Daphne

The Daphne, botanically Daphne mezereum, is a striking shrub from the daphne family (Thymelaeaceae). It grows in open deciduous forests of Europe and is characterized by its intensely fragrant, pink to violet flowers, which appear in early spring – often before the foliage emerges. The bright red berries and the light-colored bark also make the Daphne a remarkable plant – but also a highly toxic one.

Despite its toxicity, the Daphne was formerly used in folk medicine for the external treatment of skin conditions and rheumatism. Today it is the subject of scientific consideration primarily because of its toxicity and possible pharmacological mechanisms of action.

What potential benefits does the Daphne have?

Although the plant has played a role in folk healing for various problems, its use cannot be scientifically justified. Research regarding its effects is not conclusive, and to make valid statements about possible effects, far more research is necessary. As usual, below are some results of scientific investigations as well as traditional areas of application:

  • Cell-damaging and potentially tumor-inhibiting properties: Some studies are investigating components of the Daphne (especially daphnetoxin) with regard to possible cytotoxic effects on tumor cells (1, 2). So far, however, this remains experimental.
  • Antioxidant effect: Investigations point to a potentially antioxidant effect originating from the plant (2).
  • Circulation-promoting: Daphne was formerly applied externally in traditional medicine to stimulate local blood circulation – for example, for muscle tension or rheumatic complaints.
  • Irritant and inflammation-promoting: The resins and glycosides can have a strongly irritating effect, which is said to have made them traditionally usable for "diverting" internal congestion – a method that is now considered outdated, however.

How does the Daphne work

The effect of the plant is presumably based on a variety of different active compounds, including daphnetoxin and mezerein, which are the main substances responsible for the plant's strong toxicity. Mucilages, tannins, essential oils, glycosides, and resins (3,4,5).

Risks and side effects - Caution: Highly toxic!

All parts of the Daphne – especially the bark and berries – are highly toxic. Even the consumption of a few berries can be life-threatening for children. Symptoms of poisoning are:

  • Burning in the mouth
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Circulatory collapse
  • In severe cases: respiratory paralysis

Even skin contact with parts of the plant can lead to blistering or allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. Consumption or topical application is strongly discouraged in any case.

Conclusion

The Daphne is a potentially interesting but dangerous plant. While its toxic constituents were used in traditional medicine, caution is above all advised today. In modern phytotherapy, Daphne no longer plays a role but remains of interest as a subject of toxicological and pharmacological research.

Sources:

  1. Kupchan, S. M., & Baxter, R. L. (1975). Mezerein: antileukemic principle isolated from Daphne mezereum L. Science (New York, N.Y.), 187(4177), 652–653. https://doi.org/10.1126/science.1114315
  2. Tundis, R., Loizzo, M. R., Bonesi, M., Peruzzi, L., & Efferth, T. (2018). Daphne striata Tratt. and D. mezereum L.: a study of anti-proliferative activity towards human cancer cells and antioxidant properties. Natural Product Research, 33(12), 1809–1812. https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1437432
  3. Mohamed, W. N., Butt, H. S., Schmidt, T. J., Eltvik, A. A., Wu, D., Malterud, K. E., Inngjerdingen, M., Inngjerdingen, K. T., & Wangensteen, H. (2025). Biflavonoids and bi- and tricoumarins from Daphne mezereum and inhibition of TNF-α secretion. Phytochemistry, 229, 114308. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2024.114308
  4. Moshiashvili, G., Tabatadze, N., & Mshvildadze, V. (2020). The genus Daphne: A review of its traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology. Fitoterapia, 143, 104540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104540
  5. Butt, H. S., Bada, L., Malterud, K. E., Inngjerdingen, K. T., & Wangensteen, H. (2025). New coumarins from a hot water extract of Daphne mezereum bark. Phytochemistry Letters, 67, 102954. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytol.2025.102954