Overview

Hound's tongue (Cynoglossum officinale) is a plant. The leaf and root are sometimes used to make medicine.

Hound's tongue contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can be toxic to the lungs and the liver and should be avoided.

People use hound's tongue for infections, wound healing, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use. Hound's tongue can also be unsafe.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

We currently have no information for HOUND'S TONGUE overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Hound's tongue is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may block blood flow in the veins and cause liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. Do not use hound's tongue preparations that are not certified and labeled "PA-free".

When applied to the skin: It's likely unsafe to apply hound's tongue to broken skin. The dangerous chemicals in hound's tongue can be absorbed quickly through broken skin and can lead to serious side effects. There isn't enough information to know if it's safe to apply certified PA-free hound's tongue to the skin. It's best to avoid use.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Hound's tongue is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which may block blood flow in the veins and cause liver damage. PAs might also cause cancer and birth defects. Do not use hound's tongue preparations that are not certified and labeled "PA-free".

When applied to the skin: It's likely unsafe to apply hound's tongue to broken skin. The dangerous chemicals in hound's tongue can be absorbed quickly through broken skin and can lead to serious side effects. There isn't enough information to know if it's safe to apply certified PA-free hound's tongue to the skin. It's best to avoid use.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's likely unsafe to use hound's tongue when pregnant or breast-feeding. It contains chemicals that can cause birth defects and liver damage. Stay on the safe side and avoid using any hound's tongue preparation when pregnant or breast-feeding.

Liver disease: Hound's tongue contains chemicals called pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). These chemicals can cause liver damage and may make liver disease worse.

Interactions ?

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Medications that increase break down of other medications by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) inducers) interacts with HOUND'S TONGUE

    Hound's tongue is changed and broken down by the liver. Some drugs increase how quickly the liver changes and breaks down hound's tongue. This could change the effects and side effects of hound's tongue.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of hound's tongue might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.