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

Overview

Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris) is a weed found in moderate climates worldwide. It contains dangerous chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs).

The PAs in groundsel can cause severe liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects.

Despite serious safety concerns, some people use groundsel for colic, menstrual cramps, epilepsy, parasite infections, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for GROUNDSEL overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Groundsel is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals might block blood flow in the veins, causing liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. All products should be considered likely unsafe.

When applied to the skin: Groundsel is likely unsafe. The dangerous PAs in groundsel can be absorbed through broken skin and cause toxicity. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to apply groundsel products that are labeled PA-free.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Groundsel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. These products might contain dangerous PAs, which can cause birth defects and liver damage. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Breast-feeding: Groundsel is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while breast-feeding. The dangerous chemicals in groundsel can pass into breast-milk and might harm the nursing infant. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it's safe to use products that are certified PA-free. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Allergy to ragweed and related plants: Groundsel might 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 groundsel might cause liver damage and make liver disease worse.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with GROUNDSEL
Groundsel is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down groundsel. This could increase the risk of serious side effects of groundsel.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of groundsel might be. It might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.

View References

REFERENCES:

Soleimani D, Parisa Moosavian S, Zolfaghari H, Paknahad Z. Effect of garlic powder supplementation on blood pressure and hs-C-reactive protein among nonalcoholic fatty liver disease patients: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Food Sci Nutr 2021;9(7):3556-3562. View abstract.

Staba EJ, Lash L, Staba JE. A commentary on the effects of garlic extraction and formulation on product composition. J Nutr 2001;131:1118S-9S.. View abstract.

Steiner M, Khan AH, Holbert D, Lin RI. A double-blind crossover study in moderately hypercholesterolemic men that compared the effect of aged garlic extract and placebo administration on blood lipids. Am J Clin Nutr 1996;64:866-70. View abstract.

Steiner M, Li W. Aged garlic extract, a modulator of cardiovascular risk factors: a dose-finding study on the effects of AGE on platelet functions. J Nutr 2001;131:980S-4S. View abstract.

Steiner M, Lin RS. Changes in platelet function and susceptibility of lipoproteins to oxidation associated with administration of aged garlic extract. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1998;31:904-8. View abstract.

Steinmetz KA, Kushi LH, Bostick RM, et al. Vegetables, fruit, and colon cancer in the Iowa Women's Health Study. Am J Epidemiol 1994;139:1-15. View abstract.

Stevinson C, Pittler MH, Ernst E. Garlic for treating hypercholesterolemia: a meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials. Ann Intern Med 2000;133:420-9. View abstract.

Stjernberg L, Berglund J. Garlic as an Insect Repellant. JAMA 2000;284:831. View abstract.

Cheng D, Nguyen VT, Ndihokubwayo N, Ge J, Mulder PPJ. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid variation in Senecio vulgaris populations from native and invasive ranges. PeerJ. 2017;5:e3686 View abstract.

Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. View abstract.

Food and Drug Administration. FDA Advises Dietary Supplement Manufacturers to Remove Comfrey Products From the Market. July 6, 2001. Available at: https://www.cfsan.fda.gov/~dms/dspltr06.html.

Fox DW, Hart MC, Bergeson PS, et al. Pyrrolizidine (Senecio) intoxication mimicking Reye syndrome. J Pediatr 1978;93:980-2.

Klepser TB, Klepser ME. Unsafe and potentially safe herbal therapies. Am J Health Syst Pharm 1999;56:125-38. View abstract.

Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.

Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. View abstract.

WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.

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 licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. 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.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2024 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.