Cream Berry Uses And Contraindications
Cream berry (Phytolacca Americana) is a herbaceous plant found in various parts of North America, South America, Europe and Asia. It is also known as “American blackberry herb” or “cancer root” and has been used for medical and culinary purposes.
However, experts have noted that some parts of the shrub contain toxic components that are eliminated only by a vigorous cooking process. Therefore, we need to use it with caution and consider its possible side effects.
If you want more information on the subject, keep reading!
Properties of cream berry
According to historical data, the cream berry was the basis for medicines used by indigenous peoples to activate vomiting, cleanse the body, and combat the symptoms of rheumatism. Even today, some cultures still use it for these uses.
Apparently, its popularity dates back to the book King’s American Dispensary, written in the late 19th century, which talks about the properties of this plant to treat skin diseases as well as joint pain. Still, the evidence is currently quite limited. What do we really know about it?
Cream berry compounds
Sources such as the “Germplasm Resources Information Network (GRIN)” and the Chinese Herbal Medicine Book. Materia Medica ”say that cream berries have a wide range of chemical compounds with pharmacological potential.
The main ingredients are as follows:
- Phytolaccoside A, B, C, D, E, F, G
- Phytolacagenin
- Jaligonic acid, phytolacic acid and oleanolic acid
- Triterpene alcohols: α-spinasterol, α-spinasterol-β-D-glycoside, 6-palmitoyl-Δ7-stigmasterol-Δ-D-glycoside, 6-palmytytyl-spinasteryl-6-D-glycoside
- Astragalin
- Lectins
- Tannins
- Starch
- PAP-R protein
It has been claimed that cream berry has a wide range of health properties, but there is no reliable clinical research data on its efficacy. In any case, several people say that it has antirheumatic, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, analgesic and emetic effects.
Possible benefits and uses of cream berry
Despite the potential toxic properties of cream berry, some cultures still support its use as an adjuvant against diseases such as tonsillitis, laryngitis, acne, scabies, certain types of tumors, and AIDS. Is cream berry really helpful in treating these diseases?
So far, the cream berry has shown some medical benefits in laboratory and animal experiments. However, studies on its effects in humans are lacking. In addition, it is believed that the antiviral protein pokeweed (PAP) is responsible for many of its properties. However, there is no certainty.
1. Oral diseases
Researchers have studied Phytolacca Americana extracts as possible ways to prevent dental disease. In particular , a laboratory study reported in the journal BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies found that this plant has antibacterial components that help support oral health.
It blocks the action of certain enzymes in bacteria such as Porphyromonas gingivalis and Streptococcus mutans, which are responsible for inflammatory periodontal diseases as well as caries. However, scientists need more evidence of its health benefits.
2. Pharyngitis
Several homeopathic remedies for the treatment of tonsillitis contain cream berries.
Some believe that it, along with other natural ingredients, lubricates the laryngeal mucosa and reduces pain as well as inflammation. However, there are no clinical trials to prove this.
3. Skin diseases
One of the main uses of cream berries is skin diseases. In folk medicine, people use it to treat cervical psoriasis, eczema and cervical tuberculosis. Its anti-inflammatory properties reduce swelling and pain.
However, direct contact with the root, stem or leaves of the plant can cause a blister-like rash. It resembles a rash caused by a poison ivy. Therefore, you should use it with caution. However, research on this topic is rather weak and outdated.
4. Cancers and AIDS
Cream berries or other herbal remedies cannot cure chronic diseases such as cancer or HIV / AIDS. Despite popular claims of its benefits and the conclusions of some clinical trials, you should not use it to treat these diseases.
Currently, evidence suggests that plant extracts help design supplements and drugs for the treatment of serious diseases. For example, a Phytotherapy Research report reported that Phytolacca Americana extracts can act against colon cancer cells by altering gene expression.
Meanwhile, Toxins reported that PAP present in cream berries has the potential to be converted to an immunotoxin. In other words, it can stimulate the activity of immune cells to respond to the presence of tumors or cells.
5. Other uses
Most of the medical applications of cream berry come from anecdotal data. In other words, there are no studies to support claims about its effectiveness. Nor do we know how its extracts or supplements can be safely administered. What are these uses? You can view the list below:
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Infections
- Nipple inflammation
- Fibroids
- Acne
- Enlarged thyroid gland
Risks and contraindications
All parts of the cream berry are considered toxic. The berries are the most toxic, especially green. Toxicity is based in particular on a substance called phytolazine, which irritates the digestive tract of both humans and animals. Their consumption can cause the following side effects:
- Convulsions and abdominal cramps
- Burning sensation in the mouth, throat and esophagus
- Diarrhea and vomiting
- Breathing difficulties
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Headache
- Cardiac arrhythmias
In addition, if the plant comes into contact with broken skin, it causes similar symptoms. Direct contact with Phytolacca americana causes contact dermatitis in some people. In severe cases, the poisoning condition leads to the following complications:
- Convulsions
- Diarrhea and bloody vomiting
- Respiratory paralysis
- Death (in rare cases)
Many health food stores sell creamy berry supplements and health products. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not approved its use or been able to evaluate its safety.
It also warns of possible interactions with medicines such as anticoagulants, antihypertensives and diuretics. It is not recommended for pregnant women, children or people with a chronic illness.
Preservation of cream berry and portion size
There are no official guidelines for the safe use of cream berry and its derivatives. As a general rule, you should avoid direct contact with this plant. For this reason, food supplements are distributed in the form of tinctures, extracts, capsules, oils and creams.
When purchasing them, it is important to take into account that they have not been approved by, for example, the FDA or the European Medicines Agency. Manufacturers will usually indicate the proposed portion size on the product packaging. This recommended dose size should never be exceeded.
What should you remember about this plant?
Phytolacca Americana has been used in traditional medicine to relieve the symptoms of some diseases. Today, however, there are warnings about the risks associated with the concentration of toxic compounds.
In conclusion, there is no concrete evidence for the efficacy of sour cream as a medicinal product. Therefore, it should not replace any medication. Pregnant women, children and seriously ill people should avoid using it.
