for medicinal purposes must be performed solely and exclusively under medical supervision and never as a substitute for conventional treatments. If you experience any symptoms or suspicion of poisoning, it is essential to immediately seek medical advice from a specialized medical center. Home use of extracts or parts of the plant is not recommended, especially for children, pregnant women, and people with chronic illnesses or allergies.
Herbal products containing pokeweed should only be purchased from regulated establishments with health oversight. There are no guarantees regarding the purity or concentration of their active ingredients outside of authorized pharmaceutical systems.
