Overview
Golden ragwort contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). Some of these chemicals are toxic and can cause serious liver damage. PAs are in different parts of the plant but are most concentrated in the roots.
People traditionally use golden ragwort for irregular or painful menstrual periods and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using golden ragwort can also be unsafe.
Don't confuse golden ragwort with similarly named alpine ragwort or tansy ragwort. These are not the same.
Uses & Effectiveness
Insufficient Evidence for
- Diabetes.
- High blood pressure.
- Spasms.
- Fluid retention.
- Bleeding.
- Chest congestion.
- Irregular or painful menstrual periods.
- Other conditions.
Side Effects
When applied to the skin: Golden ragwort products that contain PAs are likely unsafe when applied to broken skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PA-free golden ragwort is safe or what the side effects might be when used on unbroken skin.
Special Precautions and Warnings
When applied to the skin: Golden ragwort products that contain PAs are likely unsafe when applied to broken skin. There isn't enough reliable information to know if PA-free golden ragwort is safe or what the side effects might be when used on unbroken skin.
Pregnancy: Golden ragwort preparations that contain PAs are likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. These products might cause birth defects and liver damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if golden ragwort products certified as free of PAs are safe to use during pregnancy. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Breast-feeding: Golden ragwort preparations that contain PAs are likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. The toxic chemicals in golden ragwort can pass into breastmilk and might harm the nursing infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if golden ragwort products certified as free of PAs are safe to use while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Golden ragwort may 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 golden ragwort might make liver disease worse. Stay on the safe side and avoid using any golden ragwort preparation if you have liver disease.
Interactions
Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with GOLDEN RAGWORT
Golden ragwort is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down golden ragwort. This could change the effects and side effects of golden ragwort.
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
Dosing
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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.