Herb & supplement monograph

Dusty Miller Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated July 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Dusty Miller interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Dusty Miller is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Dusty Miller is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Dusty Miller Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Dusty Miller drug interaction appears low for most people, since every listed concern rests on theory rather than documented harm in humans. None of the interactions are rated major, and all of them trace back to a single theoretical mechanism that has not been confirmed in human studies.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The one concern worth understanding involves CYP3A4 inducers, a group of medications that speed up a liver enzyme. Dusty Miller naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, compounds the body processes through this same enzyme. In theory, these medications could push the body to convert more of those compounds into forms that are toxic, which is why every interaction on this list carries a moderate rating. That said, this prediction comes from lab-based reasoning, not from reports of actual harm in people taking these combinations.

What the rest of the list means

Although the list of interacting medications is long, it reflects one shared mechanism applied across many drugs, not dozens of separately proven problems. The evidence here is theoretical, so a medication appearing on the list does not mean the combination has been shown to cause harm.

Check your medications against Dusty Miller

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Dusty Miller interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Dusty Miller

87 medications have a known interaction with Dusty Miller, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Dusty Miller using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Dusty Miller interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Dusty Miller combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Dusty Miller affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Dusty Miller is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Dusty Miller interacts with

Cytochrome P450 3a4 (cyp3a4) Inducers

Cytochrome P450 3A4 (Cyp3A4) Inducers

Theoretically, CYP3A4 inducers might increase the risk of adverse effects from the pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in dusty miller.
Dusty miller contains PAs. PAs are substrates of CYP3A4. Theoretically, drugs that induce CYP3A4 might increase the conversion of PAs to toxic metabolites.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Dusty Miller: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed July 2026 ·

The bottom line

Dusty Miller is a silvery ornamental plant that has been used in folk medicine, mainly as an eye remedy for cataracts and irritation. There is no reliable scientific evidence that it works, and the plant contains compounds (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) that can be toxic, so it is not considered safe for self-treatment. Talk to a pharmacist or doctor before using any product made from it.

Scientific name: Jacobaea maritima
Family: Asteraceae
Part used: Leaves and flowering tops; historically the plant juice
Common forms: Traditional eye drops/eyewash, homeopathic preparations, tinctures

People commonly use it for

Cataracts (traditional eye use)
Eye irritation and inflammation
Wound healing (folk use)
Menstrual complaints (folk use)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallBest avoided

It can contain liver-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids and is not recommended for internal or homemade use.

PregnancyLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Dusty miller preparations containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic. Ther...

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingLikely Unsafe

When used orally. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in dusty miller are excreted in milk. There is insufficient reliable informatio...

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Dusty Miller is a common name for Jacobaea maritima (also classed in the past as Senecio cineraria), a low, bushy plant in the daisy family. It is best known as a garden ornamental because of its soft, silvery-gray, deeply cut leaves. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is now grown in gardens around the world.

In traditional and folk medicine, the plant juice or extracts were sometimes dropped into the eyes to treat cataracts and other eye problems. It has also appeared in homeopathic remedies. The name "Dusty Miller" is also used loosely for other unrelated silvery plants, which can cause confusion.

Today, Dusty Miller is rarely sold as a mainstream supplement, and most reputable health sources do not recommend it as a medicine.

Uses & effectiveness

The most well-known traditional use is as an eye remedy, especially for cataracts and eye irritation. People in some folk traditions applied the plant juice directly to the eye. There is no good scientific evidence that it can treat or reverse cataracts, and putting unproven plant juice into the eye is dangerous.

Other folk uses include helping wounds heal and easing menstrual problems. These uses are based on tradition rather than reliable clinical studies.

Overall, the evidence supporting any health benefit of Dusty Miller is essentially absent. Well-designed human studies are lacking, and the known toxicity of the plant means the risks likely outweigh any unproven benefit.

How it works

Dusty Miller has not been carefully studied, so its supposed effects are not well understood. The plant is known to contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, a group of compounds found in several plants in the daisy family. These compounds are more notable for their potential to harm the liver than for any medicinal benefit.

Any claimed eye or wound-healing effects come from traditional use rather than from clearly identified active ingredients or proven mechanisms. Most of what is known about related plants comes from laboratory and toxicology research, not from studies showing the plant treats disease.

