AFRICAN WILD POTATO: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

African wild potato is a plant. Although the root of the plant resembles a potato, it is not in the same family as the potato. The root of the plant is used to make medicine.

African wild potato is used for urinary tract infections (UTIs), enlarged prostate (benign prostatic hyperplasia or BPH), prostate cancer, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

How does it work ?

African wild potato contains chemicals that might decrease inflammation.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for AFRICAN WILD POTATO overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn't enough reliable information to know if African wild potato is safe to use. Some chemicals found in African wild potato, including beta-sitosterol and hypoxoside, have been studied. These chemicals might cause nausea, indigestion, gas, diarrhea, or constipation.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if African wild potato is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Heart disease: African wild potato might cause irregular heartbeats in people with heart disease. This might make symptoms worse in people with heart disease.

Kidney disease: African wild potato might decrease kidney function. This might make symptoms worse in people with kidney disease.

A rare inherited fat storage disease called sitosterolemia: People with sitosterolemia tend to develop early heart disease and also tend to accumulate cholesterol deposits under the skin. The beta-sitosterol in African wild potato can make this condition worse. If you have sitosterolemia, don't use African wild potato.

Surgery: African wild potato might lower blood sugar levels. There is some concern that it might interfere with blood sugar control during and after surgery. Stop using African wild potato at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. African wild potato might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking African wild potato along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking African wild potato, talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver.

Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.
Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
African wild potato might decrease blood sugar in people with diabetes. Diabetes medications are also used to lower blood sugar. Taking African wild potato along with diabetes medications might cause blood sugar to go too low. Monitor your blood sugar closely. The dose of your diabetes medication might need to be changed.

Some medications used for diabetes include glimepiride (Amaryl), glyburide (DiaBeta, Glynase PresTab, Micronase), insulin, pioglitazone (Actos), rosiglitazone (Avandia), chlorpropamide (Diabinese), glipizide (Glucotrol), tolbutamide (Orinase), and others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. African wild potato might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. In theory, using African wild potato along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before using African wild potato, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), haloperidol (Haldol), ondansetron (Zofran), propranolol (Inderal), theophylline (Theo-Dur, others), verapamil (Calan, Isoptin, others), and others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. African wild potato might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. In theory, using African wild potato along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before using African wild potato, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include ketamine (Ketalar), phenobarbital, orphenadrine (Norflex), secobarbital (Seconal), and dexamethasone (Decadron).
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. African wild potato might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking African wild potato along with some medications that are broken down by the liver can increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before taking African wild potato, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications that are changed by the liver include amiodarone (Cardarone), paclitaxel (Taxol); nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren) and ibuprofen (Motrin); rosiglitazone (Avandia); and others.
Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. African wild potato might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. In theory, using African wild potato along with some medications that are broken down by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of some medications. Before using African wild potato, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver.
Some medications changed by the liver include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as diclofenac (Cataflam, Voltaren), ibuprofen (Motrin), meloxicam (Mobic), and piroxicam (Feldene); celecoxib (Celebrex); amitriptyline (Elavil); warfarin (Coumadin); glipizide (Glucotrol); losartan (Cozaar); and others.
Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion Transporter 1 (OAT1) Substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are moved by pumps in cells. African wild potato might change how these pumps work and increase how much medication stays in the body. In some cases this might result in an increased chance of having medication side effects.
Some of these medications include acyclovir (Zovirax), adefovir (Hepsera), cephalosporins, cidofovir (Vistide), cimetidine (Tagamet), ciprofloxacin (Cipro), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), NSAIDs, oseltamivir (Tamiflu), pravastatin (Pravachol), probenecid, simvastatin (Zocor), and zidovudine (Retrovir).
Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion Transporter 3 (OAT3) Substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
Some medications are moved by pumps in cells. African wild potato might change how these pumps work and increase how much medication stays in the body. In some cases this might result in an increased chance of having medication side effects.
Some of these medications include cephalosporins, famotidine (Pepcid), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ), methotrexate, NSAIDs, probenecid, and ranitidine (Zantac).
Indinavir (Crixivan) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO
African wild potato may increase levels of indinavir in the body. In theory, taking African wild potato with indinavir might increase the effects and side effects of indinavir.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH): African wild potato, containing 60 to 130 mg of beta-sitosterol, has been taken as 2-3 doses daily.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Lopatkin, N. A., Sivkov, A. V., Medvedev, A. A., Walter, K., Schlefke, S., Avdeichuk, IuI, Golubev, G. V., Mel'nik, K. P., Elenberger, N. A., and Engelman, U. [Combined extract of Sabal palm and nettle in the treatment of patients with lower urinary tract symptoms in double blind, placebo-controlled trial]. Urologiia. 2006;(2):12, 14-12, 19. View abstract.

Lopatkin, N., Sivkov, A., Schlafke, S., Funk, P., Medvedev, A., and Engelmann, U. Efficacy and safety of a combination of Sabal and Urtica extract in lower urinary tract symptoms--long-term follow-up of a placebo-controlled, double-blind, multicenter trial. Int.Urol.Nephrol. 2007;39(4):1137-1146. View abstract.

