Pokeweed has been used in alternative medicine to treat tonsillitis, skin conditions, and more.
But the plant, an herb native to the Gulf Coast of the United States, ispoisonousas well.
Pokeweed has been studied in lab and animal studies as an herbal remedy for some health conditions.
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It is sometimes used in herbal supplements.
However, theres no proof that it can benefit humans.
You will be connected to a poison control center in your area.
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This article is for information only and is not a substitute for emergency medical care.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
Pokeweed is also an ingredient in traditional Appalachian cuisine.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
It’s made edible by cooking the young shoots of the plant repeatedly to remove the poisonous toxins.
When cooked this way, it has a flavor similar to asparagus.
There are no guidelines for the safe use of pokeweed or pokeweed remedies in humans.
As a rule, the consumption of fresh pokeweed should be avoided.
Can Pokeweed Cause a Rash?
Some people may developcontact dermatitisafter touching the plant with unbroken skin.
Contact with the plant can trigger inflammation and severe skin irritation, such as a rash.
Unless severe, pokeweed rash can usually be treated at home.
Treat it as you wouldpoison oakby washing the skin thoroughly as soon as possible after exposure.
Avoid scratching and apply calamine lotion to help dry and heal the injured skin.
This photo contains content that some people may find graphic or disturbing.
Reproduced with permission from DermNetdermnetnz.org2023.
Poisonous Effects of Pokeweed
Pokeweed containsphytolaccine.
This is a powerful irritant that can cause severe gastrointestinal symptoms in humans and other mammals.
Pokeweed contains the poisonous compoundsphytolaccatoxinandphytolaccigenin.
Every part of the pokeweed plant is poisonous, including the roots, stems, leaves, and berries.
Older plants contain higher concentrations of phytolaccine.
The berries are more poisonous when green.
Treatment may involve gastric lavage.
This procedure involves the administration and removal of small volumes of fluid to dump the stomach.
Other treatments may include:
Hospital observation may be needed.
Mild to moderate cases tend to improve within one to two days.
Interactions
Not much is known about how pokeweed affects other drugs you may be taking.
Some could be potentially significant.
Contact with pokeweed leaves, roots, or berries can cause skin rash.
Swallowing any part of the fresh pokeweed plant can cause severe toxicity and even death.
Call 911 or seek emergency care if you experience any serious symptoms from pokeweed exposure.
Missouri Department of Conservation.Pokeweed.
Northern New England Poison Center.Pokeweed/Pokeberry.
Poison Control.Calling poison control.
Horii Y, Hhirano T. Pokeweed mitogen(Pwm).In: Encyclopedia of Immunology.
Stetler K.Tonsillitis and sore throat in children.GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg.
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