Overview

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a plant. Its bulb contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides, which can lead to death when consumed.

The cardiac glycosides in star of Bethlehem affect the heart. These chemicals can slow the heart rate down.

People use star of Bethlehem for congestive heart failure (CHF), but there is no good scientific evidence to support this use. Using star of Bethlehem is unsafe.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for STAR OF BETHLEHEM overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called toxic cardiac glycosides. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Star of Bethlehem is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. Consuming star of Bethlehem can lead to serious side effects, including death.

Heart disease: Star of Bethlehem contains chemicals that can interfere with heart disease drugs and make heart disease worse. Avoid use.

Low bloodpotassium levels: It's unsafe to use star of Bethlehem if you have low potassium levels. Avoid use.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Taking some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.

  • Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Taking some antibiotics might increase how much star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. This might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Digoxin helps the heart beat more strongly. Star of Bethlehem also seems to affect the heart. Taking star of Bethlehem along with digoxin can increase the effects and the risk of side effects of digoxin and star of Bethlehem. Do not take star of Bethlehem if you are taking digoxin without talking to your healthcare professional.

  • Quinine interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Quinine might increase the amount of star of Bethlehem the body absorbs. Taking quinine along with star of Bethlehem might increase the effects and side effects of star of Bethlehem.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium levels. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

  • Medications for inflammation (Corticosteroids) interacts with STAR OF BETHLEHEM

    Star of Bethlehem can affect the heart. Some medications for inflammation can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart. Taking these products together can increase the risk of side effects.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of star of Bethlehem might be. Star of Bethlehem can also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before using.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.