Lantana camara (Lantana camara): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Lantana camara work medicinally?

Lantana camara contains bioactive triterpenoids called lantadene A and lantadene B, along with oleanolic acid and flavonoids. These compounds exhibit antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory activities through inhibition of pro-inflammatory mediators and disruption of microbial cell membranes. The plant's febrifuge properties in traditional medicine are attributed to these anti-inflammatory compounds, though precise molecular mechanisms remain under investigation. Evidence level: C (preliminary pharmacological studies).

Does Lantana camara interact with any medications?

Limited clinical data exists on Lantana camara drug interactions. Due to its hepatotoxic compounds (lantadenes), it may theoretically potentiate liver damage when combined with hepatotoxic medications such as acetaminophen, isoniazid, or certain antifungals. The plant's antimicrobial constituents could also theoretically interfere with antibiotic therapy. Patients on prescription medications should avoid internal use and consult healthcare providers before any topical application. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on constituent properties).

What is the proper dosage for Lantana camara leaf preparations?

Traditional external use involves 5-10 grams of dried leaf prepared as a decoction for topical application to affected skin areas. Internal use is not recommended due to toxicity risks. No standardized clinical dosing protocols exist, and all preparations should be made under guidance from a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider familiar with this plant's toxicity profile. Evidence level: Traditional use only.

Is Lantana camara safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Lantana camara is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The hepatotoxic triterpenoids (lantadene A and B) can cross the placental barrier and may cause fetal harm or pregnancy complications. These compounds can also pass into breast milk, potentially affecting nursing infants. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid all forms of Lantana camara, including topical preparations. Evidence level: C (toxicological evidence contraindicates use).

Are Lantana camara berries poisonous to humans?

Yes, Lantana camara berries are extremely toxic to humans, particularly when unripe (green). Ingestion causes severe hepatotoxicity, photosensitization, gastrointestinal distress, and can be fatal, especially in children. The toxic triterpenoids lantadene A and B cause liver necrosis. Ripe (black) berries are less toxic but still pose significant danger. Immediate medical attention is essential if any amount is ingested. Evidence level: C (documented toxicological and case reports).

What is Lantana camara used for in traditional medicine?

Lantana camara has been used in folk medicine across tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas for treating fever, skin conditions, rheumatism, and promoting wound healing. Traditional healers apply leaf decoctions externally for dermatological complaints and inflammatory conditions. Laboratory studies confirm antimicrobial properties against certain pathogens. However, internal use is dangerous due to hepatotoxicity, restricting applications to external preparations only. Evidence level: C (traditional use supported by preliminary pharmacological research).

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 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Lantana camara is a widely distributed plant used in folk medicine, though it is also recognized as a highly invasive noxious weed [PMID:11449493, PMID:34065417].

Contexte

Lantana camara (Verbenaceae), also known as red sage or lead camará, is native to tropical America and has naturalized in over 60 countries [PMID:34065417, PMID:35151836, PMID:39860280]. It is regarded as both a popular ornamental garden plant and one of the world's 100 worst invasive alien species [PMID:11449493, PMID:34065417].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used in Brazil, India, Kenya, Thailand, Mexico, Nigeria, Australia, and Southeast Asia for treating rheumatism, leprosy, respiratory diseases, fever, and cancer [PMID:35151836, PMID:35807651]. It has also been used in folk medicine as an antiseptic, antispasmodic, and for treating hemorrhages, flu, colds, and diarrhea [PMID:36326114, PMID:21331189].

Composés actifs

The plant contains a diverse array of metabolites including triterpenes (such as lantadene A, lantadene B, lantanilic acid, lantoic acid, oleanolic acid, ursolic acid, betulinic acid, and camaric acid), phenolic compounds, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, iridoid glycosides, and fatty acids [PMID:24827681, PMID:34065417, PMID:39280287, PMID:35807651].

Mécanisme d'action

In breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7), L. camara extract induces apoptosis by modulating the Bcl-2 family (increasing Bid and Bax, decreasing Bcl-2) and regulating the cleavage of caspase-8, caspase-9, and poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) [PMID:25145450].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DLeishmaniasis

Triterpenes (ursolic acid, lantanilic acid, lantadene A, and oleanolic acid) showed significant leishmanicidal activity against Leishmania major promastigotes in vitro [PMID:24827681]

Preuve DBreast Cancer

L. camara extract exhibited cell death properties in MCF-7 human breast cancer cell lines via apoptosis induction [PMID:25145450]

Preuve DRenal Calculi

Ethanol extracts of flowers significantly reduced kidney parameters (calcium, creatinine, urea, and uric acid) and restored GPx and superoxide dismutase activity in adult Wistar albino rats [PMID:33342292]

Preuve DBacterial Infections

Ethanolic extracts of leaves and roots demonstrated antibacterial activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative strains [PMID:21331189]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

L. camara is toxic to humans (specifically green unripe fruits) and animals [PMID:17453937]. In livestock (cattle, sheep, buffalo, and guinea pigs), ingestion causes hepatotoxicity, obstructive jaundice, and photosensitization, primarily affecting the liver and kidneys [PMID:7032835, PMID:3072688, PMID:17453937]. Toxicity is associated with pentacyclic triterpenoids called lantadenes [PMID:17453937].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and reviews; there are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 11449493 (2000) — Lantana camara L. (Verbenaceae). · Fitoterapia
2.PMID: 35151836 (2022) — Chemical profiling and unraveling of anti-COVID-19 biomarkers of red sage (Lantana camara L.) cultivars using UPLC-MS/MS coupled to chemometric analysis, in vitro study and molecular docking. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 24827681 (2014) — Leishmanicidal Triterpenes from Lantana camara. · Chemistry & biodiversity
4.PMID: 34065417 (2021) — Allelopathy of Lantana camara as an Invasive Plant. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 7032835 (1981) — A review of the toxicity of Lantana camara (Linn) in animals. · Clinical toxicology
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Lantana camara

Sources et citations

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