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Allamanda cathartica
Allamanda cathartica
Traditional Caribbean folk medicine for constipation and malaria
Allamanda cathartica functions as a drastic purgative through irritant compounds, specifically allamandin and plumericin. These iridoids stimulate the intestinal mucosa, increasing peristalsis to induce bowel movements. This mechanism relies on irritating the gastrointestinal lining, which distinguishes it from gentler bulk-forming laxatives. While effective for constipation in folk medicine, this irritant action is also responsible for the severe side effects associated with overdose (Evidence Level: C/Traditional).
Is Allamanda cathartica safe to take during pregnancy?
No, Allamanda cathartica is unsafe during pregnancy and is strictly contraindicated. The plant possesses emmenagogue and uterine stimulant properties, meaning it can stimulate uterine contractions and potentially induce miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, the severe purgative action can cause significant fluid and electrolyte loss, which poses a risk to fetal health. Pregnant women and those breastfeeding should avoid all parts of this plant (Evidence Level: C/D).
What is the recommended dosage for Allamanda cathartica?
There is no established safe clinical dosage for Allamanda cathartica due to its narrow therapeutic window and potential toxicity. Traditional use involves small, cautious amounts of leaf or bark decoctions, but the line between a medicinal dose and a toxic one is very fine. Because large amounts are poisonous and can cause severe gastrointestinal distress, self-medication is discouraged. Professional guidance is essential to avoid dangerous overdose (Evidence Level: Traditional).
Does Allamanda cathartica interact with any medications?
Yes, Allamanda cathartica poses significant interaction risks, particularly with cardiac medications and diuretics. Because the plant causes severe diarrhea and purgation, it can lead to substantial fluid and electrolyte loss, specifically potassium depletion. This hypokalemia can increase the toxicity of cardiac glycosides like digoxin and interfere with anti-arrhythmic drugs. It should not be combined with other laxatives or medications that affect electrolyte balance (Evidence Level: C/Theoretical).
What are the traditional uses of Allamanda cathartica?
In Caribbean and South American folk medicine, Allamanda cathartica is primarily used as a potent laxative to treat constipation and to induce emesis. It has also been traditionally employed to treat malaria and various skin infections. In Brazil, the plant is utilized for its antimicrobial properties to treat wounds and infections. Current research has investigated its potential anticancer and antimalarial activities in vitro, but clinical data remains insufficient to support these specific uses (Evidence Level: C).
PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Allamanda cathartica is an ornamental medicinal plant used in traditional medicine for various health disorders [PMID:30934947, PMID:38753064].
Background
Allamanda cathartica, also known as golden trumpet, is a perennial shrub or vine native to Brazil and widely grown in the tropics [PMID:30795443, PMID:38753064].
Traditional uses
It is used in traditional medicine for the treatment of malaria, jaundice, and enlargement of the spleen [PMID:16597335, PMID:41021675]. It is also cited as being used for hepatoprotective, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:40482784].
Plumieride may exert anxiolytic-like effects by interacting with GABAergic and monoaminergic systems, specifically GABAA, GABAB, 5-HT1A, 5-HT3, $\alpha$1, $\alpha$2, and D2 receptors [PMID:32159400].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DMale Fertility
Aqueous extracts caused reversible suppression of spermatogenesis and fertility in male mice [PMID:30964087, PMID:19032682].
Evidence DDermatophytosis
Plumieride showed strong fungitoxicity against dermatophytes causing dermatomycosis [PMID:12112301].
Evidence DWound Healing
Aqueous extracts were evaluated for wound healing activity in rat excision and incision models [PMID:16597335].
Evidence DAnxiety and Depression
Ethanolic extract of flowers and isolated plumieride demonstrated anticonvulsant and antidepressant-like activities in mice [PMID:28986178].
Safety & adverse effects
In toxicity studies using female Wistar rats, a dose of 2000 mg/kg of ethanolic flower extract was evaluated via biochemical and histopathological analysis [PMID:28986178]. Aqueous leaf extracts administered to mice did not affect serum levels of testosterone, ALT, AST, creatinine, or liver and kidney histoarchitecture [PMID:19032682].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is based primarily on in vitro studies and animal models (mice and rats), with no human clinical trials provided. Strength of evidence is low (Level D).
PubMed sources
1.PMID: 30934947 (2019) — Allamanda cathartica: A Review of the Phytochemistry, Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Biotechnology. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
2.PMID: 38753064 (2024) — Identification and molecular characterization of two novel viruses from Allamanda cathartica in China. · Archives of virology
3.PMID: 30964087 (2018) — Natural products in regulation of male fertility. · The Indian journal of medical research
4.PMID: 28986178 (2017) — Neuropharmacological and acute toxicological evaluation of ethanolic extract of Allamanda cathartica L. flowers and plumieride. · Regulatory toxicology and pharmacology : RTP
5.PMID: 16597335 (2006) — Evaluation of wound healing activity of Allamanda cathartica. L. and Laurus nobilis. L. extracts on rats. · BMC complementary and alternative medicine
Government sources
No direct government monograph is available for this herb. The content below is AI-generated and has not been verified against an authoritative government source. Use the search links to check official sources before relying on this information.
6.PMID: 40482784 (2025) — Anti-androgenic and anti-proliferative properties of methanolic leaf extract of Allamanda cathartica Linn. in adult mouse testis: Evidences from in vivo and in silico studies. · The Journal of steroid biochemistry and molecular biology
7.PMID: 25832441 (2015) — Allotides: Proline-Rich Cystine Knot α-Amylase Inhibitors from Allamanda cathartica. · Journal of natural products
8.PMID: 30795443 (2005) — Allamanda Mosaic Caused by Cucumber mosaic virus in Taiwan. · Plant disease
9.PMID: 12112301 (2002) — Plumieride from Allamanda cathartica as an antidermatophytic agent. · Phytotherapy research : PTR
10.PMID: 41021675 (2025) — Structural Characterization, In Vitro Antidiabetic Activity, and Molecular Docking Studies of Isolated Compounds From Allamanda cathartica. · Chemistry & biodiversity
11.PMID: 19032682 (2008) — Reversible antifertility effect of aqueous leaf extract of Allamanda cathartica L. in male laboratory mice. · Andrologia
12.PMID: 32159400 (2021) — Plumieride exerts anxiolytic-like effect mediated by GABAergic and monoaminergic systems. · Natural product research