Are Oleander Supplements Dangerous?

Oleander, a small shrub or tree that produces white, pink, red or purple flowers, is extremely poisonous. Every part of the plant, including the nectar, causes side effects that can kill you. Even eating honey contaminated by bees eating the nectar of the plant can be fatal. Burning the leaves and inhaling the smoke can also cause symptoms. While some alternative practitioners recommend oleander supplements as a treatment for cancer or human immunodeficiency virus, commonly known as HIV, you should not take oleander in any form without approval and direct supervision of your medical doctor. No clinical proof shows that oleander benefits cancer or HIV patients.

Components

Every part of the oleander plant, including the twigs, stems, petals and leaves are poisonous. Oleander contains a number of poisonous ingredients, including digitoxigenin, related to the medication digoxin, neriine, oleandrin and oleondroside.

Uses

Oleander is listed on Germany's regulatory agency for herbal medicines, Commission E, as unapproved for use because of its toxicity in raw or cooked form. An oleander supplement patented by Turkish physician Huseyin Z. Ozel is sold under the trade name Anvirzel. In 2000, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, or FDA, instructed Anvirzel manufacturers to stop claiming the supplement was safe and effective, since clinical studies have not proven either claim.

Symptoms

Symptoms of oleander poisoning include an irregular or slow heartbeat, confusion, diarrhea, low blood pressure, weakness, dizziness, disorientation, blurred vision and vomiting. Other potential symptoms include headache, lethargy, drowsiness, seizures or stomach pain. Rash, skin redness or hives can also appear. Death can occur from heart failure or from respiratory paralysis. The FDA has received reports of at least two deaths from Anvirzel.

Study Results

A Cleveland Clinic Foundation study, published in the September 2006 issue of "Investigational New Drugs," enrolled 18 patients with advanced solid tumors refractory to conventional treatment. The study, a Phase I study, was designed to establish the maximum safe dosage for use in clinical trials. Tumors of patients did not show any objective clinical response to oleander administration.

Warnings

Oleander supplements should not be taken without medical supervision, and then only as a treatment for disease. Oleander supplements are not intended as a daily health supplement.