Overview

Agave is a plant found in parts of the US, as well as Mexico, Central and South America, the Mediterranean, and India. The leaves and roots of agave are used to make medicine.

Agave has been taken by mouth for constipation, cancer, male-pattern baldness, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Agave can cause severe irritation and allergic reactions when applied to the skin.

How does it work ?

Some chemicals in agave can reduce swelling (inflammation), cause the uterus to contract, and prevent the growth of some cancer cells.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate agave for these uses.

Side Effects

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

When applied to the skin: The agave plant is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people. Exposure to the fresh agave plant may cause swelling and redness, skin sores, and swelling of small blood vessels (veins) within minutes to hours of exposure. The sap appears to be the most irritating part of the plant.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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

When applied to the skin: The agave plant is POSSIBLY UNSAFE for most people. Exposure to the fresh agave plant may cause swelling and redness, skin sores, and swelling of small blood vessels (veins) within minutes to hours of exposure. The sap appears to be the most irritating part of the plant. Pregnancy and breast-feeding:Taking agave by mouth during pregnancy is LIKELY UNSAFE. There is some evidence that agave might stimulate the uterus and cause contractions.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if agave is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for AGAVE overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of agave 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 agave. 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.