Dogbane / Indian hemp

Apocynum cannabinum

Native American

Photo credit: Thayne Tuason

Danger

This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.

Safety information

Toxicity: Serious — cardiotoxic. Cardiac glycosides cause nausea, vomiting, dangerous cardiac arrhythmias; the milky sap is irritant.

Contraindications: Any internal use; cardiac disease; pregnancy.

Interactions: Additive/dangerous with digoxin and cardiac drugs.

Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy.

Evidence level

Folk

Reported in folk medicine sources; not clinically validated. Folk and historical sources have not been validated by clinical research.

This plant carries serious safety risks. All information is for educational reference only.

historical/medicinal use described only — NOT instructed · root

Part used: root

Traditional use: strong cardiac/diuretic/emetic remedy and for 'dropsy'; primarily a fiber plant (cordage, nets, bowstrings)

Proposed mechanism: cardiac glycosides (cymarin, apocynamarin) — digitalis-like

Dosage note (descriptive only): NO how-to

Reference only — not a dosage instruction

Evidence:Preclinical

n/a

Native American

Sources (2)