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

Overview

Yucca is the common name for more than 40 species of plants in the Yucca genus. They have tough, sword-like leaves and a large spike of whitish flowers.

Yucca contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. It might also have antibacterial and antifungal effects.

People use yucca for osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, joint pain, migraine headache, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse yucca with cassava. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for YUCCA overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Yucca is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if yucca is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yucca is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

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

Interactions

We currently have no information for YUCCA overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of yucca might be. 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 a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Shojaii, A., Dabaghian, F. H., Goushegir, A., and Fard, M. A. Antidiabetic plants of Iran. Acta Med.Iran 2011;49(10):637-642. View abstract.

Slivka, D., Cuddy, J., Hailes, W., Harger, S., and Ruby, B. Glycogen resynthesis and exercise performance with the addition of fenugreek extract (4-hydroxyisoleucine) to post-exercise carbohydrate feeding. Amino.Acids 2008;35(2):439-444. View abstract.

Srichamroen, A., Thomson, A. B., Field, C. J., and Basu, T. K. In vitro intestinal glucose uptake is inhibited by galactomannan from Canadian fenugreek seed (Trigonella foenum graecum L) in genetically lean and obese rats. Nutr Res 2009;29(1):49-54. View abstract.

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Balestrieri, C., Felice, F., Piacente, S., Pizza, C., Montoro, P., Oleszek, W., Visciano, V., and Balestrieri, M. L. Relative effects of phenolic constituents from Yucca schidigera Roezl. bark on Kaposi's sarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis. Biochem Pharmacol 5-14-2006;71(10):1479-1487. View abstract.

Favel, A., Kemertelidze, E., Benidze, M., Fallague, K., and Regli, P. Antifungal activity of steroidal glycosides from Yucca gloriosa L. Phytother.Res 2005;19(2):158-161. View abstract.

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<p><span>Kanerva, L., Estlander, T., Petman, L., Makinen-Kiljunen, S. Occupational allergic contact urticaria to yucca (Yucca aloifolia), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), and spathe flower (Spathiphyllum wallisii). Allergy. 2001;56(10): 1008-11.</span></p> View abstract.

Ali DE, Bassam SM, Elatrebi S, et al. HR LC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling of Yucca aloifolia fruit and the potential neuroprotective effect on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats. PLoS One 2023;18(2):e0282246. 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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