Safety & precautions

Dusty Miller should be treated with caution and is best avoided as a self-care remedy. The plant can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are known to be toxic to the liver and, with repeated exposure, may damage liver tissue over time. For this reason, taking the plant by mouth is not considered safe.

Putting raw plant juice or homemade preparations into the eye is especially risky. The eye is delicate, and unsterile, irritating, or contaminated liquids can cause infection, injury, or vision damage.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid Dusty Miller entirely. The toxic alkaloids and the lack of safety information make it unsafe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

People with liver disease, children, and anyone with allergies to plants in the daisy/ragweed family (Asteraceae) should be especially careful and avoid it. Always check with a pharmacist or doctor before using any product made from this plant.

Side effects

Because Dusty Miller is not well studied in people, a full list of side effects is not known. Based on its chemistry, the main concern is liver toxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which can build up with repeated use.

Direct contact may cause skin or eye irritation, and people allergic to daisy-family plants may have allergic reactions. Using the plant in or near the eye carries a risk of eye injury, infection, or vision problems. Stop use and seek medical care if you notice signs such as yellowing skin or eyes, dark urine, severe stomach pain, eye pain, or vision changes.

Dusty Miller: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Dusty Miller from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Reports by condition

Diarrhea Hepatic

Orally, the major concern with dusty miller use is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content. These constituents can cause liver injury. Chronic exposure to other plants containing hepatotoxic PA constituents is associated with veno-occlusive disease. Subacute veno-occlusive disease can cause vague symptoms, including colicky pains, vomiting, diarrhea, and ascites within several days; persistent liver enlargement occurs within a few weeks.

Danesch U, Rittinghausen R. Safety of a patented special butterbur root extract for migraine prevention. Headache 2003;43:76-8..
Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.

Hypertension Pulmonary/Respiratory

Orally, the major concern with dusty miller use is its pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) content. These constituents can cause lung damage with pulmonary-arterial hypertension.

Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established or safe dose for Dusty Miller. Because the plant can be toxic and has no proven medical benefit, no reliable dosing guidelines exist for any form.

We do not recommend self-treating with this plant. If you come across a product that contains it, do not assume a label dose is safe, and talk with a pharmacist or doctor first.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Dusty Miller & Pregnancy

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Dusty miller preparations containing hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents might be teratogenic and hepatotoxic. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of dusty miller products that do not contain hepatotoxic PAs when used during pregnancy.

Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.

Dusty Miller & Breastfeeding

Likely Unsafe

When used orally. Hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) constituents in dusty miller are excreted in milk. There is insufficient reliable information available about the safety of dusty miller products that do not contain hepatotoxic PAs when used during lactation.

Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46.
Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 5 references that drive our Dusty Miller monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

WHO working group. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Environmental Health Criteria, 80. WHO: Geneva, 1988.
Danesch U, Rittinghausen R. Safety of a patented special butterbur root extract for migraine prevention. Headache 2003;43:76-8.. PubMed
Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. J Hepatol 2003;39:437-46. PubMed
Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 1995;50:83-98.
Wang YP, Yan J, Fu PP, Chou MW. Human liver microsomal reduction of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to form the corresponding carcinogenic parent alkaloid. Toxicol Lett 2005;155:411-20. PubMed

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Dusty Miller: Common Questions

Does Dusty Miller interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 87 medications with a known interaction with Dusty Miller. Use the checker above to see how Dusty Miller interacts with a specific drug.

How are Dusty Miller interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Dusty Miller with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Dusty Miller interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Dusty Miller used for?

It has been used in folk medicine mainly as an eye remedy for cataracts and eye irritation, and sometimes for wounds or menstrual complaints. None of these uses are supported by solid scientific evidence.

Is Dusty Miller safe to use?

It is generally not considered safe. The plant can contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may harm the liver, and applying plant juice to the eye can cause injury or infection.

Can I put Dusty Miller juice in my eyes for cataracts?

No. There is no proof it helps cataracts, and putting raw or homemade plant liquid in the eye can lead to serious eye damage or infection. See an eye doctor for cataracts.

Can I take Dusty Miller while pregnant or breastfeeding?

No. It should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because of its potentially toxic compounds and the lack of safety information.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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