Yucca: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Yucca is the common name for more than 40 species of plants in the Yucca genus. They have tough, sword-like leaves and a large spike of whitish flowers.

Yucca contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. It might also have antibacterial and antifungal effects.

People use yucca for osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, joint pain, migraine headache, diabetes, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse yucca with cassava. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Yucca overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Yucca is commonly consumed in foods. But there isn't enough reliable information to know if yucca is safe or what the side effects might be when used in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yucca is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if yucca is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Yucca overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of yucca might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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<p><span>Kanerva, L., Estlander, T., Petman, L., Makinen-Kiljunen, S. Occupational allergic contact urticaria to yucca (Yucca aloifolia), weeping fig (Ficus benjamina), and spathe flower (Spathiphyllum wallisii). Allergy. 2001;56(10): 1008-11.</span></p>

Poljacki, M., Paravina, M., Jovanovic, M., Subotic, M., and Duran, V. [Contact allergic dermatitis caused by plants]. Med Pregl. 1993;46(9-10):371-375.

Hayashi, K., Nishino, H., Niwayama, S., Shiraki, K., and Hiramatsu, A. Yucca leaf protein (YLP) stops the protein synthesis in HSV-infected cells and inhibits virus replication. Antiviral Res 1992;17(4):323-333.

Kim, S. W., Park, S. K., Kang, S. I., Kang, H. C., Oh, H. J., Bae, C. Y., and Bae, D. H. Hypocholesterolemic property of Yucca schidigera and Quillaja saponaria extracts in human body. Arch Pharm.Res 2003;26(12):1042-1046.

Favel, A., Kemertelidze, E., Benidze, M., Fallague, K., and Regli, P. Antifungal activity of steroidal glycosides from Yucca gloriosa L. Phytother.Res 2005;19(2):158-161.

Balestrieri, C., Felice, F., Piacente, S., Pizza, C., Montoro, P., Oleszek, W., Visciano, V., and Balestrieri, M. L. Relative effects of phenolic constituents from Yucca schidigera Roezl. bark on Kaposi's sarcoma cell proliferation, migration, and PAF synthesis. Biochem Pharmacol 5-14-2006;71(10):1479-1487.

Mahillon, V., Saussez, S., and Michel, O. High incidence of sensitization to ornamental plants in allergic rhinitis. Allergy 2006;61(9):1138-1140.

Olas, B., Wachowicz, B., Majsterek, I., Blasiak, J., Stochmal, A., and Oleszek, W. Antioxidant properties of trans-3,3',5,5'-tetrahydroxy-4'-methoxystilbene against modification of variety of biomolecules in human blood cells treated with platinum compounds. Nutrition 2006;22(11-12):1202-1209.

Attallah NGM, El-Sherbeni SA, El-Kadem AH, et al. Elucidation of the Metabolite Profile of Yucca gigantea and Assessment of Its Cytotoxic, Antimicrobial, and Anti-Inflammatory Activities. Molecules 2022;27(4):1329.

Ali DE, Bassam SM, Elatrebi S, et al. HR LC-MS/MS metabolomic profiling of Yucca aloifolia fruit and the potential neuroprotective effect on rotenone-induced Parkinson's disease in rats. PLoS One 2023;18(2):e0282246.

Salaheldin Abdelhamid Ibrahim S, Bassam SM, El-Hawary S, et al. The gastroprotective effect of Yucca filamentosa standardized crude leaves extract versus its nano-cubosomal formulation in ethanol-induced gastric injury. Int Immunopharmacol 2024;137:112440.

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.

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