Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp.

The Basics

What is Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp.?

Used for breathing disorders including asthma, bronchitis, and chest congestion.

Brand names for Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp.

Na

How Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp. is classified

Complementary Therapies, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal

Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp. During Pregnancy

Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp. pregnancy category

Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.

What we know about taking Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp. while pregnant

N/A

Taking Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp. While Breastfeeding

What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp.?

There are over 2000 species of Euphorbia containing numerous chemical compounds, although no specific active ingredients have been identified. Several Euphorbia species have been used as galactogogues in various cultures, such as Euphorbia lancifolia (called ixbut in the local language) by the Mayans in Guatemala,[1] Euphorbia hirta in India,[2][3] and Euphorbia serpyllifolia and other species by American Indians. No scientifically valid clinical trials support this use; however, some evidence in animals found that a Euphorbia extract increases serum prolactin.[4] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[5] No data exist on the excretion of any components of Euphorbia into breastmilk. Euphorbia species exude a white sap that can cause contact sensitization and ocular toxicity if it gets in the eye. Taken orally, Euphorbia can cause nausea and vomiting. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Maternal / infant drug levels

There are over 2000 species of Euphorbia containing numerous chemical compounds, although no specific active ingredients have been identified. Several Euphorbia species have been used as galactogogues in various cultures, such as Euphorbia lancifolia (called ixbut in the local language) by the Mayans in Guatemala,[1] Euphorbia hirta in India,[2][3] and Euphorbia serpyllifolia and other species by American Indians. No scientifically valid clinical trials support this use; however, some evidence in animals found that a Euphorbia extract increases serum prolactin.[4] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[5] No data exist on the excretion of any components of Euphorbia into breastmilk. Euphorbia species exude a white sap that can cause contact sensitization and ocular toxicity if it gets in the eye. Taken orally, Euphorbia can cause nausea and vomiting. Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.

Possible effects of Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp. on milk supply

Animal studies have demonstrated an increase in serum prolactin after intravenous administration of an extract of Euphorbia hirta.[4]

Possible alternatives to Euphorbia / Euphorbia sp.

None listed