Last update: March 22, 2018

Pennyroyal

High Risk for breastfeeding


Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully.
Use safer alternative or interrupt breastfeeding 3 to 7 T ½ (elimination half-lives).
Read the Comment.

On last update no relevant published data on breastfeeding were found.

Because of toxicity mostly for the liver, and, lack of proven beneficial pharmacologic effects, it would be wise to avoid usage while breastfeeding. Otherwise, consumption of infusion should be occasional but never use essential oil.

Aerial summits of plant are used. Contains essential oils (Pulegone), Flavonoids and Tannins.

Pulegone induces abortion has toxicity against the liver, kidney and neurological system. It is found very concentrated in essential oil but much lesser in infusions. However, lethal or severe cases in infants who had ingested small portions of infusion have been reported.

Unproven properties are: Anti-spasmodic, Digestive, Hypnotic.

Indications from the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: none

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Pennyroyal.

Suggestions made at e-lactancia are done by APILAM´s pediatricians and pharmacists, and are based on updated scientific publications.
It is not intended to replace the relationship you have with your doctor but to compound it.

Jose Maria Paricio, Founder & President of APILAM/e-Lactancia

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Other names

Pennyroyal is also known as


Pennyroyal in other languages or writings:

Group

Pennyroyal belongs to this group or family:

Tradenames

Main tradenames from several countries containing Pennyroyal in its composition:

  • Wunderbalsam™. Contains other elements than Pennyroyal in its composition

References

  1. Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013 Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B. Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013 Abstract
  3. MedlinePlus Poleo MedlinePlus suplementos 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. MedlinePlus Pennyroyal MedlinePlus Supplements 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Chitturi S, Farrell GC. Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008 Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  6. Zhou S, Koh HL, Gao Y, Gong ZY, Lee EJ. Herbal bioactivation: the good, the bad and the ugly. Life Sci. 2004 Abstract
  7. Ciganda C, Laborde A. Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2003 Abstract
  8. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol. 1999 Abstract
  9. Anderson IB, Mullen WH, Meeker JE, Khojasteh-BakhtSC, Oishi S, Nelson SD, Blanc PD. Pennyroyal toxicity: measurement of toxic metabolite levels in two cases and review of the literature. Ann Intern Med. 1996 Abstract
  10. Bakerink JA, Gospe SM Jr, Dimand RJ, Eldridge MW. Multiple organ failure after ingestion of pennyroyal oil from herbal tea in two infants. Pediatrics. 1996 Abstract
  11. Sullivan JB Jr, Rumack BH, Thomas H Jr, Peterson RG, Bryson P. Pennyroyal oil poisoning and hepatotoxicity. JAMA. 1979 Abstract
  12. Conway GA, Slocumb JC. Plants used as abortifacients and emmenagogues by Spanish New Mexicans. J Ethnopharmacol. 1979 Abstract
  13. Gunby P. Plant known for centuries still causes problems today. JAMA. 1979 Abstract

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