European Turn-sole
Heliotropium europaeum
Heliotropium europaeum, a plant native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia, has not been traditionally used for medicinal purposes. However, it has emerged as a source of concern due to its association with pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication in pigs, where contaminated barley was implicated. Scientific studies have identified potential pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Heliotropium europaeum through bioassay-directed analysis, suggesting the need for further monitoring and inclusion in surveillance programs. Additionally, research has shown that this plant contains various bioactive compounds with potential antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. Notably, it also demonstrated significant haemostatic activity and accelerated wound healing in rats compared to controls. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded thus far.
- 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
- A large-scale pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication event in pigs was associated with contaminated barley likely from Heliotropium europaeum.
- The study identified potential pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Heliotropium europaeum through bioassay-directed analysis, suggesting these could be included in monitoring programs.
- The study identified various bioactive compounds in Heliotropium europaeum, showing potential antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities.
- Heliotropium europaeum showed significant haemostatic activity and accelerated wound healing in rats compared to controls.
Frequently asked questions
What is European Turn-sole?
European Turn-sole (Heliotropium europaeum) 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 European Turn-sole?
4 sourced findings are recorded for European Turn-sole; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: A large-scale pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication event in pigs was associated with contaminated barley likely from Heliotropium europaeum.
How strong is the evidence for European Turn-sole?
The strongest finding for European Turn-sole carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is European Turn-sole safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for European Turn-sole in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does European Turn-sole interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for European Turn-sole in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of European Turn-sole?
European Turn-sole is also known as: гелиотроп европейский, Héliotrope d'Europe.
Is European Turn-sole 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 Bioassay-directed analysis-based identification of relevant pyrrolizidine alkaloids. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Preliminary evaluation of haemostatic and wound healing potential of Heliotropium europaeum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Mapping the Chemodiversity, Antioxidant and Enzyme Inhibitory Potential and In Silico Studies of Heliotropium europaeum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Pyrrolizidine alkaloid intoxication outbreaks in fattening pigs associated with drought-related feed contamination. literature abstract metadata