Overview

European mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) is an herb. It is used in traditional medicine. All parts of the plant may be poisonous.

European mandrake may contain chemicals that can affect many body systems, including the bladder, eyes, and heart.

Despite safety concerns, people sometimes use European mandrake for asthma, excessive crying in infants (colic), hay fever, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse European mandrake with other plants that are also called mandrake, including bryonia (English mandrake) and podophyllum (American mandrake). These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for European Mandrake overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: European mandrake is likely unsafe. It may contain chemicals that can cause many side effects, including confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, heart problems, vision problems, overheating, problems with urination, and hallucinations. Large doses can be fatal.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: European mandrake is likely unsafe. It may contain chemicals that can cause many side effects, including confusion, drowsiness, dry mouth, heart problems, vision problems, overheating, problems with urination, and hallucinations. Large doses can be fatal.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: European mandrake is likely unsafe when taken by mouth while pregnant or breast-feeding. It may contain chemicals that can affect the fetus and cause serious side effects. Avoid use.

Children: European mandrake is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children. Children are especially sensitive to harmful chemicals it may contain.

Down syndrome: Don't give European mandrake to people with Down syndrome. They are especially sensitive to the harmful chemicals it may contain.

Heart conditions including heart failure, coronary artery disease, and fast and irregular heartbeat: Don't take European mandrake if you have one of these conditions. It could make your condition worse.

Liver problems: Don't take European mandrake if you have liver disease. It could make your condition worse.

Kidney problems: Don't take European mandrake if you have kidney disease. It could make your condition worse.

High blood pressure: Don't take European mandrake if you have high blood pressure. It could make your condition worse.

Over-active thyroid: Don't take European mandrake if you have thyroid problems. It could make your condition worse.

An autoimmune disorder that causes muscle weakness and muscle fatigue (myasthenia gravis): Don't take European mandrake if you have myasthenia gravis. It could make your condition worse.

A group of eye disorders that can lead to vision loss (glaucoma): Don't take European mandrake if you have glaucoma. It could make your condition worse.

Digestive tract conditions such as heartburn or "gastroesophageal reflux disease" (GERD), a hiatal hernia, an infection, stomach ulcer, constipation, a blockage, ulcerative colitis, a serious condition called toxic megacolon, or other digestive disorders: Don't take European mandrake if you have any of these conditions. It could make your condition worse.

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Drying medications (Anticholinergic drugs) interacts with European Mandrake

    European mandrake may block a chemical in the body called acetylcholine, which has many important functions. Some medications, called anticholinergic drugs, also block acetylcholine. There is some concern that taking them together might increase the risk for confusion, blurred vision, decreased sweating, and increased heart rate.

  • Medications taken by mouth (Oral drugs) interacts with European Mandrake

    European mandrake seems to slow down the bowels. Taking European mandrake along with medications taken by mouth might increase how much medicine your body absorbs. Increasing how much medicine your body absorbs can increase the effects and side effects of your medicines.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of European mandrake might be. European mandrake can also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
View References
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.