Overview

Pitcher plant is a plant with leaves that can trap and digest insects. The leaf and root are used as medicine.

Pitcher plant is taken by mouth for digestive disorders, diabetes, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

A specific pitcher plant extract (Sarapin) is a grandfathered FDA-approved prescription product. Healthcare providers can inject Sarapin for relieving pain in the back, neck, and other locations in the body.

How does it work ?

Pitcher plant contains tannins and other chemicals that are thought to help with some digestive tract problems. There is some evidence that suggests that pitcher plant extract may affect nerves involved in pain sensation. Pitcher plant might also protect against certain viruses and also reduce blood sugar.

Pitcher plant contains tannins and other chemicals that are thought to help with some digestive tract problems. There is some evidence that suggests that pitcher plant extract may affect nerves involved in pain sensation. Pitcher plant might also protect against certain viruses and also reduce blood sugar.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Diabetes.
  • Digestive disorders.
  • Constipation.
  • Urinary tract diseases.
  • Fluid retention.
  • Preventing scar formation.
  • Pain, when given by injection.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of pitcher plant for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough information to know if pitcher plant is safe when taken by mouth or what the possible side effects might be.

When given as a shot: A certain pitcher plant extract called Sarapin is LIKELY SAFE when injected properly by a qualified health professional. But this product is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when injected in areas of pain and swelling (inflammation) or when injected by an unqualified person. Pitcher plant injections can cause some side effects including feelings of heat or heaviness. Injections might also worsen pain symptoms.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough information to know if pitcher plant is safe when taken by mouth or what the possible side effects might be.

When given as a shot: A certain pitcher plant extract called Sarapin is LIKELY SAFE when injected properly by a qualified health professional. But this product is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when injected in areas of pain and swelling (inflammation) or when injected by an unqualified person. Pitcher plant injections can cause some side effects including feelings of heat or heaviness. Injections might also worsen pain symptoms. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of pitcher plant during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for PITCHER PLANT overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of pitcher plant depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for pitcher plant. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
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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.