Mandrake

Mandrake (European Mandrake) is a plant that is the subject of many myths and legends. Some people believe that it has magical powers. The root and leaves of the mandrake are used to make medicine. Mandrake root is used to treat stomach ulcers, colic, constipation, asthma, hay fever, cramps, arthritis pain and whooping cough. It is also used as an emetic, as a sedative to induce drowsiness, to reduce pain and to increase interest in sexual activity. The fresh leaves of mandrake and extracts from the leaves are applied directly to the skin to treat skin ulcers.

How does mandrake work?

Mandrake can reduce the actions of certain chemicals that can affect many different systems of the body including the eyes, bladder, lungs, digestive tract and mouth.

How effective is mandrake?

There is not enough scientific data to assess the effectiveness of mandrake for pain, stomach ulcers, constipation, colic, asthma, hay fever, cramps, arthritis pain and whooping cough, as well as when used as a sedative and applied to the skin for skin ulcers. Further scientific research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of mandrake in these applications.

Safety and side effects

Mandrake can cause many side effects including confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, heart problems, blurred vision, overheating, urination problems and hallucinations. Larger doses can be fatal. Mandrake is not safe for anyone, but certain people are at increased risk of harmful side effects:

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: mandrake should not be taken orally during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it can cause serious or even fatal side effects.

Children: Children should not be given mandrake, as children are particularly sensitive to the harmful chemicals contained in mandrake.

Down syndrome: People suffering from Down syndrome should not be given mandrake as they are particularly sensitive to the harmful chemicals in mandrake.

Elderly people: Elderly people should not use mandrake as they may be particularly sensitive to the harmful chemicals contained in mandrake.

Heart conditions including heart failure, coronary artery disease and rapid and irregular heartbeat: If you suffer from any of these conditions, you should not use mandrake as mandrake may aggravate these conditions.

Liver problems: People suffering from liver disorders should not use mandrake as mandrake may aggravate these disorders.

Kidney problems: People suffering from kidney conditions should not use mandrake as mandrake could aggravate these conditions.

High blood pressure: People who suffer from high blood pressure should not use mandrake as mandrake may aggravate high blood pressure.

Hyperthyroidism: People who suffer from hyperthyroidism should not take mandrake as mandrake may aggravate this problem.

Myasthenia Gravis: People suffering from Myasthenia Gravis should not use mandrake, as mandrake could aggravate this condition.

Glaucoma: People suffering from glaucoma should not use mandrake, as mandrake may aggravate this condition.

Spastic paralysis or brain damage: If you suffer from brain damage, you should not use mandrake as it could make it worse.

Prostate enlargement: People suffering from enlargement of the prostate should not use mandrake as it could aggravate this problem.

Urinary tract problems: People who suffer from urinary tract problems should not use mandrake as it may aggravate these problems.

Digestive tract conditions such as heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease, hiatal hernia, digestive tract infections, peptic ulcers, constipation, intestinal obstruction, ulcerative colitis, toxic megacolon or other digestive tract disorders: If you suffer from any of these conditions, you should not use mandrake, as mandrake may aggravate these conditions.

Interactions

Caution should be exercised when using mandrake in combination with the following medications.

Drying medications (anticholinergic medications)

Mandrake contains chemicals that have a drying effect. Mandrake also affects the brain and heart. Drying drugs, known as anticholinergic drugs, can also have these effects. Taking mandrake in combination with drying medications can cause side effects including dry skin, dizziness, low blood pressure, rapid heartbeat and other serious side effects. These medications include antihistamines and antidepressants.

Medications taken orally

Mandrake appears to slow down the function of the digestive tract. Taking mandrake in combination with oral medications may increase the amount of drug substance absorbed by the body, which may increase the effects and side effects of these medications.

Dosage

An appropriate dosage of mandrake depends on various factors such as age, health status and others. At the present time, there is insufficient scientific data to make a statement about appropriate dosage ranges for mandrake. For this reason, you should follow the dosage instructions on the label and/or consult a doctor or pharmacist before use.

References

1. Helbling A, Brander KA, Pichler WJ. Anaphylactic shock after subcutaneous injection of mandragora D3, a homeopathic drug. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2000;106:989-90.