Stillingia

• How It Works

  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⁾.

• Adverse Reactions

  Toxicity: Vertigo, burning sensation on mucous membranes, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, muscle ache, pruritus, skin eruptions, cough, fatigue, sweating ⁽¹⁾.

• Herb-Drug Interactions

  None known.

• References

  1. Newall C, et al. Herbal Medicines: A Guide for Health-Care Professionals, 1^st ed. London: Pharmaceutical Press; 1996.

  2. Szallasi Z, et al. Nonpromoting 12-deoxyphorbol 13-esters inhibit phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate induced tumor promotion in CD-1 mouse skin. Cancer Res 1993;53:2507-12.