Pilocarpus
Pilocarpus
Pilocarpus is a plant traditionally associated with various indigenous cultures in South America, particularly in Brazil. While its specific traditional uses are not well-documented, it has been studied for potential medicinal benefits. Scientific evidence suggests that compounds from Pilocarpus, such as epiisopiloturine and epiisopilosine, may have protective effects on the heart during ischemia and reperfusion, potentially reducing cardiac injury markers and incidence of atrioventricular block. Additionally, these compounds showed promise in mitigating liver toxicity induced by acetaminophen through autophagy modulation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The essential oil from Pilocarpus microphyllus demonstrated antileishmanial, cytotoxic, and weak antifungal activities. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been reported for this plant, but further research is warranted to fully understand its potential therapeutic applications.
- 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
- Epiisopiloturine (15 mg/kg) pretreatment reduced atrioventricular block and lethality in rats subjected to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.
- Pilocarpus microphyllus essential oil showed antileishmanial, cytotoxic, and weak antifungal activity.
- The study presents a chromosome-level genome assembly for Pilocarpus microphyllus, providing a foundation for studying its pilocarpine biosynthesis.
- Epiisopilosine and epiisopiloturine from Pilocarpus attenuated acetaminophen-induced liver toxicity in mice via autophagy modulation and anti-inflammatory effects.
Frequently asked questions
What is Pilocarpus?
Pilocarpus (Pilocarpus) 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 Pilocarpus?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Pilocarpus; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Epiisopiloturine (15 mg/kg) pretreatment reduced atrioventricular block and lethality in rats subjected to cardiac ischemia and reperfusion.
How strong is the evidence for Pilocarpus?
The strongest finding for Pilocarpus carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Pilocarpus safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Pilocarpus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Pilocarpus interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Pilocarpus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Pilocarpus?
Pilocarpus is also known as: Пилокарпус.
Is Pilocarpus 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 Evaluation of Potential Molecular Targets of the Alkaloid Epiisopiloturine, Involved in Cardioprotective Effects, Using Computational Molecular Docking in an Animal Model of Cardiac Ischemia and Reperfusion. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Cytotoxic and Antileishmanial Potential of Pilocarpus microphyllus Essential Oil: In Vitro and In Silico Study. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Imidazole Alkaloids Epiisopilosine and Epiisopiloturine Attenuate Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Toxicity in Mice via Autophagy Modulation and Anti-Inflammatory Effects. literature abstract metadata
- T2 De Novo Chromosome-Level Assembly of the Endangered Pilocarpus Microphyllus Highlights Genomic Resources for Conservation and Sustainable Pilocarpine Extraction. literature abstract metadata