Garden spurge milk

Author:Prof. Dr. med. Peter Altmeyer

All authors of this article

Last updated on: 16.04.2024

Dieser Artikel auf Deutsch

Synonym(s)

Codiaeum variegatum; Croton wonder bush; Garden spurge; Garden spurge milk; Ingenol; Ingenolmebutate; Ingenol Mebutate; Peplin

Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please login to access all articles, images, and functions.

Our content is available exclusively to medical professionals. If you have already registered, please login. If you haven't, you can register for free (medical professionals only).


Requires free registration (medical professionals only)

Please complete your registration to access all articles and images.

To gain access, you must complete your registration. You either haven't confirmed your e-mail address or we still need proof that you are a member of the medical profession.

Finish your registration now

DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.

Plants growing up to 1 m high with red, yellow and green colored, patterned leaves, which can also vary in shape, from the Euphorbiaceae(spurge) family. The plant produces a milky, cloudy sap.

Originally from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Polynesia, Malaysian archipelago), it was introduced to Europe around 180 years ago. Today it is grown in many tropical gardens around the world and is one of the most popular indoor pot plants in many households, not only in Europe but also in the USA. More than 100 varieties are on the market, some of which even have such well-known names as "Tsar Alexander III" or "Baron de Rothschild".

OccurrenceThis section has been translated automatically.

Originally from Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Polynesia, Malaysian Archipelago), introduced to Europe about 180 years ago. Today, it is planted in many tropical gardens all over the world and is one of the most popular indoor pot plants in many households, not only in Europe but also in the USA. More than 100 varieties are on sale, some of which even bear such well-known names as "Tsar Alexander III" or "Baron de Rothschild".

Field of application/useThis section has been translated automatically.

  • The milky sap, raw or boiled, is used as a laxative, abortifacient, diaphoretic and cough remedy.
  • The milky sap of the garden spurge (Euphorbia peplus) has been used for centuries to treat warts. In a larger study (222 patients), the clinical efficacy of peplin (active ingredient ingenol mebutate) extracted from the sap of the spurge was demonstrated (ingenol mebutate gel 0.025-0.05%) and treatment was carried out over 3 days. The pathogenetic principle of this form of therapy is still unknown.
  • Ingenol mebutateis an active ingredient from garden spurge for the treatment of actinic keratoses.

Limited indicationThis section has been translated automatically.

DosageThis section has been translated automatically.

Ingenol Mebutate Gel: 0.025 - 0.05%

Undesirable effectsThis section has been translated automatically.

  • Toxic parts of the plant: latex, bark, roots. The latex of most Euphorbiaceae is primarily irritating to the skin.
  • Responsible for this are the terpenes and phorbol esters, which are widespread in this family and whose irritation potential is particularly pronounced. Moreover, they have a proven cocarcinogenic effect.
  • Sensitizing potency: Medium. Frequency of sensitization: Rare.

LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.

  1. Anderson L et al (2009) Randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, vehicle-controlled study of ingenol mebutate gel 0.025% and 0.05% for actinic keratosis. J Am Acad Dermatol 60:934-43.
  2. Cateni F et al (2003) Terpenoids and glycolipids from euphorbiaceae. Mini Rev Med Chem 3: 425-437
  3. Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed publishing house, Landsberg/Munich

Authors

Last updated on: 16.04.2024