Levant Berry Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Levant Berry is the dried fruit of Anamirta cocculus, a large climbing woody vine in the moonseed family. It grows in parts of South and Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.

The berry has a long history of use, but mostly as a poison rather than a healthful remedy. Its best-known traditional use was to stun or kill fish so they could be easily caught. The crushed berries were thrown into water, where they affected the nervous systems of fish.

In older medical and folk traditions, the berry was also applied to the skin to treat lice and certain skin problems, and at times was used in crude attempts to treat seizures. Today it is mainly of historical and chemical interest, not used as a modern dietary supplement.

There is no good clinical evidence that Levant Berry safely treats any health condition. Most of what is known comes from historical accounts, traditional use, and laboratory study of its toxic compound, picrotoxin.

People historically used it for fish poisoning, lice and skin parasites, and as a crude treatment for convulsions. None of these uses are supported by modern, reliable human studies showing it is both safe and effective.

Because the plant is poisonous, its risks far outweigh any unproven benefit. We do not recommend it for any internal use.

The main active compound in Levant Berry is picrotoxin (a mix of picrotoxinin and picrotin). Picrotoxin is a known central nervous system stimulant and a potent toxin.

In laboratory research, picrotoxin works by blocking certain calming signals in the brain (it acts against GABA, a neurotransmitter that normally quiets nerve activity). By removing this "brake," it can cause excess nerve firing, which leads to muscle twitching, convulsions, and seizures at toxic doses.

This same mechanism explains why the berry stuns fish. It is the reason picrotoxin has been studied as a research chemical rather than developed into a safe medicine.

Levant Berry should be considered poisonous. Swallowing the berries or extracts can cause severe and life-threatening effects, including seizures, breathing problems, and death.

No safe dose has been established for internal use. Even small amounts can be dangerous. It should be kept away from children and pets.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Avoid completely. There is no safe use of this toxic plant during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.

If you suspect anyone has swallowed Levant Berry or a product containing it, seek emergency medical care or contact a poison control center right away.

Because of its toxic nature, side effects can be severe. Reported effects from poisoning include nausea, vomiting, sweating, muscle twitching, confusion, convulsions or seizures, irregular breathing, and loss of consciousness.

Severe overdose can be fatal. Even topical use carries risk if the compound is absorbed or accidentally swallowed.

There is no "mild" safe version of this berry for self-care. Any exposure should be treated as a potential poisoning.

There is no established or recommended dose for Levant Berry, because it is toxic and not used as a safe supplement. We cannot provide a dose and strongly advise against taking it internally in any amount.

If you encounter a product that lists this ingredient, do not use it without first checking with a pharmacist or doctor. A licensed health professional can help you choose safer, proven options.