Agave

Biological name (genus and species):
Agave lecheguilla
Parts used for medicinal purposes:
Roots
Leaves
Sap
Chemicals this herb contains:
Diosgenin
Photosensitizing pigment (See Glossary)
Steroidal chemicals (See Glossary)
Vitamin C

KNOWN EFFECTS

Causes disintegration of red blood cells.

Irritates skin.

Irritates lining of gastrointestinal tract.

Small amounts depress central nervous system.

Damages cells, dissolves membranes of red blood cells and changes tissue permeability.

Miscellaneous information:

Is used to make mescal, an alcoholic beverage.

Fibers are used for rope.

Sap is used as a syrup.

Roots and leaves contain active chemicals.

UNPROVED SPECULATED BENEFITS

Roots and leaves are used to relieve toothache.

Provides nutrition.

Is used as hormone replacement.

Produces immunosuppressive effects on body.

Causes abortion or miscarriage.

Treats dysentery.

Relieves pain of sprains.

WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS

Don't take if you:

Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Have symptoms of a disease caused by a hormone deficiency.

Have any chronic disease of the gastrointestinal tract, such as stomach or duodenal ulcers, esophageal reflux (reflux esophagitis), ulcerative colitis, spastic colitis, diverticulosis, diverticulitis.

Consult your doctor if you:

Have stomach problems.

Take cortisone, ACTH, testosterone, androgenic steroids.

Are pregnant, think you may be pregnant or plan pregnancy in the near future.

Pregnancy:

Problems in pregnant women taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Breast-feeding:

Problems in breast-fed infants of lactating mothers taking small or usual amounts have not been proved. Don't use unless prescribed by your doctor.

Infants and children:

Treating infants and children under 2 with any herbal preparation is hazardous.

Others:

None expected if you are beyond childhood and under 45, basically healthy and take for only a short time.

Storage:

Keep cool and dry, but don't freeze. Store safely away from children.

Safe dosage:

At present no "safe" dosage has been established.

TOXICITY

Comparative-toxicity rating not available from standard
references.

For symptoms of toxicity: See below.

ADVERSE REACTIONS, SIDE EFFECTS OR OVERDOSE SYMPTOMS

Signs and symptoms:	What to do:
Abortion (remote possibility	Seek emergency treatment.
if taken in large amounts)
Diarrhea	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.
Increased sensitivity to sunlight Discontinue. Call doctor when
	convenient.
Jaundice (yellow eyes and skin)	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.
Nausea	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.
Skin itching and rash	Discontinue. Call doctor when
	convenient.
Unusual bleeding	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.
Vomiting	Discontinue. Call doctor
	immediately.