Is Pennyroyal compatible with breastfeeding? Do we have alternatives for Pennyroyal?

Pennyroyal

March 22, 2018 (High Risk)

On last update no relevant published data on breastfeeding were found.

Because of toxicity mostly for the liver, and, lack of proven beneficial pharmacologic effects, it would be wise to avoid usage while breastfeeding. Otherwise, consumption of infusion should be occasional but never use essential oil.

Aerial summits of plant are used. Contains essential oils (Pulegone), Flavonoids and Tannins.

Pulegone induces abortion has toxicity against the liver, kidney and neurological system. It is found very concentrated in essential oil but much lesser in infusions. However, lethal or severe cases in infants who had ingested small portions of infusion have been reported.

Unproven properties are: Anti-spasmodic, Digestive, Hypnotic.

Indications from the Commission E of the German Ministry of Health: none

Alternatives

We do not have alternatives for Pennyroyal.

Very Low Risk

Compatible. Not risky for breastfeeding or infant.

Low Risk

Moderately safe. Mild risk possible. Follow up recommended. Read the Comment.

High Risk

Poorly safe. Evaluate carefully. Use a safer alternative. Read the Comment.

Very High Risk

Not recommended. Cessation of breastfeeding or alternative.

Synonyms

  • Squawmint

Writings

  • Melissa pulegioides (Latin, botanical name)
  • Mentha pulegium (Latin, botanical name)
  • Pulegium parviflorum (Latin, botanical name)
  • Pulegium vulgare (Latin, botanical name)
  • Φλισκούνι (Greek)

Drug trade names

References

  1. Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther. 2013Abstract Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  2. Jalili J, Askeroglu U, Alleyne B, Guyuron B. Herbal products that may contribute to hypertension. Plast Reconstr Surg. 2013Abstract
  3. MedlinePlus Poleo MedlinePlus suplementos 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  4. MedlinePlus Pennyroyal MedlinePlus Supplements 2012 Full text (link to original source) Full text (in our servers)
  5. Chitturi S, Farrell GC. Hepatotoxic slimming aids and other herbal hepatotoxins. J Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2008Abstract Full text (in our servers)
  6. Zhou S, Koh HL, Gao Y, Gong ZY, Lee EJ. Herbal bioactivation: the good, the bad and the ugly. Life Sci. 2004Abstract
  7. Ciganda C, Laborde A. Herbal infusions used for induced abortion. J Toxicol Clin Toxicol. 2003Abstract
  8. Burkhard PR, Burkhardt K, Haenggeli CA, Landis T. Plant-induced seizures: reappearance of an old problem. J Neurol. 1999Abstract
  9. Anderson IB, Mullen WH, Meeker JE, Khojasteh-BakhtSC, Oishi S, Nelson SD, Blanc PD. Pennyroyal toxicity: measurement of toxic metabolite levels in two cases and review of the literature. Ann Intern Med. 1996Abstract
  10. Bakerink JA, Gospe SM Jr, Dimand RJ, Eldridge MW. Multiple organ failure after ingestion of pennyroyal oil from herbal tea in two infants. Pediatrics. 1996Abstract
  11. Sullivan JB Jr, Rumack BH, Thomas H Jr, Peterson RG, Bryson P. Pennyroyal oil poisoning and hepatotoxicity. JAMA. 1979Abstract
  12. Conway GA, Slocumb JC. Plants used as abortifacients and emmenagogues by Spanish New Mexicans. J Ethnopharmacol. 1979Abstract
  13. Gunby P. Plant known for centuries still causes problems today. JAMA. 1979Abstract