Pleurisy Root (asclepsias tuberosa, butterfly weed, Canada Root, flux root, orange milkweed, swallowwort, tuber root, white root, wind root)

Suggested dosing of Asclepsias tuberosa, butterfly weed (pleurisy root)

Tincture: 1-4 mL PO TID in water

Otherwise follow Mfr's instructions

 

Suggested uses of Asclepsias tuberosa, butterfly weed (pleurisy root)

Respiratory problems, eg cough, cold, bronchitis

Uterine d/o, rheumatism

Efficacy: not proven

 

Asclepsias tuberosa, butterfly weed (pleurisy root) adverse (side) effects

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, arrythmia

Overdose can lead to death d/t respiratory paralysis or heart failure

 

Warnings

Contraindications

Pregnancy

History of heart disease

Hormone dependent neoplasia

 

Cautions

Large amounts ingested can be toxic, even fataL

 

Pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy category: contraindicated

Lactation: contraindicated

 

Pregnancy categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

 

Pharmacology of Asclepsias tuberosa, butterfly weed (pleurisy root)

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

 

Mechanism of action

May have antiinflammatory properties that relieves respiratory problems & rheumatism

May have actions similar to estrogen that palliates uterine problems