Lycoris radiata (Lycoris radiata): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Lycoris radiata work for Alzheimer's disease?

Galantamine, the active compound extracted from Lycoris radiata, functions as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. It prevents the breakdown of acetylcholine in the brain, increasing neurotransmitter levels available for cognitive function. Additionally, galantamine acts as an allosteric modulator of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which may enhance cholinergic transmission. This dual mechanism helps improve memory and cognitive symptoms in Alzheimer's patients. Evidence level: A for pharmaceutical galantamine; C for raw plant preparations.

Does Lycoris radiata interact with any medications?

Pharmaceutical galantamine derived from Lycoris radiata interacts with anticholinergic medications, potentially reducing their effectiveness. Concurrent use with other cholinesterase inhibitors is not recommended. Caution is advised when combined with beta-blockers, muscle relaxants, or medications affecting heart rate, as galantamine can cause bradycardia. Raw plant material should never be consumed due to toxic lycorine content, which can cause unpredictable and dangerous interactions.

What is the safe dosage of Lycoris radiata?

There is no safe dosage for raw Lycoris radiata. The plant contains toxic alkaloids, particularly lycorine, which can cause respiratory paralysis and death. Pharmaceutical galantamine extracted under controlled conditions is prescribed at 4-24 mg daily for Alzheimer's disease, starting at lower doses with gradual titration. Only FDA-approved galantamine preparations should be used, and only under medical supervision. Traditional preparations are not recommended due to unpredictable alkaloid content.

Is Lycoris radiata safe during pregnancy?

No, Lycoris radiata is unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The plant contains toxic alkaloids, including lycorine, which may cause uterine contractions and fetal harm. No safe dosage exists for pregnant women. Pharmaceutical galantamine is also contraindicated in pregnancy. Women of childbearing age taking galantamine should use effective contraception. The plant has a long history of association with death in Japanese culture, reflecting its toxic nature. Evidence level: C.

Is the red spider lily plant poisonous to humans?

Yes, Lycoris radiata (red spider lily) is highly poisonous to humans. All plant parts contain toxic alkaloids, especially lycorine, which causes nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and potentially fatal respiratory paralysis. The bulb is particularly toxic. Skin contact may cause irritation in sensitive individuals. Never ingest any part of this plant. The beneficial compound galantamine must be pharmaceutical extracted under controlled conditions to remove dangerous alkaloids before use.

What are the traditional uses of Lycoris radiata?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine and Japanese folk medicine, Lycoris radiata was historically applied externally for wounds, burns, and skin infections. Internal use for pain relief was practiced but carried significant toxicity risk. The plant contains lycorine and other alkaloids with documented anticancer and anti-inflammatory properties in laboratory research. However, traditional preparations are not recommended due to unpredictable alkaloid content and narrow therapeutic margin. Evidence level: C for traditional applications.

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

Lycoris radiata is an East Asian medicinal and ornamental bulbous plant containing Amaryllidaceae alkaloids with diverse pharmacological activities [PMID:26985918, PMID:41473140, PMID:33086636].

Background

Lycoris radiata, also known as the red spider lily, is a bulbous plant native to China, Japan, and South Korea [PMID:31470601, PMID:33365775]. It is characterized by significant genetic and chromosomal variation, with populations existing as diploids, triploids, or tetraploids [PMID:26985918, PMID:31380020].

Traditional uses

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the bulb is used for 'clearing heat and relieving toxicity' (Qing Re Jie Du) and 'eliminating phlegm' (Qu Tan), and is frequently prescribed for ulcers, abscesses, and throat inflammation [PMID:41933747].

Active compounds

The plant contains Amaryllidaceae alkaloids (AAs), including lycorine, galanthamine, and hippeastrine [PMID:39485554, PMID:27922057]. Other isolated compounds include aporphine-type, lycorine-type, crinane-type, and phenanthridine-type alkaloids [PMID:29933675].

Mechanism of action

Lycorine induces M phase cell cycle arrest by interfering with the mitotic apparatus [PMID:39175104]. Galanthamine acts as a reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor [PMID:39904636, PMID:31470601]. Hippeastrine inhibits DNA topoisomerase I [PMID:27922057]. Lycorine also boosts MDA5-dependent type I interferon responses to attenuate viral pathogenicity [PMID:41933747].

Clinical evidence

Evidence DBreast Cancer

Lycorine reduced sarcoma growth in S180 tumour-bearing mice and inhibited MCF-7 cell proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner [PMID:39175104]

Evidence CSARS-CoV / COVID-19

Lycoris radiata extracts showed anti-SARS-CoV effects with a median effective concentration of 2.4-88.2 μg/mL [PMID:33155905]; other reviews note promising inhibitory effects against coronavirus [PMID:33037698]

Evidence DInfectious Bronchitis Virus (IBV)

Lycorine demonstrated antiviral efficacy and immunomodulatory mechanisms in DF-1 cells and SPF chicken models [PMID:41933747]

Evidence DNeuroprotection

Certain alkaloids from the bulbs showed significant neuroprotective effects against H2O2, CoCl2, and Aβ(25-35)-induced SH-SY5Y cell injury [PMID:23669033]

Evidence DCancer (General)

Hippeastrine strongly inhibited the proliferation of HT-29 and Hep G2 cells [PMID:27922057]

Safety & adverse effects

Lycoris radiata is toxic; poisoning can lead to a cholinergic crisis characterized by miosis, hypersalivation, vomiting, diarrhea, myoclonus, and respiratory deterioration [PMID:39904636]. Lycorine acts as a gastrointestinal and central nervous system irritant [PMID:39904636].

Evidence summary

The evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and case reports (Level D), with some supporting literature reviews (Level C). There are no human RCTs or meta-analyses provided.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26985918 (2016) — Karyotype studies on Lycoris radiata populations from China. · Genetics and molecular research : GMR
2.PMID: 41473140 (2025) — Medicinal compounds and biotechnology of Amaryllidaceae alkaloids in Lycoris radiata. · Frontiers in plant science
3.PMID: 38105545 (2024) — Interplay between Amaryllidaceae alkaloids, the bacteriome and phytopathogens in Lycoris radiata. · The New phytologist
4.PMID: 16172532 (2005) — Genetic variations in Lycoris radiata var. radiata in Japan. · Genes & genetic systems
5.PMID: 39175104 (2024) — Lycorine (Lycoris radiata)-a unique natural medicine on breast cancer. · Journal of cellular and molecular medicine

Lycoris radiata

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Lycoris radiata