Cascabela thevetia
Cascabela thevetia
Cascabela thevetia, commonly known as yellow oleander, is a plant traditionally used in various cultures for its purported medicinal properties. However, there are no specific traditional uses documented for this particular species. Scientific evidence indicates potential cytotoxic, antiviral, and insecticidal activities from 81 identified phytochemicals within the plant, though their full pharmacological profiles remain unclear. A case report describes severe toxicity leading to fatal ventricular fibrillation in a woman who ingested approximately 50 yellow oleander seeds, highlighting the potential for serious cardiac effects. Another report notes contrasting cardiac presentations among family members following intentional ingestion of Cascabela thevetia leaves, underscoring variability in responses. Despite these findings, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded to date.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The review identified 81 phytochemicals from Cascabela thevetia with some showing potent cytotoxic, antiviral, and insecticidal activities.
- The study aims to synthesize evidence on the incidence of electrocardiographic and electrolyte changes following acute oleander poisoning, to inform patient management.
- A 47-year-old woman experienced severe toxicity from ingesting approximately 50 yellow oleander seeds, leading to fatal ventricular fibrillation despite treatment.
- This case report details two family members' contrasting cardiac presentations following intentional ingestion of Cascabela thevetia leaves.
Frequently asked questions
What is Cascabela thevetia?
Cascabela thevetia (Cascabela thevetia) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Cascabela thevetia?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Cascabela thevetia; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The review identified 81 phytochemicals from Cascabela thevetia with some showing potent cytotoxic, antiviral, and insecticidal activities.
How strong is the evidence for Cascabela thevetia?
The strongest finding for Cascabela thevetia carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Cascabela thevetia safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Cascabela thevetia in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Cascabela thevetia interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Cascabela thevetia in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Cascabela thevetia a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Incidence of electrocardiographic and electrolyte changes in acute oleander poisoning in humans: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cascabela thevetia (L.) lippold.- a review on its phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Oleander poisoning: Two cases with contrasting cardiac presentations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fatal Yellow Oleander Poisoning From a Weight-Loss Seed Product Requiring Venoarterial Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation. literature abstract metadata