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Generic Name: Oleander

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Synonyms

Adelfa, adynerin, ahouai (Antilles), ahousin, Anvirzel®, Apocyanaceae (family), ashwahan, ashwamarak (Sanskrit), be-still nuts (Hawaiian), betulin, betulinic acid, boissaisi (Haitian), cardenolides, cardiac glycosides, cascaveleira (Brazilian), Cerebra thevetia (Indian), cerebrine, cerebrose, common oleander, corrigen, dehydroadynerigen, digitoxigenin, dogbane, exile, folinerin, horse poison, joro-joro (Dutch Guiana), karavira, karier, kohilphin, kokilpal (Indian), L-thevetose, laurier blane (Haitian), laurier bol, laurier desjundins, laurier rose, lorier bol, lucky seed (Jamaican), neriantin, neridiginoside, neridlenone A, neriifolin, neriine, nerin, nerioside, neritaloside, Nerium indicum, Nerium odorum, nerizoside, NOAG-II, odoroside H, oleanderblatter, Oleandri folium, oleandrigenin, oleandrin, oleandrinogen, oleandroside, oleanolic acid, olinerin, peruvoside, pila kaner (Indian), pink oleander, rosa francesa, rosagenin, rosebay, rose laurel, rosen lorbeer, ruvoside, soland, strospeside, Thevetia nerifolia, Thevetia neriifolia, thevetin A, thevetin B, thevetine, thevetoxin, triterpenes, white oleander, yee tho (Thai), yellow oleander.

Background

The term "oleander" refers to two plant species, Nerium oleander (common oleander) and Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander), which grow in temperate climates throughout the world. Both species contain chemicals called "cardiac glycosides" that have effects similar to the heart drug digoxin. Both species can be toxic when taken by mouth with many documented reports of deaths.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Cancer: Laboratory studies of oleander suggest possible anti-cancer effects, although reliable research in humans is not currently available. There are reports that long-term use of oleander may have positive effects in patients with leiomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma, prostate cancer, or breast cancer. More research is needed before a recommendation can be made.
Grade: C

Congestive heart failure: The term "oleander" refers to two plants: Nerium oleander (common oleander) and Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander). Both plants contain heart-active "cardiac glycoside" chemicals (similar to the prescription drug digoxin) and have been associated with serious side effects in humans, including death. The plants have been used to treat heart failure in China and Russia for decades, but scientific evidence supporting use is limited to small, poorly designed studies. Human research began in the 1930s, but was largely abandoned due to serious gastrointestinal and heart toxicity. It should be noted that the drug digoxin may improve symptoms of congestive heart failure, but does not improve mortality (length of life).
Grade: C

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Abnormal menstruation, alcoholism, anti-fertility, anti-parasitic, asthma, bacterial infections, cachexia (weight loss/wasting from some diseases), cardiac abnormalities, cathartic, corns, diuretic (increase urine flow), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), epilepsy (seizure), eye diseases, heart disease, hemorrhoids, indigestion, inflammation, insecticide, leprosy, loss of appetite, malaria, neurologic disorders, pregnancy termination, psoriasis, psychiatric disorders, rat poison, sinus problems, skin diseases, skin eruptions, snake bites, swelling, venereal disease, vomiting, warts, weight gain.

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Note: This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions, or adverse effects for this drug. If you have question about the drug(s) you are taking, check with your health care professional.

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