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Oliver, F., Amon, E. U., Breathnach, A., Francis, D. M., Sarathchandra, P., Black, A. K., and Greaves, M. W. Contact urticaria due to the common stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)-- histological, ultrastructural and pharmacological studies. Clin Exp Dermatol. 1991;16(1):1-7. View abstract.

Patten G. Medicinal plant review: Urtica. Aust J Med Herbalism 1993;5(1):5-13.

Pavone, C., Abbadessa, D., Tarantino, M. L., Oxenius, I., Lagana, A., Lupo, A., and Rinella, M. [Associating Serenoa repens, Urtica dioica and Pinus pinaster. Safety and efficacy in the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms. Prospective study on 320 patients]. Urologia. 2010;77(1):43-51. View abstract.

Purnak, T., Ozaslan, E., Beyazit, Y., and Haznedaroglu, I. C. Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in a patient with defective hemostasis successfully treated with ankaferd blood stopper. Phytother.Res. 2011;25(2):312-313. View abstract.

Randall, C. F. Stinging nettles for osteoarthritis pain of the hip. Br.J Gen.Pract. 1994;44(388):533-534. View abstract.

Kruger PB, Albrecht CF, Liebenberg RW, et al. Studies on hypoxoside and rooperol analogues from Hypoxis rooperi and Hypoxis latifolia and their biotransformation in man by using high-performance liquid chromatography with in-line sorption enrichment and diode-array detection. J Chromatogr B Biomed Appl 1994;662(1):71-78. View abstract.

Musabayane CT, Xozwa K, Ojewole JA. Effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea (Fisch. & C.A. Mey.) [Hypoxidaceae] corm (African Potato) aqueous extract on renal electrolyte and fluid handling in the rat. Ren Fail 2005;27(6):763-770. View abstract.

Wilt TJ, Ishani A, Rutks I, et al. Phytotherapy for benign prostatic hyperplasia. Public Health Nutr 2000;3(4A):459-472. View abstract.

Berges RR, Kassen A, Senge T. Treatment of symptomatic benign prostatic hyperplasia with beta-sitosterol: an 18-month follow-up. BJU Int 2000;85:842-6. View abstract.

Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Beta-sitosterol Study Group. Lancet 1995;345:1529-32. View abstract.

Berges RR, Windeler J, Trampisch HJ, et al. Randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia. Lancet 1995;345:1529-32. View abstract.

Fasinu PS, Gutmann H, Schiller H, Bouic PJ, Rosenkranz B. The potential of Hypoxis hemerocallidea for herb-drug interaction. Pharm Biol. 2013 Dec;51(12):1499-507. View abstract.

Havenga K, Abay E, Wiesner L, Viljoen A, Steyn D, Hamman J. The in vitro and in vivo effects of Hypoxis hemerocallidea on indinavir pharmacokinetics: modulation of efflux. Planta Med. 2018;84(12-13):895-901. View abstract.

Jalloh MA, Gregory PJ, Hein D, et al. Dietary supplement interactions with antiretrovirals: a systematic review. Int J STD AIDS. 2017 Jan;28(1):4-15. View abstract.

Ker J. Ventricular tachycardia as an adverse effect of the African potato (Hypoxis sp.). Cardiovasc J S Afr 2005;16:55. View abstract.

Klippel KF, Hiltl DM, Schipp B. A multicentric, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial of beta-sitosterol (phytosterol) for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia. Br J Urol 1997;80:427-32. View abstract.

Law M. Plant sterol and stanol margarines and health. BMJ 2000;320:861-4. View abstract.

Mahomed IM, Ojewole JA. Hypoglycemic effect of Hypoxis hemerocallidea corm (African potato) aqueous extract in rats. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol 2003;25:617-23. View abstract.

Nguyen LB, Shefer S, Salen G, et al. Competitive inhibition of hepatic sterol 27-hydroxylase by sitosterol: decreased activity in sitosterolemia. Proc Assoc Am Physicians 1998;110:32-9. View abstract.

Nicoletti M, Galeffi C, Messana I, et al. Hypoxidaceae. Medicinal uses and the norlignan constituents. J Ethnopharmacol 1992;36:95-101. View abstract.

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Steenkamp V, Gouws MC, Gulumian M, et al. Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis. J Ethnopharmacol 2006;103:71-5. View abstract.

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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.

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AFRICAN WILD POTATO - Uses, Side Effects, and More

Overview

How does it work ?

Uses & Effectiveness

Side Effects

Special Precautions and Warnings

Interactions

Moderate Interaction

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications for diabetes (Antidiabetes drugs) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2B6 (CYP2B6) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C8 (CYP2C8) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion Transporter 1 (OAT1) Substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Medications moved by pumps in cells (Organic Anion Transporter 3 (OAT3) Substrates) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Indinavir (Crixivan) interacts with AFRICAN WILD POTATO

Dosing

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