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Nutritional Supplement

Ipecac

Also indexed as:Cephaelis ipecacuanha

  • Immune System Support

    Parasites

    Emetine and other alkaloids in ipecac kill several types of parasites, including amoeba, pinworms, and tapeworms.
    Parasites
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    Emetine and other alkaloids in ipecac kill several types of parasites, including amoeba, pinworms, and tapeworms.6,7 Generally the amounts of ipecac needed to produce these effects in people are high and can lead to severe side effects. Emetine or its somewhat safer form, dihydroemetine, are reserved for rare cases of people infected with amoebae who are not cured by using anti-amoeba drugs.8 Because of the danger involved, ipecac and emetine should never be used without first consulting a physician.

What Are Star Ratings?
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Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
For an herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support.

Our proprietary “Star-Rating” system was developed to help you easily understand the amount of scientific support behind each supplement in relation to a specific health condition. While there is no way to predict whether a vitamin, mineral, or herb will successfully treat or prevent associated health conditions, our unique ratings tell you how well these supplements are understood by the medical community, and whether studies have found them to be effective for other people.

For over a decade, our team has combed through thousands of research articles published in reputable journals. To help you make educated decisions, and to better understand controversial or confusing supplements, our medical experts have digested the science into these three easy-to-follow ratings. We hope this provides you with a helpful resource to make informed decisions towards your health and well-being.

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Traditional Use (May Not Be Supported by Scientific Studies)

In traditional herbal medicine, ipecac appears to have been primarily used as an emetic, or an agent that induces vomiting.9 The herb was reportedly first exported to Europe in 1672.10 The alkaloids in the plant were identified originally in 1817.

References

1. Izaddoost M, Robinson T. Synergism and antagonism in the pharmacology of alkaloidal plants. Herbs Spices Med Plants 1986;2:137-58 [review].

2. Schmeller T, Wink M. Utilization of alkaloids in modern medicine. In: Roberts M, Wink M (eds). Alkaloids—Biochemistry, Ecology and Medicinal Applications. New York: Plenum Press, 1998, 435-59 [review].

3. Covington TR, Hussar DA, Lasagna L, et al (eds). Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998, 3599.

4. Oelkers HA. Studies on anthelmintics. Arzneim Forsch 1962;121:810-2.

5. Wright CW, Phillipson JD. Natural products and the development of selective antiprotozoal drugs. Phytother Res 1990;4:127-39 [review].

6. Oelkers HA. Studies on anthelmintics. Arzneimittelforschung 1962;121:810-2.

7. Wright CW, Phillipson JD. Natural products and the development of selective antiprotozoal drugs. Phytother Res 1990;4:127-39 [review].

8. Schmeller T, Wink M. Utilization of alkaloids in modern medicine. In: Roberts M, Wink M (eds). Alkaloids—Biochemistry, Ecology and Medicinal Applications. New York: Plenum Press, 1998, 435-59 [review].

9. Schmeller T, Wink M. Utilization of alkaloids in modern medicine. In: Roberts M, Wink M (eds). Alkaloids—Biochemistry, Ecology and Medicinal Applications. New York: Plenum Press, 1998, 435-59 [review].

10. Evans WC. Trease and Evans' Pharmacognosy, 13th ed. London: Baillière Tindall, 1989, 595-9.

11. Covington TR, Hussar DA, Lasagna L, et al (eds). Drug Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis: Facts and Comparisons, 1998, 3599.

12. Palmer EP, Guay AT. Reversible myopathy secondary to abuse of ipecac in patients with major eating disorders. New Engl J Med 1985;313:1457-9.

13. Adler AG, Walinsky P, Krall RA, Cho SY. Death resulting from ipecac syrup poisoning. JAMA 1980;243:1927-8.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.