There is no evidence to support use of Stillingia to treat cancer, infections, or other medical conditions.
Stillingia is a root extract. It is known to contain chemicals called diterpene esters, toxic irritants that can cause swelling and inflammation of the skin. One laboratory experiment suggested that diterpene esters can halt the growth of cancer cells, but this has not been confirmed with stillingia root.
Purported Uses
There is no scientific evidence to support any of the uses below:
To treat bronchitis and relieve chest congestion
To treat cancer as part of the Hoxsey Herbal Therapy
To relieve constipation
To treat hemorrhoids
To treat laryngitis
To treat skin abscesses
To treat muscle spasms
To treat syphilis
Patient Warnings
Stillingia contains chemicals called diterpene esters, which are known to irritate skin and mucous membranes. Major toxicities can occur when this herb is taken by mouth.
Side Effects
Dizziness
Burning sensation on mucous membranes
Diarrhea
Nausea
Vomiting
Muscle aches
Skin itching and/or eruptions
Cough
Fatigue
Sweating
Special Point
Stillingia root is one of the ingredients in Hoxsey Herbal Therapy, which is promoted for treating cancer but has never been proven to be effective.
Scientific Name
Stillingia sylvatica
Clinical Summary
Derived from the root of the plant, this supplement is used to treat syphilis, bronchitis, constipation, hemorrhoids, and skin conditions, and is an ingredient in Hoxsey Herbal Therapy, used as a cancer treatment.
Stillingia contains diterpene esters that cause mucosal irritation and skin eruptions. Other reported toxicities include vertigo, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle ache, pruritus, cough, fatigue, and sweating. No clinical data support the use of this supplement for any proposed claim.
Significant toxicity can occur following administration (1).
Purported Uses
Bronchitis
Cancer treatment
Chest congestion
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Laryngitis
Skin abscesses
Spasms
Syphilis
Mechanism of Action
Stillingia has not been evaluated for any proposed claim. It contains diterpene esters, toxic irritants that can cause swelling and inflammation of the skin (1). In vitro research suggests that diterpene esters may have antitumor activity (2), but this has not been confirmed with stillingia root.
Warnings
The diterpene esters in stillingia are irritants to skin and mucous membranes (1).