Jaborandi - Uses and Side Effects

Jaborandi is obtained from dried leaves of Pilocarpus microphyllus.

Jaborandi is obtained from dried leaves of Pilocarpus microphyllus. It contains volatile oils and three alkaloids: pilocarpine, isopilocarpine, and pilocarpidine. Pilocarpine, a parasympathomimetic, is the primary constituent and contributes to the herb''s cholinergic properties, including salivation, perspiration, miosis, and increased GI tract motility.

Reported uses

Jaborandi was formerly used to induce sweating and diarrhea, but it''s no longer used as a medicinal herb. It is, however, currently used to produce pilocarpine, and approved by the FDA for treating glaucoma.

Administration

Oral use of jaborandi is unsafe. Pilocarpine, a jaborandi constituent, is commercially available by prescription as an ophthalmic solution in various strengths.

Hazards

Adverse reactions to jaborandi may include seizures, hypotension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bronchospasm, dyspnea, increased sweating, and hypersalivation.

Because jaborandi has teratogenic effects and promotes uterine stimulation, pregnant and breast-feeding women shouldn''t use it. Oral consumption isn''t recommended.

Clinical considerations

Patient with cardiac and circulatory diseases is particularly sensitive to adverse CV reactions.

Because of potential toxicity, jaborandi isn''t recommended for oral or topical use.

Symptoms of toxicity can develop after ingestion of 60 mg or more of jaborandi, which is equivalent to 5 to 10 mg of pilocarpine.

Don''t confuse this herbal product with P. jaborandi (Pernambuco jaborandi) or P. pennatifolius (Paraguay jaborandi).

Always advise pregnant and breast-feeding patient to avoid using jaborandi.

Warn patient not to take jaborandi before seeking medical attention because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.

Tell patient to notify pharmacist of any herbal and dietary supplements that he''s taking when obtaining a new prescription.

Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a conventional treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Safety Risk

If patient shows signs and symptoms of toxicity, such as bradycardia, bronchospasm, cardiac arrest, seizures, hypotension, dyspnea, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, increased sweating, and hypersalivation, discontinue use. If toxicity develops, prepare for gastric lavage followed byadministration of activated charcoal and atropine. Expect to give diazepam if seizures develop. Give intravenous fluids as directed if hypotension occurs. Patient also may undergo hemodialysis.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of jaborandi and the claims made regarding its effects haven''t yet been validated scientifically

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