Overview

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a weed found in moderate climates worldwide. It contains dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).

The PAs in groundsel can cause severe liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects.

Despite serious safety concerns, some people use groundsel for colic, menstrual cramps, epilepsy, parasite infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for GROUNDSEL overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Groundsel is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals might block blood flow in the veins, causing liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. All products should be considered likely unsafe.

When applied to the skin: Groundsel is likely unsafe. The dangerous PAs in groundsel can be absorbed through broken skin and cause toxicity. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to apply groundsel products that are labeled PA-free.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Groundsel is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals might block blood flow in the veins, causing liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. All products should be considered likely unsafe.

When applied to the skin: Groundsel is likely unsafe. The dangerous PAs in groundsel can be absorbed through broken skin and cause toxicity. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to apply groundsel products that are labeled PA-free.

Pregnancy: Groundsel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. These products might contain dangerous PAs, which can cause birth defects and liver damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Groundsel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. The dangerous chemicals in groundsel can pass into breast-milk and might harm the nursing infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Groundsel might cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to the Asteraceae/Compositae plant family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many others.

Liver disease: The PAs in groundsel might cause liver damage and make liver disease worse.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with GROUNDSEL

    Groundsel is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down groundsel. This could increase the risk of serious side effects of groundsel.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of groundsel might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

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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.