Jaborandi Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Jaborandi refers to several shrubs in the Pilocarpus genus that grow in the rainforests of South America, especially Brazil. Native peoples traditionally used the leaves, and the name has long been linked to the plant's strong ability to make people sweat and produce saliva.

The most important thing to know about Jaborandi is that its leaves are the natural source of pilocarpine, a compound that drug companies extract and purify into prescription medicines. These purified medicines are used today to treat dry mouth and to lower pressure inside the eye in conditions like glaucoma.

While the crude herb has a history of folk use, modern medicine relies on the standardized, measured drug made from it rather than the unpredictable raw plant.

People have traditionally used Jaborandi to cause sweating, to boost saliva, and to treat a range of complaints. The strongest evidence is not really for the herb itself, but for pilocarpine, the purified drug derived from it.

Pilocarpine, in approved medical forms, has good evidence for:

• Dry mouth (xerostomia) — including dry mouth caused by radiation treatment or certain autoimmune conditions.
• Glaucoma and raised eye pressure — pilocarpine eye drops can lower pressure inside the eye.

For the raw Jaborandi herb used as a tea, tincture, or supplement, good quality human studies are lacking. Because the amount of active compound in plant material can vary widely, the herb is unreliable and risky compared to the standardized drug. We do not have solid evidence supporting safe, effective use of the crude plant for any condition.

Jaborandi leaves contain alkaloids, the most important being pilocarpine. Pilocarpine acts on what scientists call muscarinic receptors, which are part of the body's "rest and digest" nervous system.

By stimulating these receptors, pilocarpine increases the activity of glands that make fluids. This is why it can boost saliva, tears, and sweat. In the eye, it makes certain muscles contract, which helps fluid drain and lowers eye pressure.

These mechanisms are well understood for the purified drug. The crude plant contains a mix of compounds in amounts that vary from plant to plant, which makes its effects much harder to predict.

The raw Jaborandi plant is not a gentle herb. Because it contains potent alkaloids, taking too much can cause serious effects on the heart, breathing, and other body systems. For this reason, it should not be used as a casual home remedy.

People with heart disease, asthma or other breathing problems, stomach or bowel conditions, or thyroid disease should be especially cautious, since the herb's effects could worsen these conditions. Anyone considering it should speak with a doctor or pharmacist first.

Pregnancy: Avoid Jaborandi. There is not enough safety information, and its strong effects on the body make it risky. Breastfeeding: Also avoid, since we do not know whether it is safe for a nursing infant. If you need treatment for dry mouth or glaucoma, ask your doctor about approved, properly dosed medications instead.

Because of how pilocarpine works, the most common effects relate to glands and smooth muscle. These can include:

• Heavy sweating
• Excess saliva or watery eyes
• Nausea, stomach cramps, or diarrhea
• Headache or dizziness
• Flushing and a runny nose

More serious effects can occur, especially at higher doses, such as a slowed or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, trouble breathing, and changes in vision. Because the raw plant has unpredictable potency, the risk of an overdose is real. Seek medical care right away if you have chest pain, severe breathing trouble, fainting, or a very slow heartbeat.

There is no established safe dose for the crude Jaborandi herb, and we do not recommend self-dosing with the raw plant because its potency is unpredictable and it can be toxic.

The purified drug pilocarpine is a different story — it comes in carefully measured tablets and eye drops with doses set by a doctor. If you are using any Jaborandi-containing product, follow the product label exactly and check with a pharmacist before starting.

If you have dry mouth or glaucoma, talk with your doctor about properly dosed, approved medications rather than guessing with an herbal product.