Pokeweed

Generic name: Phytolacca Americana L.
Brand names: American Nightshade, Cancer Jalap, Cancerroot, Chongras, Coakum, Crowberry, Garget, Inkberry, Pigeonberry, Poke, Pokeberry, Red Ink Plant, Scoke

Usage of Pokeweed

Antiviral activity

PAPs have been extensively studied for their biochemical mechanism and antiviral activity. They are able to enzymatically depurinate adenine (A4324) and several other residues of ribosomal RNA via a specific RNA N-glycosidase activity. The consequence of this activity in a living cell is cessation of protein synthesis. The proteins are bound within the plant cell wall matrix and do not interfere with the plant's ribosomes unless the cell is injured.25 PAP isoforms are also able to depurinate viral RNA of HIV-1, which blocks replication of the virus within host cells26 a property not shared by all ribosome-inactivating proteins. Ricin, for example, is inactive as an antiviral, but PAPs are active against a broad spectrum of plant and animal viruses, including poliovirus, herpes simplex, influenza, cytomegalovirus, and HIV.26 The specificity for viral versus host cell RNA appears to reside in PAP's ability to bind to RNA cap structures.27 It has been shown that cap binding and rRNA depurination can be uncoupled because mutation of a conserved asparagine residue blocks rRNA depurination but not cap binding.28 The same study showed that PAP is retrotranslocated through the endoplasmic reticulum into the cellular cytosol. High resolution x-ray crystallogrphic structures of PAP-III and PAP-S have been published.29, 30

The antiviral properties of PAP have prompted its development as a microbicide for sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV. PAP-I had no adverse effects on semen used for artificial insemination of rabbits, and pups born via insemination with treated semen were entirely normal.31 Likewise, neither human spermatazoa nor female genital tract epithelial cells were adversely affected by PAP.32 As a topical microbicide, PAP would be administered vaginally in a gel formulation. Consequently, PAP was evaluated in a 13-week suBChronic and reproductive toxicity study in mice. No adverse effects on the vaginal mucosa or on reproductive success were found in examination of numerous end points.33 However, in rabbits, moderate to marked vaginal irritation was noted in some animals, but it was not dose-dependent in intensity.34

It should be emphasized that the above studies were conducted on purified proteins and that crude extracts of poke cannot be substituted in therapy because of their acutely toxic properties. Studies related to pokeweed antiviral proteins are ongoing.35, 36, 37, 38

Other uses

The saponins showed anti-inflammatory activity in a rat paw edema model at doses 10-fold lower than the LD50; however, the toxicity of the saponins precludes their use in inflamation.39 Poke extracts were found to have inhibitory activity in a model of diabetic nephropathy.40 The sterol alpha-spinasterol was isolated as the active principle.10 Some of the neolignans of poke promote neurite outgrowth in rat cortical neuron cultures.13, 14 Antiproliferative and antitumor activities have been described for the component americanin A,41 as well as acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity from the leaf extract.42

Pokeweed side effects

GI distress, possibly leading to severe toxicities, can occur (see Toxicology).

Before taking Pokeweed

Documented adverse effects. Avoid use. Uterine stimulant with toxic constituents; is reputed to affect menstrual cycle.46

How to use Pokeweed

At doses of 1 g, dried pokeweed root is emetic and purgative. At lower doses of 60 to 100 mg/day, the root and berries have been used to treat rheumatism and for immune stimulation. However, there are no clinical trials that support these uses or doses.43, 44, 45

Warnings

Pokeweed poisonings were common in eastern North America during the 19th century, especially from the use of tinctures as antirheumatic preparations and from ingestion of berries and roots that were mistaken for parsnip, Jerusalem artichoke, or horseradish.43

All parts of pokeweed are toxic except the aboveground leaves sprouting in the early spring. The poisonous principles are found in highest concentrations in the rootstock, less in the mature leaves and stems, and least in the fruits. Young leaves, if collected before acquiring a red color, are edible if boiled for 5 minutes, rinsed, and reboiled. Berries are toxic when raw but edible when cooked.

Ingestion of poisonous parts of the plant may cause severe stomach cramping, nausea with persistent diarrhea and vomiting, slow and difficult breathing, weakness, spasms, hypotension, severe convulsions, and death.47 However, less than 10 uncooked berries are generally harmless to adults. Several investigators have reported deaths in children following the ingestion of uncooked berries or pokeberry juice.47, 48 Severe poisonings have been reported in adults who ingested mature pokeweed leaves49 and following the ingestion of tea brewed from one-half teaspoonful of powdered pokeroot.43

A case of toxicity in campers who ingested properly cooked young shoots has been reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sixteen of the 51 cases exhibited case-definitive symptoms (vomiting followed by any 3 of the following: nausea, diarrhea, stomach cramps, dizziness, headache). These symptoms persisted for up to 48 hours (mean, 24 hours).50 Poisoning also may occur when the toxic components enter the circulatory system through cuts and abrasions in the skin. Symptoms of mild poisoning generally last 24 hours. In severe cases, gastric lavage, emesis, and symptomatic and supportive treatment have been suggested.47 The FDA classifies pokeweed as an herb of undefined safety that has demonstrated narcotic effects.

What other drugs will affect Pokeweed

None well documented.

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