Oleander is a poisonous and deadly plant, and poisoning with it may negatively affect the lungs, kidneys, spleen, and muscle tissue. Swallowing or inhaling the smoke from burning the plant causes poisoning. Of course, it is interesting to know that despite this poisonous plant, some people use it in traditional ways to treat various diseases. You will read everything you need to know about Oleander in this article.
Chemical compounds of Oleander
The Oleander plant contains several cardiac glycosides, including oleandrin and nervine. The main active elements of this plant are polysaccharides, cardenolides, and triterpenes. Other active medicinal compounds of this plant are:
- Folinrin;
- Rosagenin;
- Routine (Rutin);
- Olandomycin.
Although this herb is traditionally used to treat heart disease, asthma, diabetes, ringworm, scabies, cancer, epilepsy, and wound healing, there are limited clinical trials to prove these uses. To prepare poison from Oleander, they mostly use the roots and seeds of the plant.
Oleander flower properties
1. Antimicrobial and antibacterial effects
According to animal experiments, Oleander chloroform and petroleum ether leaf extract inhibit the activity of Bacillus subtilis, Sarcina lutea, Escherichia coli (E.coli), and Klebsiella pneumoniae bacteria. Another research found that different concentrations (10%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) of ethanolic extract in this plant had strong and extensive antimicrobial properties.
In a research, researchers investigated the effect of Oleander methanolic extract on Gram-negative, positive bacteria and fungi. The result was that Oleander plant extract had moderate to high antimicrobial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria.
Oleander also improves collagen production and wound healing.
2. cancer
In a laboratory study, the extract of this poisonous flower inhibited the growth of lung cancer cells in female mice. In a research, researchers investigated the cardenolide compounds extracted from this plant and confirmed the anticancer properties of Oleander flowers for mice. Although this research is promising, more human research is needed to ensure these effects.
3. diabetes
During a study, researchers gave oleander plant extract to rats for 28 days, and the result was that it improved the amount of insulin, glucose, alkaline phosphatase activities, and liver enzymes.
4. Hyperlipidemia
In a laboratory study, researchers gave oleander extract to mice for 12 weeks. Taking this plant extract decreased the amount of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and triglyceride and increased the amount of high-density lipoprotein (HDL).
The decrease in the triglyceride ratio to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol indicates that the consumption of this plant may reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.
The right dose
The appropriate dose depends on several factors, such as the user’s age and health. There is insufficient scientific information to determine the proper amount of Oleander. Remember that natural products are not always safe, and dosage is critical. Be sure to read the instructions on the product label and consult a pharmacist or doctor before use. Because of the toxicity of this plant, be sure to use it with caution.
Precautions and special warnings
Oleander is likely to be dangerous for anyone to eat, especially if:
- Children: Never give oleander leaves, tea, or seeds to children.
- Pregnant or lactating women: oral consumption of this plant is not recommended during pregnancy and
breastfeeding, as it may cause miscarriage or congenital disabilities. There is not enough information about whether oleander topical application to the skin is safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is better to be careful and not use this plant even topically.
- Heart patients: Do not use this herb to treat heart disease without a doctor’s supervision. Self-medication is very dangerous.
Drug interactions
1. Macrolide antibiotics
Some antibiotics may increase the absorption of Oleander in the body. Increasing the absorption of Oleander in the body may increase its side effects.
Some of the famous macrolide antibiotics are:
- Erythromycin;
- Azithromycin;
- Clarithromycin.
2. Tetracycline antibiotics
Taking tetracycline antibiotics with Oleander may increase the side effects of the herb. Some tetracycline antibiotics include:
- Demeclocycline;
- Minocycline;
- Tetracycline.
3. digoxin
Digoxin (Lanoxin) is usually prescribed to treat cardiac arrhythmia. Taking Oleander and digoxin simultaneously may increase the effects of digoxin and the possibility of side effects on the plant.
4. quinine or quinine
Quinine may increase the absorption of Oleander in the body. Concomitant consumption of quinine and derivatives of this plant may lead to serious heart problems.
5. Stimulant laxatives
Laxatives, known as stimulant laxatives, reduce the amount of potassium in the body. A potassium deficiency may increase the side effects of Oleander.
Some stimulant laxatives are:
- Bisacodyl;
- Cascara;
- Castor oil;
- Senna glycoside.
6. Diuretic drugs
Diuretics may decrease the amount of potassium in the body. Potassium deficiency affects the heart and increases the risk of Oleander side effects. Some common diuretic drugs are:
- Chlorothiazide;
- Chlorthalidone;
- furosemide;
- Hydrochlorothiazide.
7. Calcium supplements
Consumption of this plant may stimulate the heartbeat. Taking Oleander and calcium at the same time may cause excessive stimulation of the heart. Do not take this plant together with calcium supplements.
Oleander toxicity
This plant contains toxins that include steroidal glycosidic cardenolides and 5-ring terpenoids. The roots and seeds of the plant have the highest amount of these toxins. Red flowers are more poisonous than pink ones, and pink ones are more toxic than white ones. Even the plant’s smoke and the water in which the plant is immersed may be contaminated. Clinical signs of poisoning can be observed within 2 hours after consumption, but depending on the type of toxicity, these symptoms may not appear for up to 48 hours.
Ingestion of oleander leaves, tea, or seeds has reportedly resulted in fatal poisoning.
Consumption of 0.12 to 0.7 grams of this plant has caused the death of birds. Consumption of 15-20 grams for horses and 1-5 grams of fresh oleander leaves can be fatal for sheep.
Common symptoms of oleander poisoning include:
- severe nausea;
- Vomit;
- stomach ache;
- muscle cramps;
- Diarrhea;
- Hyperkalemia;
- high blood pressure;
- Lethargy.
Oleander sap contact dermatitis is one of the most commonly reported cases. Dermatitis may occur when crushed leaves of the plant come into contact with a person’s skin. Crushed leaves and stems of this flower irritate the skin, but there is insufficient evidence that this plant is hypoallergenic.
Propagation of Oleander flowers
Indian Oleander is one of the most beautiful ornamental shrubs. The best way to grow this plant faster is to cut it.
To cut the plant:
- Cut the stem of the plant just below the leaf node.
- Place the cutting in a mixture of water and root stimulant.
- After the root grows, plant it in a pot containing good quality soil and add organic matter to the ground.
final word
Oleander may interact with certain medical conditions, prescription or over-the-counter medications, foods, or other dietary supplements. It may be unsafe to use this herb before surgery or other medical procedures. Therefore, informing the doctor before any surgery or medical procedure is necessary. Consult your doctor for complete information about the risks and benefits of using the derivatives of this plant.
you say
Have you ever taken Oleander? Please share your valuable opinions and experiences about the properties of Oleander or the side effects caused by its consumption with our dear users and us.
Warning! This article is only for educational purposes; to use it, it is necessary to consult a doctor or specialist.
