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Conium Extract

Also known as: Poison hemlock, Conium, Conium Extract, Conium maculatum

Overview

Conium maculatum, commonly known as Poison hemlock, is a highly toxic plant historically recognized for its potent neurotoxic properties. Despite its notorious toxicity, primarily due to piperidine alkaloids like coniine, it has been explored for potential therapeutic applications such as sedative, antispasmodic, and anti-inflammatory effects. However, research on Conium extract is predominantly preclinical, relying on animal studies and in vitro pharmacological assessments. There is a significant lack of rigorous clinical trials in humans, and no high-quality human randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews support its safe or effective use as a supplement. The plant's neurotoxic alkaloids primarily affect the nervous system, leading to a very narrow therapeutic window and substantial safety concerns.

Benefits

Research on the benefits of Conium maculatum extract is limited to preclinical animal studies, with no validated clinical data in humans. Animal models suggest potential sedative and antispasmodic properties, likely due to its interaction with the nervous system. Some studies also indicate possible anti-inflammatory effects, though these are not well quantified. In animal studies, dose-dependent effects on neurotransmitter levels and behavior have been observed, but these effects have not been established in human clinical populations. The acute effects have been noted in animal studies, but the long-term safety and efficacy remain unknown. Due to its high toxicity and narrow therapeutic window, any potential benefits are overshadowed by significant safety risks, and its use in humans is not supported by current evidence.

How it works

The primary mechanism of action for Conium maculatum extract involves its main bioactive compounds, coniine and γ-coniceine, which function as neurotoxins. These alkaloids primarily target and affect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, leading to neuromuscular blockade and central nervous system depression. In animal models, they initially stimulate and then depress respiration, and also cause a reduction in blood pressure. The extract also influences various neurotransmitter systems, including acetylcholine esterase (AchE), monoamine oxidase (MAO), and dopamine levels, indicating a complex modulation of neurochemical pathways. While oral administration has shown systemic effects in animal studies, the specific absorption and bioavailability data in humans are not well characterized.

Side effects

Conium maculatum extract is highly toxic, possessing a very narrow therapeutic window, meaning that effective doses are dangerously close to toxic doses. Common side effects observed in animal studies and human poisoning cases include severe neuromuscular paralysis, significant respiratory depression, hypotension (low blood pressure), and profound central nervous system depression. At higher doses, neurotoxicity can be lethal, leading to death. The extract can have potentially dangerous interactions with other central nervous system depressants or neuromuscular blockers, exacerbating its adverse effects. It is strictly contraindicated in pregnant individuals, as animal studies have shown it causes fetal toxicity, including increased fetal mortality and brain damage in rats at doses as low as 40 mg/kg. It is also contraindicated in children and individuals with pre-existing respiratory or neuromuscular disorders due to the risk of severe complications. Its use carries substantial safety risks and is not recommended.

Dosage

Due to its extreme toxicity and narrow therapeutic window, a safe and effective dosage for Conium maculatum extract has not been established for human use. Animal studies provide some insights into dose-response: in rats, an oral dose of 20 mg/kg showed some therapeutic effects without overt toxicity, while doses of 40-50 mg/kg caused significant toxicity and death. The timing of administration has primarily been studied acutely in animals, with no data available for chronic dosing. Furthermore, extracts are not well standardized for alkaloid content, making consistent dosing challenging. While oral administration has shown systemic effects in animal models, absorption factors in humans are unknown. No specific cofactors have been identified to influence its effects. Given the severe risks, any use of Conium maculatum extract as a supplement is strongly discouraged.

FAQs

Is Conium extract safe?

No, Conium extract is highly toxic and has a very narrow safety margin. Doses close to those showing therapeutic effects in animal studies can be lethal, and there is no evidence of safe use in humans.

Can it be used as a sedative?

While animal studies suggest sedative effects, there is no human clinical evidence to support its safe or effective use as a sedative. Its high toxicity makes it unsuitable for this purpose.

Is it safe during pregnancy?

No, Conium extract is not safe during pregnancy. Animal studies have demonstrated that it causes fetal toxicity, including increased fetal mortality and brain damage.

What are the risks of overdose?

Overdosing on Conium extract carries significant risks, including severe neuromuscular paralysis, respiratory failure, and death due to its potent neurotoxic effects.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9372743/ – This experimental animal study in gestating rats investigated the effects of Conium maculatum extract. It found that a 20 mg/kg oral dose showed some therapeutic effects without neuronal damage, while 40 mg/kg caused fetal toxicity and 50 mg/kg led to maternal death, demonstrating dose-dependent changes in neurotransmitters and oxidative stress markers. The study highlights the narrow therapeutic window and significant toxicity, particularly during gestation.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6150177/ – This review summarizes the pharmacology and toxicology of coniine and related alkaloids found in Conium maculatum. It details how these compounds cause neuromuscular blockade, respiratory depression, and cardiovascular effects in various animal models. The review emphasizes the dose-dependent nature of these effects, from initial stimulation to profound depression, underscoring the plant's potent neurotoxic properties.
https://www.phytojournal.com/archives/2018/vol7issue5/PartL/7-4-600-161.pdf – This behavioral animal study in rats explored the central nervous system effects of a crude Conium maculatum extract. It reported that an acute dose of 300 mg/kg induced behavioral changes consistent with CNS effects, drawing comparisons to known CNS-acting drugs like diazepam and imipramine. The study provides further evidence of the extract's neuropharmacological activity, albeit in a preclinical setting.