Euphorbia peplus vs Houseleek

Common garden weed whose latex has been used for millennia to treat skin lesions; recently validated as anticancer agent.

European succulent traditionally grown on rooftops to ward off lightning and fire. The fresh leaf juice is used topically for burns, insect stings, and skin inflammations.

ingenol mebutate, phorbol esters, jolkinol, pepluanone, sapogenins

mallic acid, tannins, mucilage, resin

wart removal, skin cancer treatment, molluscum contagiosum

Burn and sting treatment, Wart removal, Ear infection drops, Traditional protective roof plant

actinic keratosis treatment, antitumor, keratolytic

Wound healing topical, Anti-inflammatory, Demulcent, Antimicrobial

Topical latex application under medical supervision

Fresh leaf juice applied topically as needed

eyes, mucous membranes, open wounds, systemic absorption toxic

Internal use not established

severe skin irritation, blistering

Rare skin reactions