Pedanius Dioscorides, the Greek physician, pharmacologist, botanist, and author (1st century A.D.), already warned that the flowers and leaves of the oleander plant are “deadly” poisonous for dogs, donkeys, mules, and many four-legged animals.” We can add that it is also toxic for humans.
Oleander Plant Scientific Facts
- French: Laurier rose.
- Spanish: Adelfa.
- Environment: Common to the Mediterranean countries, where it grows near streams. It is cultivated as an ornamental plant all over Europe and North America.
- Description: Shrub of the Apocynaceae family, growing from two to four meters high, with lanceolate, hard leaves and large, pink, white, or red flowers, which grow in terminal clusters.
- Parts of the plant used medicinally: The flowers.
Healing Properties and Warning
The flowers and mainly the oleander leaves contain flavonic glycosides, rhutin, tannin, and resin. However, its most crucial active component is folinerin, a glycoside that, by hydrolysis, becomes aleandrigenin. This substance is a powerful cardiotonic, even more dynamic than the glycosides of foxglove. Nevertheless, its oral use is not recommended since the dosage is difficult to calculate, the therapeutic dose being very close to the toxic one.
In some Latin American countries, the oleander flowers are applied externally to combat scabies as cream or in poultices.
WARNING! Oleander is a poisonous plant. Eating only two leaves can be enough to kill an adult. In the case of poisoning, take the afflicted person to a hospital immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the potential medicinal uses of the oleander plant?
Oleander has been studied for its potential in treating heart failure, asthma, leprosy, and cancer. It contains compounds like oleandrin that may have therapeutic properties. Still, research is ongoing to understand its benefits and risks fully.
How does the oleander plant affect the heart?
Oleander contains cardiac glycosides, which can influence heart function. In controlled medical settings, these compounds have been used to treat certain heart conditions by increasing the force of heart contractions and managing heart rate.
Can the oleander plant be used to treat skin conditions?
Is there any research on the oleander plant for cancer treatment?
Yes, preliminary research has been conducted investigating oleandrin, a compound found in oleander, for its potential anti-cancer properties. Studies suggest it may inhibit cancer cell growth and induce apoptosis. Still, more research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
Can the oleander plant boost the immune system?
Some proponents believe oleander can stimulate the immune system, but scientific evidence supporting this claim is limited. The plant’s toxic compounds can pose serious health risks, making it critical to approach such claims cautiously.
How is oleander used in traditional medicine?
In traditional medicine, oleander has been used as a diuretic, treating asthma and menstrual pain. However, due to its toxicity, these uses require careful preparation and dosage control by knowledgeable practitioners.
What are the risks linked to using oleander medicinally?
The main concern is the extreme toxicity of oleander, which can lead to a variety of unpleasant side effects, including vomiting and nausea, as well as devastating cardiac repercussions. Any medicinal use of oleander must be under strict medical supervision to avoid poisoning.
Are there any safe ways to consume oleander for health benefits?
No form of oleander is considered safe for consumption without professional guidance. Research and development are focused on isolating beneficial compounds and minimizing toxicity.
What precautions should be taken when handling oleander for medicinal purposes?
Wear protective gloves and avoid ingestion or inhalation of plant parts. Only use oleander for medicinal purposes under the guidance of a healthcare professional knowledgeable about its use and risks.
Where can I find more information on the medicinal research involving oleander?
Consult scientific databases such as PubMed or the National Institutes of Health (NIH) for peer-reviewed studies on oleander. Professional healthcare providers and toxicologists can also provide valuable information on the current state of research.
How to use oleander
- Cream against scabies, prepared with 250g of butter, without salt or any other fatty substance, and 150g of oleander flowers, must be steeped in cold extract for six hours.
- Poultices of flowers on the affected skin area.
DISCLAIMER: All content on this website is presented solely for educational and informational objectives. It would be best to not rely on the information provided as a replacement for advice, diagnosis, or treatment from a qualified medical expert. If you are pregnant, nursing, or have any preexisting medical concerns, you should talk to your doctor before using any herbal or natural medicines.
REFERENCES
- George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. “Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants.” George D. Pamplona-Roger, M.D. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. Ed. Francesc X. Gelabert. vols. 2 San Fernando de Henares: Editorial Safeliz, 2000. 717. Print. [Oleander plant]
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/
- https://www.aapcc.org/
- http://floranorthamerica.org/
- https://www.ipni.org/
- https://www.who.int/traditional-complementary-integrative-medicine/about/en/
- https://www.cdc.gov/poisoncenter/index.html
