AGAVE: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

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

Breast-feeding.
Bruises.
Cancer.
Constipation.
Diarrhea.
Gas (flatulence).
Indigestion (dyspepsia).
Liver disease.
Male-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia).
Promoting labor.
Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate agave for these uses.

Side Effects

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.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Du Toit PJ. Isolation and partial characterization of a protease from Agave americana variegata. Biochim Biophys Acta 1976;429(3):895-911. View abstract.

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Kerner J, Mitchell J, Maibach HI. Irritant contact dermatitis from Agave americana L. Incorrect use of sap as "hair restorer". Arch Dermatol 1973;108(1):102-103. View abstract.

Narro-Robles J, Gutierrez-Avila JH, Lopez-Cervantes M, et al. [Liver cirrhosis mortality in Mexico. II. Excess mortality and pulque consumption]. Salud Publica Mex 1992;34(4):388-405. View abstract.

Peana AT, Moretti MD, Manconi V, et al. Anti-inflammatory activity of aqueous extracts and steroidal sapogenins of Agave americana. Planta Med 1997;63(3):199-202. View abstract.

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Yokosuka A, Mimaki Y, Kuroda M, et al. A new steroidal saponin from the leaves of Agave americana. Planta Med 2000;66(4):393-396. View abstract.