Pitcher Plant Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Overview

Pitcher plant is a North American bog plant known for its distinctive cup-shaped leaves that can trap and digest insects. The extract of pitcher plant called Sarapin is an FDA-approved product (it was grandfathered in). Although it has historical uses for various conditions, the current evidence supporting its efficacy is limited.

People Use This For

Orally, pitcher plant is used for digestive disorders, constipation, urinary tract diseases, as a diuretic, a cure for smallpox, diabetes, and scar prevention. By injection, pitcher plant extract (Sarapin) is used for pain relief, particularly in conditions such as sciatic pain, intercostal pain, and neuralgia. It has also been used in combination with other compounds for certain pain syndromes and to stimulate tissue repair through prolotherapy.

Is Pitcher Plant Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Pitcher plant extract (Sarapin) prescribed for injection by a qualified health professional is considered likely safe when used appropriately. However, injection into areas of inflammation potentially carries an increased risk of adverse effects. The safety of oral use of pitcher plant is uncertain due to insufficient reliable information. It is advisable to avoid using pitcher plant during pregnancy and lactation.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

Injection of pitcher plant extract may cause sensations of heaviness or heat in the injection site, and some individuals may experience aggravation of symptoms. However, there is insufficient reliable information available regarding the safety and potential side effects of oral use of pitcher plant.

What Is Pitcher Plant Typically Used For?

Pitcher plant has historical uses for various conditions, but there is insufficient reliable evidence to determine its effectiveness. It has been used orally for digestive disorders, constipation, urinary tract diseases, diabetes, and scar prevention. By injection, pitcher plant extract (Sarapin) has been used for pain relief in specific conditions such as sciatic pain, intercostal pain, and neuralgia. It has also been used in combination with other compounds for certain pain syndromes and to stimulate tissue repair through prolotherapy. More research is needed to establish the clinical efficacy of pitcher plant for these purposes.

Mechanism of Action

Pitcher plant contains compounds such as sarracenia acid, tannin, resin, and sarracenin. It also contains phenolic glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, and iridoids. The antidiabetic effects of pitcher plant may be attributed to its ability to stimulate glucose uptake in muscle cells and reduce glucose production in liver cells. It also exhibits antiviral properties, inhibiting poxvirus replication, and potentially protecting against Orthopoxvirus infections. In terms of pain relief, pitcher plant extract (Sarapin) acts on sensory nerves, possibly affecting C nerve fibers specifically, making it potentially useful in chronic neuropathic pain.

Drugs that interact with Pitcher Plant