According to Steve Van Vleet of Washington State University, Bryonia alba, also known as white bryony, is a perennial native to Europe and parts of Northern Iran. Used as a treatment for leprosy since before the start of the 14th century, modern uses of Bryonia alba can be found in treatments for gastrointestinal, respiratory, and rheumatic disorders. However, when taken in anything more than miniscule amounts, it is considered toxic, causing vomiting, kidney damage, and even death.
Poisoning
Overdosing on Bryonia alba can cause an onset of severe diarrhea. It can also potentially lead to vomiting. The negative effects of this natural plant come from cucubitacins found in toxic resins. This chemical is considered a highly potent laxative. Symptoms of ingesting this resin are similar to that of food poisoning. Consequently, kidney damage can be incurred if the resin chemicals are not purged through vomiting.
Irritation and Inflammation
If the toxic amounts of toxic resin are not immediately purged from your system, it can cause swelling and inflammation in your stomach and intestines. Simply making contact between your skin and the plant resin can cause swelling. If this resin is not immediately washed from the skin, it can cause skin senescence, or death.
Drug Interference
Traditionally, Bryonia alba was used as a medicine to induce vomiting. This reaction within your system can drastically reduce the success of ingested materials to be absorbed in your bloodstream. Therefore, if you are taking any other oral medicines, it is important to consider that their efficiency could be drastically reduced. The laxative effects of this resin can also inhibit the absorption of medicines as well.
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