Herbe de muguet (Convallaria majalis): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does lily of the valley work on the heart?

Convallaria majalis contains cardiac glycosides, primarily convallatoxin, which inhibit the sodium-potassium ATPase pump in cardiac cells. This inhibition increases intracellular calcium, strengthening heart muscle contractions—a positive inotropic effect—while simultaneously slowing the heart rate. The herb also promotes fluid excretion through mild diuretic action. These combined effects historically made it useful for heart failure and edema. Evidence level: C, based primarily on pharmacological studies and traditional use rather than large-scale clinical trials.

Does lily of the valley interact with heart medications?

Yes, Convallaria majalis has significant drug interactions, particularly with cardiac medications. Combining it with digoxin or other cardiac glycosides can cause additive toxicity, leading to dangerous arrhythmias. Concurrent use with diuretics may increase the risk of electrolyte imbalances, potentiating cardiac glycoside toxicity. Potassium-depleting medications amplify this toxicity risk. Due to these serious interactions and the herb's narrow therapeutic window, self-medication is strongly contraindicated. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before use.

What is the proper dosage for Convallaria majalis?

There is no safe self-medication dosage for Convallaria majalis. Due to its narrow therapeutic index and potential for fatal toxicity, this herb should only be used under medical supervision in standardized pharmaceutical preparations. The concentration of active cardiac glycosides varies significantly in raw plant material, making home preparation extremely dangerous. Historical folk medicine dosages are not reliable guides. Evidence level: C. Professional guidance is essential for any therapeutic use.

Is lily of the valley safe during pregnancy?

No, Convallaria majalis is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The cardiac glycosides can cross the placenta and may affect fetal heart function. The herb's potent effects on cardiac rhythm and its potential to cause uterine contractions pose significant risks to both mother and fetus. Additionally, the narrow therapeutic window and risk of toxicity make any use during pregnancy inadvisable. Breastfeeding mothers should also avoid this herb as cardiac glycosides may pass into breast milk.

What are the side effects of lily of the valley?

Convallaria majalis can cause serious side effects including cardiac arrhythmias, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and headache. Due to its potent cardiac glycosides, toxicity can occur even with small amounts, potentially leading to life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances. Death has been reported from contact with the plant. The herb has an extremely narrow therapeutic window, meaning the difference between a therapeutic and toxic dose is very small. Immediate medical attention is necessary if any adverse symptoms occur after exposure.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 29 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Convallaria majalis, known as lily of the valley, is a medicinal plant containing potent cardiac glycosides used historically for heart failure and edema [PMID:30725648].

Contexte

Convallaria majalis is an herbaceous perennial plant found in the northern hemisphere, valued for both ornamental and pharmaceutical purposes [PMID:32193770].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used in traditional Chinese medicinal sciences for its anti-HIV properties [PMID:38047360] and has been used for centuries to treat heart failure and edema, historically termed 'dropsy' [PMID:30725648].

Composés actifs

The plant contains cardioactive steroids (CAS) also known as cardiac glycosides [PMID:30725648], specifically convallatoxin [PMID:34469053], convalloside [PMID:17342590], and various steroidal glycosides [PMID:39014276, PMID:29112119]. It also contains the toxic non-proteinogenic amino acid L-azetidine-2-carboxylic acid (L-AZC) [PMID:23780584] and progesterone [PMID:7405359].

Mécanisme d'action

Cardiac glycosides in the plant exhibit cardiotonic activity [PMID:27748195] and act against cardiac myocyte ion channels or other cardiac receptor targets [PMID:37222714]. Convallatoxin has been shown to induce the expression of tissue factor (TF) in endothelial cells, which may lead to a hypercoagulable state [PMID:34469053].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve CHeart Failure and Edema

Historically used to treat heart failure and edema [PMID:30725648].

Preuve CHIV

Used in traditional Chinese medicinal sciences for anti-HIV properties [PMID:38047360].

Preuve DCancer

Certain steroidal glycosides from C. majalis exhibited cytotoxic activity against HL-60 human promyelocytic leukemia, A549 human lung adenocarcinoma, and human oral squamous cell carcinoma cells in vitro [PMID:29112119, PMID:17268112].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

The plant is toxic; all parts including petals, stamen, leaves, and pollen are toxic [PMID:21147474]. Ingestion can cause food poisoning in humans and companion animals [PMID:34469053]. In cats, it elicits toxic effects via cardiac glycosides [PMID:21147474], and in dogs, it has been associated with cardiac shock and death [PMID:2777690].

Interactions médicamenteuses

Convallatoxin is a substrate for P-glycoprotein (P-gp), suggesting potential for drug-drug interactions at the transporter level [PMID:25264938].

Synthèse des preuves

The evidence consists primarily of phytochemical analyses, in vitro studies, and veterinary case reports. There is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (RCTs or meta-analyses) regarding human therapeutic use.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 21147474 (2010) — Lily toxicity in the cat. · Topics in companion animal medicine
2.PMID: 30725648 (2026) — Convallaria Majalis. · The Southern medical record
3.PMID: 35478853 (2022) — The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Convallaria majalis L. · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
4.PMID: 17342590 (1985) — Studies on the Turnover of Cardenolides in Convallaria majalis. · Planta medica
5.PMID: 38047360 (2023) — The Importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Intervention and Treatment of HIV while Considering its Safety and Efficacy. · Current HIV research
6.

Herbe de muguet

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Herbe de muguet

Auricularia Auricula

Pine Bark Extract

Dioscorea nipponica

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales

Herbe de muguet

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Herbe de muguet

Plantes associées

Auricularia Auricula

Pine Bark Extract

Dioscorea nipponica

Questions fréquentes

Résumé

Contexte

Usages traditionnels

Composés actifs

Mécanisme d'action

Preuves cliniques

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Interactions médicamenteuses

Synthèse des preuves

Sources PubMed

Sources gouvernementales