Euphorbia Lathyris (Euphorbia lathyris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Euphorbia lathyris work as an anticancer agent?

Euphorbia lathyris contains ingenol derivatives, specifically ingenol mebutate, which is the active compound in FDA-approved topical treatments for actinic keratosis. The mechanism of action involves the induction of rapid cell death (necrosis) and specific immune-mediated destruction of lesion cells. It activates protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, leading to mitochondrial swelling and cell lysis. Evidence Level: A (for the isolated compound ingenol mebutate).

Is Euphorbia lathyris safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Euphorbia lathyris is strictly unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The plant produces a highly toxic latex sap that acts as a powerful uterine stimulant and purgative. Ingestion can trigger violent uterine contractions, leading to miscarriage or premature labor. Additionally, the severe gastrointestinal irritation and chemical burns caused by the sap pose significant risks to maternal health. Evidence Level: C/D.

What is the recommended dosage for Euphorbia lathyris?

There is no safe established dosage for the raw Euphorbia lathyris plant for self-medication due to its high toxicity. The seeds and latex are poisonous and can cause severe chemical burns and organ damage. The only standardized dosage exists in the form of ingenol mebutate pharmaceutical gel for topical skin application, which requires a prescription. Internal use requires professional medical supervision and is generally discouraged in modern herbal practice. Evidence Level: C.

Does Euphorbia lathyris interact with medications?

Due to its severe toxicity and purgative nature, Euphorbia lathyris poses significant interaction risks if ingested. Its strong laxative effect can cause severe electrolyte imbalances, potentially altering the absorption and effectiveness of heart medications, diuretics, or corticosteroids. Because the raw plant is highly toxic, it should never be combined with other herbal supplements or pharmaceuticals without strict medical supervision. Evidence Level: C.

What are the traditional uses of Euphorbia lathyris?

Historically, Euphorbia lathyris, also known as caper spurge, was used in European and Chinese folk medicine as a potent purgative to treat constipation and parasitic infections. Today, it is primarily recognized as the source of ingenol mebutate, a compound extracted for the topical treatment of actinic keratosis. Gardeners also plant it as a mole repellent, though its toxic sap requires careful handling. Evidence Level: C/Traditional.

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

Euphorbia lathyris, also known as caper spurge, is a medicinal and energy crop containing bioactive diterpenoids and triterpenes [PMID:34664644, PMID:28718699].

Background

Euphorbia lathyris L. is a plant characterized by a laticiferous system of living cells (laticifers) that synthesize various metabolites [PMID:28718699]. It is recognized as an important biodiesel and medicinal crop [PMID:34664644].

Traditional uses

In traditional Chinese medicine, the dried ripe seeds (Euphorbia semen) are used to treat constipation, amenorrhea, anuria, dropsy, ascites, phlegm retention, blood stasis, tinea, scabies, and snakebites [PMID:30144497, PMID:38971330, PMID:29692685].

Active compounds

The plant contains lathyrane-type diterpenoids (including Euphorbia factors L1-L34), ingenol and its esters (L-factors L5, L6), premyrsinane-type diterpenoids, triterpenoid saponins, phenolics, and flavonoids [PMID:11705332, PMID:30817151, PMID:30156375, PMID:38807367, PMID:28820480].

Mechanism of action

Lathyrane diterpenoids inhibit nitric oxide (NO) production and reduce expression of iNOS, NF-κB, and inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6 [PMID:30817151, PMID:33962090]. Ingenol targets the PTGS2/PI3K/AKT signaling axis to reduce inflammation and fibrosis [PMID:40158708]. Euphorbia factor L10 acts as a P-glycoprotein inhibitor [PMID:12542364].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DColon Cancer

Ethanolic extract of defatted seeds reduced tumor size and induced caspase 3-mediated apoptosis in orthotopic xenograft models, and reduced dysplastic polyps in Azoxymethane/Dextran Sulfate Sodium models [PMID:35692123]

Evidence DSilicosis

Ingenol improved pulmonary respiratory function and reduced inflammation and fibrosis in a murine model [PMID:40158708]

Evidence DHypertrophic Scar Cells

Euphlathin A induced G2/M or S phase cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in human hypertrophic scar cells [PMID:37948162]

Safety & adverse effects

The sap is toxic and can cause severe bilateral keratoconjunctivitis, corneal epithelial defects, and anterior chamber inflammation upon ocular exposure [PMID:39015244]. Certain ingenol-based L-factors (L5, L6) are responsible for irritant and co-carcinogenic activities [PMID:11705332, PMID:128221]. Euphorbiasteroid has demonstrated neurotoxicity in PC12 cells and astrocytes via the FOXO/NF-κB/apoptosis pathway [PMID:39542050]. The raw herb can induce inflammatory injury by promoting TLR4, NLRP3, and NF-κB p65 expression [PMID:38971330].

Drug interactions

Euphorbia factor L10 inhibits P-glycoprotein, a multidrug transporter that can lead to chemotherapy resistance [PMID:12542364].

Evidence summary

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro cell assays and in vivo animal models (Level D), with one human case report on toxicity. There are no clinical trials or systematic reviews available.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 28718699 (2017) — Multiple facets of laticifer cells. · Plant signaling & behavior
2.PMID: 39015244 (2024) — Exposure to Caper Spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) Sap: A Case of Ocular and Periorbital Toxicity. · Case reports in ophthalmology
3.PMID: 30817151 (2019) — Anti-inflammatory Lathyrane Diterpenoids from Euphorbia lathyris. · Journal of natural products
4.PMID: 34664644 (2021) — High-quality genome assembly of an important biodiesel plant, Euphorbia lathyris L. · DNA research : an international journal for rapid publication of reports on genes and genomes
5.PMID: 11705332 (2001) — HPLC-UV and HPLC-positive-ESI-MS analysis of the diterpenoid fraction from caper spurge (Euphorbia lathyris) seed oil. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA

Euphorbia Lathyris

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Euphorbia Lathyris