Pieris japonica
Pieris japonica
Pieris japonica, commonly known as Japanese pieris or winter laurel, is a plant native to East Asia. While its traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented in historical texts, it has been associated with poisoning incidents, particularly grayanotoxin-related cases involving animals following ingestion of the plant and other members of the Ericaceae family. Scientific evidence suggests that Pieris japonica can be toxic when ingested by animals due to the presence of grayanotoxins. A systematic review identified 31 records of grayanotoxin poisoning in animals after consuming Pieris japonica or related plants. Additionally, a study indicated that an alpaca died from acute poisoning after eating leaves of Japanese pieris. However, there is limited evidence regarding its effects on humans. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data; no major issues have been recorded for human use. There are also no reported drug interactions associated with Pieris japonica. Nonetheless, caution should be exercised when handling the plant due to potential toxicity.
- 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
- This systematic review identified 31 records of grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Pieris japonica and other Ericaceae plants.
- The combined application of Pieris japonica-derived biochar and Bacillus cereus B2 enhanced sorghum growth and stress tolerance under mercury-contaminated soil conditions.
- Pieris japonica dominance leads to lower soil bulk density, altered fungal communities with reduced ectomycorrhizal fungi, and exclusion of seedlings and saplings under deciduous broad-leaved trees.
- The study found that an alpaca likely died due to acute poisoning from ingesting leaves of Japanese pieris (Pieris japonica).
Frequently asked questions
What is Pieris japonica?
Pieris japonica (Pieris japonica) 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 Pieris japonica?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Pieris japonica; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: This systematic review identified 31 records of grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Pieris japonica and other Ericaceae plants.
How strong is the evidence for Pieris japonica?
The strongest finding for Pieris japonica carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Pieris japonica safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Pieris japonica in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Pieris japonica interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Pieris japonica in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Pieris japonica?
Pieris japonica is also known as: Пиерис японский.
Is Pieris japonica 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 Effects of Pieris japonica (Ericaceae) dominance on cool temperate forest altered-understory environments and soil microbiomes in Southern Japan. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Suspected Japanese Pieris (Pieris japonica) Poisoning in an Alpaca (Vicugna pacos). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Grayanotoxin poisoning in animals following the ingestion of Ericaceae plants. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Synergistic application of biochar and mercury-resistant Bacillus cereus enhances phytoremediation efficiency and stress tolerance in sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) grown in mercury-contaminated soil. literature abstract metadata