Masterwort
Scientific names: Heracleum sphondylium, Heracleum sphondylium subsp. montanum, Heracleum lanatum, Heracleum maximum, Heracleum montanum
Family: Apiaceae/Umbelliferae
Alternate names: Berce Commune, Berce Laineuse, Berce Très Grande, Cow Cabbage, Cow Parsnip, Hogweed, Imperatoria, Madnep, Radix Pimpinelle Franconiae, Woolly Parsnip, Youthwort
Background
Masterwort is a plant. People use it to make medicine.
People use masterwort for conditions such as muscle cramps, stomach disorders, digestive problems, and diarrhea, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Using masterwort by mouth or on the skin can also be unsafe.
People use masterwort for conditions such as muscle cramps, stomach disorders, digestive problems, and diarrhea, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Using masterwort by mouth or on the skin can also be unsafe.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: Masterwort is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It can cause the skin to burn more easily in the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. Also, there are some chemicals in masterwort that can cause cancer.
When applied to the skin: Masterwort is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause the skin to burn more easily in the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. Also, there are some chemicals in masterwort that can cause cancer.
It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take masterwort by mouth if you are breast-feeding. It's best to avoid use.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light including sunlamp treatment for certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, use of tanning beds, or time in sunlight: Masterwort causes sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. It could cause your skin to burn. Don't use masterwort if you are receiving UV light therapy. Also, stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds if you are taking masterwort.
When applied to the skin: Masterwort is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause the skin to burn more easily in the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. Also, there are some chemicals in masterwort that can cause cancer.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding:If you are pregnant, it's LIKELY UNSAFE to take masterwort by mouth, especially in early pregnancy. It might start your menstrual period, and that could cause a miscarriage.It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take masterwort by mouth if you are breast-feeding. It's best to avoid use.
Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light including sunlamp treatment for certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, use of tanning beds, or time in sunlight: Masterwort causes sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. It could cause your skin to burn. Don't use masterwort if you are receiving UV light therapy. Also, stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds if you are taking masterwort.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Diarrhea.
- Digestion problems.
- Muscle cramps.
- Stomach disorders.
- Swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the stomach and intestines.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of masterwort depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for masterwort. 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 your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Masterwort might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Taking masterwort along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering, or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.
Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
There is not enough information to know how masterwort might work.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 18/09/2023 10:00:00 and last updated on 21/11/2014 23:32:26. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
