Overview

Cereus is an herb. People use the flower, stem, and young shoots for medicine.

Cereus is used for chest pain (angina), fluid retention associated with weak heart function (heart failure), and as a heart stimulant. Cereus is also used for bladder infections and other urinary tract problems, bleeding, and shortness of breath.

Women use it for painful or heavy menstrual periods.

Cereus is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain.

How does it work ?

Cereus contains chemicals that can stimulate and strengthen the heart.

Cereus contains chemicals that can stimulate and strengthen the heart.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

  • Chest pain (angina).
  • Fluid retention due to heart failure.
  • Heavy menstrual pain and bleeding.
  • Urinary tract problems.
  • Bleeding.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • Joint pain, when applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of cereus for these uses.

Side Effects

Cereus seems safe for most people, when used for conditions other than heart disease. But it’s UNSAFE to use cereus for a heart condition, except under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. Don’t use it on your own because effects on the heart should be monitored.

The fresh juice may cause burning of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can cause itching and skinblisters when applied to the skin.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Cereus seems safe for most people, when used for conditions other than heart disease. But it’s UNSAFE to use cereus for a heart condition, except under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. Don’t use it on your own because effects on the heart should be monitored.

The fresh juice may cause burning of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can cause itching and skinblisters when applied to the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of cereus during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Heart conditions: There is some concern that cereus may harm people with existing heart conditions or interfere with heart treatment.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with CEREUS

    Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Cereus also seems to affect the heart. Taking cereus along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take cereus if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.

  • Medications for depression (MAOIs) interacts with CEREUS

    Cereus contains a chemical called tyramine. Large amounts of tyramine can cause high blood pressure. But the body naturally breaks down tyramine to get rid of it. This usually prevents the tyramine from causing high blood pressure. Some medications used for depression stop the body from breaking down tyramine. This can cause there to be too much tyramine and lead to dangerously high blood pressure.

    Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of cereus 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 cereus. 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.