|
|
|
Agave
Agave
MDAdvice.com
Home > Health Library > Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, and Supplements >
|
BASIC INFORMATIONBiological name (genus and species):
Agave lecheguilla
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Leaves
Sap
Chemicals this herb contains:
Diosgenin
Photosensitizing pigment (See Glossary)
Steroidal chemicals (See Glossary)
Vitamin C
KNOWN EFFECTS
Causes disintegration of red blood cells.
Irritates skin.
Irritates lining of gastrointestinal tract.
Small amounts depress central nervous system.
Damages cells, dissolves membranes of red blood cells and
changes tissue permeability.
Miscellaneous information:
Is used to make mescal, an alcoholic beverage.
Fibers are used for rope.
Sap is used as a syrup.
Roots and leaves contain active chemicals.
UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS
Roots and leaves are used to relieve toothache.
Provides nutrition.
Is used as hormone replacement.
Produces immunosuppressive effects on body.
Causes abortion or miscarriage.
Treats dysentery.
Relieves pain of sprains.
WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS
Don't take if you:
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Have symptoms of a disease caused by a hormone deficiency.
Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such
as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux
esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis,
diverticulosis, diverticulitis.
Consult your doctor if you:
Have stomach problems.
Take cortisone, ACTH, testosterone, androgenic steroids.
Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in
the near future.
Pregnancy:
Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have
not been proved. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.
Breast-feeding:
Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking
small or usual amounts have not been proved. Don't use unless
prescribed by your doctor.
Infants and children:
Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal
preparation is hazardous.
Others:
None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45,
basically healthy and take for only a short time.
Storage:
Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from
children.
Safe dosage:
At present no "safe" dosage has been established.
TOXICITY
Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.
For symptoms of toxicity: See below.
ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS
| Signs and symptoms: |
What to do: |
| Abortion (remote possibility |
Seek emergency treatment. |
| if taken in large amounts) |
| Diarrhea |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| |
immediately. |
| Increased sensitivity to sunlight Discontinue. Call doctor when |
| |
convenient. |
| Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin) |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| |
immediately. |
| Nausea |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| |
immediately. |
| Skin itching and rash |
Discontinue. Call doctor when |
| |
convenient. |
| Unusual bleeding |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| |
immediately. |
| Vomiting |
Discontinue. Call doctor |
| |
immediately. |
|
|
|
From Complete Guide to Vitamins, Minerals & Supplements by H. Winter Griffith, M.D. Copyright by Putnam Publishing
Group. Electronic rights by Medical Data Exchange.
|
|
