Levant Berry

Generic name: Anamirta Cocculus Wight & Arn.
Brand names: Cocculus Fructus, Cocculus Indicus, Fish Killer, Fishberry, Hockle Elderberry, Indian Berry, Kockel-lian, Levant Berry, Levant Nut, Louseberry, Poisonberry, Tuba Biji

Usage of Levant Berry

Antibacterial activity

In vitro data

Antibacterial activity has been noted; for example, methanolic extracts obtained from the seeds of A. cocculus showed remarkable antibacterial activity against EscheriChia coli at a concentration of 3 mcg/mL using agar disc diffusion methods.Qadir 2015

CNS effects

Picrotoxin acts on gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABAA) receptors as an antagonist. It also blocks conductance enhancement of agonists such as propofol and barbiturates, hence its historical application as an antidote to barbiturate poisoning.Bause 2013

Animal data

Studies conducted in rodents have shown improved sexual behavior in adult rats and their offspring due to possible action of picrotoxin on GABAA receptors.Baso 2003, Bernardi 2013, Teodorov 2005

In a study in mice evaluating whether behavioral changes accompany the effects of picrotoxin on the prefrontal dopaminergic system (ie, increased prefrontal dopamine release), picrotoxin caused anxiety and anhedonia.Hasebe 2017 In another study, picrotoxin treatment improved cognitive function in adult mice expressing amyloid precursor protein (APP) and presenilin 1 (PS1) mutations.Yoshiike 2008

Clinical data

Clinical studies of picrotoxin use in Ménière disease, alone and in combination with other natural remedies for vertigo, have been limited because of toxicity concerns.Heinle 2010, Weikert 2008 In a small clinical study (N=41), picrotoxin suppositories (1 mg inserted 3 times per week) (n=23) were more effective than betahistine (n=18) in reducing the frequency and intensity of vertigo attacks. The authors concluded that the clinical benefit and lack of adverse effects at this picrotoxin dose make it a reasonable alternative in the long-term treatment of Ménière disease.Weikert 2008

Hypoxia

Animal data

In a study evaluating effects of picrotoxin on acute hypoxic states, increased resistance to hypoxia was observed in anesthetized rats, potentially via activity on GABAA receptors.Sanotskaya 2008

Levant Berry side effects

Picrotoxin stimulates the CNS and respiratory system. It is also a GI irritant.Morton 1977

Before taking Levant Berry

Avoid use. Adverse effects have been documented. In rats, maternal exposure to picrotoxin has been shown to induce demasculinization of male offspring.Baso 2003

How to use Levant Berry

Clinical studies are lacking to support any clinical applications of levant berry; toxicity of the constituent picrotoxin has been established. In a small clinical study, picrotoxin suppositories (1 mg inserted 3 times per week) were used to reduce the frequency and intensity of vertigo attacks.Weikert 2008

Warnings

The dried fruit of A. cocculus is highly toxic. Death from doses of 2 to 3 g of the fruit have been reported. Overdose results in convulsions, delirium, depression, diaphoresis, disturbed coordination, dizziness, dyspnea, headache, nausea, and spastic twitching.Duke 2002

What other drugs will affect Levant Berry

None well documented. Picrotoxin is a potent inducer of rat hepatic CYP-450 (ie, CYP2B1 and CYP2B2); therefore, drug interactions are possible.Yamada 1993

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