tea anyone

[darfyd]

Oleander Leaf

Other common name(s): oleander, dogbane, laurier rose, rosebay, AnvirzelTM, XenavexTM, SAOB-0401

Scientific/medical name(s): Nerium oleander, Oleandri polium, Thevetia peruviana

Description

Oleander is a poisonous evergreen shrub identified by its fragrant white, rose, or purple flowers, whorled leaves, and long follicles containing seeds. It grows in mild climates or as an indoor plant. The active ingredients are extracted from the leaves, but all parts of the plant are poisonous.

Overview

Carefully controlled doses of oleander extracts are in the early phases of testing to find out if it is effective in treating cancer. There have been numerous reports of poisoning and death from ingestion of oleander, oleander leaf tea, and its extracts. It has killed adults, children, pets, and livestock. Even a small amount of oleander can cause death due to its effects on the heart. Inhaling the smoke from burning oleander or eating honey made from its nectar can produce these poisonous effects. Since such tiny amounts can cause death, oleander supplements and extracts from any part of the oleander plant should not be used except under the careful observation and controlled conditions of a clinical trial.

How is it promoted for use?

Even though oleander is poisonous, heavily diluted oleander preparations have been promoted to treat a variety of conditions including muscle cramps, asthma, corns, menstrual pain, epilepsy, paralysis, skin diseases, heart problems, and cancer. It has also been used in folk remedies as an insecticide, and to kill rats.

What does it involve?

There is no established therapeutic dose of oleander extract. The oleander leaf is on the Commission E (Germany's regulatory agency for herbs) list of unapproved herbs. This means that it is not recommended for use because it has not been proven to be safe or effective. The plant parts are toxic, whether cooked, raw, or made into tea.

An injectable oleander extract with the trade name of Anvirzel was available, but it has not been approved for marketing by the FDA. In March 2000, the FDA warned the company that manufactured Anvirzel to immediately stop promoting the product as safe and effective, after it found misleading information on their Web site. The FDA noted that claims were being made based on very preliminary and inconclusive data. Such claims are not allowed until after a drug is fully tested and shown to be safe and effective.

Another company made an extract of oleander that can be given under the tongue (sublingually); however, it may not be available in the US.

What is the history behind it?

Although this plant is poisonous, products made from oleander have been used for centuries as herbal medicine. Historical records show that the Mesopotamians in the 15th century BC believed in the healing properties of oleander. The Babylonians used a mixture of oleander and licorice to treat hangovers. Pliny, the Elder of ancient Greece, wrote about the appearance and properties of oleander. Arab physicians first used oleander as a cancer treatment in the 8th century AD.

Over 25 years ago, Huseyin Z. Ozel, MD, a Turkish physician, published medical papers describing his study of oleander. He developed an oleander extract which he patented and trademarked in the United States and Europe as Anvirzel. He started this study because of folk traditions that suggested that an extract from oleander was active against leukemia.

What is the evidence?

The effectiveness of oleander has not been proven. In the test tube, Anvirzel appeared to slow the growth of cells from human bladder cancers, but human studies are needed to find out if it will work in people. Very early studies of carefully dosed oleander extract (Anvirzel) in people with cancer have not yet shown that it helps. Side effects included nausea and vomiting, aches, and redness at the injection site, but the drug did not appear to affect the cancer in these patients. One very early study of 18 patients with advanced cancer was mainly done to decide on the best dose of the drug. No measurable responses in their cancers were noted during this small study. Although there are claims that Anvirzel improves quality of life, reduces pain, increases energy, and causes cancer regression and remission, available scientific evidence does not support these claims.

Another company planned to offer an oleander extract that could be placed under the tongue, which they named Xenavex. Phase I and Phase II clinical trials on Xenavex were announced in 2005 on people with non-small-cell lung cancer. However, these clinical trials were not done, and the announcements were later removed from the federal clinical trials website. The company did not return calls or emails about the product.

Before any form of oleander can be recommended for human use, it must be thoroughly tested in people using the carefully controlled dosing and observation procedures used in clinical trials.

Are there any possible problems or complications?

This product is sold as a dietary supplement in the United States. Unlike drugs (which must be tested before being allowed to be sold), the companies that make supplements are not required to prove to the Food and Drug Administration that their supplements are safe or effective, as long as they don't claim the supplements can prevent, treat, or cure any specific disease.

Some such products may not contain the amount of the herb or substance that is written on the label, and some may include other substances (contaminants). Actual amounts per dose may vary between brands or even between different batches of the same brand.

Most such supplements have not been tested to find out if they interact with medicines, foods, or other herbs and supplements. Even though some reports of interactions and harmful effects may be published, full studies of interactions and effects are not often available. Because of these limitations, any information on ill effects and interactions below should be considered incomplete.

The oleander plant is poisonous, and many people have died from eating parts of the plant or drinking tea made from it. Death has resulted from heart failure or respiratory paralysis. Some of the symptoms and signs of oleander toxicity are nausea, vomiting, colic, appetite loss, dizziness, drowsiness, high potassium levels, heart block, dilated pupils, bloody diarrhea, seizures, loss of consciousness, and slow or irregular pulse. There have been reports of death occurring after oral and/or rectal administration of the extract from the plant. The FDA has received reports of at least 2 deaths linked to the use of Anvirzel before the filing of the Investigational New Drug application.

Skin irritation from contact with oleander has occurred and allergies are possible. There has been one report observing that, when oleander was taken by a pregnant woman 12 hours before delivery, her baby was affected with seizures and a slowed heart rate. No other cause for the seizures and low heart rate was found. This herb should be avoided, especially by children and women who are pregnant or breast-feeding.

[darfyd]

and there was me thinking i was being a gentleman offering cuppas lol

[darfyd]

Kettles on anytime you want to chat Gia

XX Dave

[medievil_witch]

hmm i remember my sister kindly telling us about the campers used a dried oliander stick to ster their tea unknowingly killing them selves it makes you think be careful as you never know unless you can identify the stick don't use it i remember roasting marshmallows on the camp fire useing sticks from gum trees and even cooking toast this way how lucky are we they were only gums around take care

[Dragon Dancer (Johoanna)]

And where can I get some in a hurry. This might solve my problem...well, partly anyway. Read my blog for more info.

[medievil_witch]

oleander is a member of the dogbane family but don't mix it up with monkshood known as wolfsbane/dogsbane

[Lady.S]

What a beautiful and well written peice. Being that I share a love for plants found here in Australia, whether native or introduced. In fact, I am basing an entire study on plants found here in Australia for both medicinal & magickal purposes. Oleander is also great for warding off various types of the Australian fae or spirits, along with Paperbark (used as a smudge) and the Oleander (just the flowers placed in the home or grown around the perimeter). Kind of funny considering Oleander is known as one of the most poisonous plants on Earth, often used in suicidal cases around southern India. The numerous toxic compounds contained in the entire Oleander plant, including oleandrin and neriine, affect the nervous, digestive and cardiovascular systems, all at the same time. It symbolises majestic yet deadly beauty because it is poisonous it is good for spells that involve charms, charisma and attraction. Then again, one must be careful in handling the plant and I wouldn't advise anyone unless they wore gloves and avoided the sap.

Love the read. Bravo!