Uses
What is levant berry used for?
Levant berry is the fruit from a vine (Anamirta cocculus) that grows in Southeast Asia. The dried fruit and seeds are used to make medicine in some parts of the world. Levant berry has been used to relieve malaria, treat lice, stun, or kill fish and game, and manage epilepsy. Its use in medicine has largely been abandoned in the United States and Europe.
Some people take levant berry to treat abnormal movement of the eyeball and dizziness. Picrotoxin that is taken from levant berry seeds is used for epilepsy, night sweats, and as a stimulant.
Some people apply levant berry powder directly to the skin to treat a skin disease called scabies.
How does it work?
There are not enough studies about how this levant berry supplement works. Please discuss with your doctor for more information. However, there are some studies that show levant berry contains a chemical that stimulates the central nervous system, irritates the stomach and intestines, and stimulates the brain causing changes in breathing. It also slows down heart rate and increases blood pressure.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before using levant berry?
Consult with your doctor or pharmacist or herbalist, if:
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding. This is because, while you are expecting or feeding a baby, you should only take medicines on the recommendation of a doctor.
- You are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription.
- You have allergy with any substances of levant berryor other medications or other herbals.
- You have any other illnesses, disorders, or medical conditions.
- You have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.
The regulations for levant berry are less strict than the regulations for a drug. More studies are needed to determine its safety. The benefits of taking levant berry must outweigh the risks before use. Consult with your herbalist or doctor for more information.
How safe is levant berry?
Levant berry is unsafe to take by mouth. The picrotoxin it contains can cause death, even in small amounts. Accidentally taking levant berry requires immediate medical attention.
Levant berry may also be unsafe when put on the skin.
Special precautions & warnings:
Pregnancy or breast-feeding: It is unsafe to take levant berry. It is poisonous and can cause death. Don’t use it.
Side effects
What kind of side effects may I have from levant berry?
Levant berry cause side effects such as headache, dizziness, nausea, coordination problems, depression, spasms, twitching, increased saliva, vomiting, increased emptying of the bowels, rapid breathing, drowsiness, irregular heartbeat, decreased heart rate, unconsciousness, and death.
Not everyone experiences these side effects. There may be some side effects not listed above. If you have any concerns about side effects, please consult your herbalist or doctor.
Interactions
What interactions may I have with levant berry?
This herbal supplement may interact with your current medications or medical conditions. Consult with your herbalist or doctor before using.
Dosage
The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult your herbalist or doctor before using this medication.
What is the usual dose for levant berry?
The dose for this herbal supplement may be different for every patient. The dose that you take depends on your age, health, and several other conditions. Herbal supplements are not always safe. Please discuss with your herbalist or doctor for your appropriate dosage.
What form does levant berry come in?
Levant berry may be available in the following dosage forms: Fresh fruit, dried fruit and seeds.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
