Poke Root

Christopher Hobbs:

“Poke root is a lymphatic cleanser and is used for swollen glands, tonsillitis, mumps, and strep throat. It is applied as an oil (poke oil) to sore breasts or swollen lymph nodes. Poke root is traditionally used in Chinese medicine for water retention, sore throat, and abscesses.
Poke oil and tincture are often-used remedies for various cancers, especially cancer of the breast, but it is best to work with a qualified herbalist or health-care practitioner when using poke for this purpose–or to be safe, for any purpose.
The oil is made by grinding up fresh poke root (it can easily be cultivated in the garden, but wear gloves when handling the fresh root pulp) in olive oil and infusing for 2 weeks, then pressing and filtering. Bottle the oil for future use, and store in a cool place. The tincture and oil lose their potency after 6 months or a year.

Poke Root has a taste of BITTER, ACRID and a temperature of COLD.”

Historical Uses

Poke root has been traditionally used in Native American and European herbal medicine for its purported purgative, emetic, and anti-inflammatory properties. It was commonly applied for lymphatic congestion, arthritis, skin conditions, and as a topical treatment for ulcers and tumors. Its berries were also used to make dyes and as a folk remedy for rheumatism.

Modern Clinical Uses by Herbalists and Naturopaths

Herbalists and naturopaths use poke root primarily for its effects on the lymphatic system. It is believed to stimulate lymphatic drainage and reduce swollen glands (lymphadenopathy). It is also applied topically for skin issues such as boils and acne. Some practitioners recommend it for conditions like mastitis and chronic infections but caution against improper use due to its toxicity.

Chemistry

Poke root contains several bioactive compounds, including:

• Triterpene saponins (e.g., phytolaccoside)
• Lectins (e.g., pokeweed antiviral protein or PAP, with potential antiviral properties)
• Alkaloids
• Polysaccharides These compounds contribute to its purported immunomodulatory, antiviral, and cytotoxic effects.

Pharmacology

• Immunomodulatory effects: PAP has shown activity against certain viruses by inhibiting protein synthesis in infected cells.
• Cytotoxic effects: Poke root extracts may have antiproliferative effects on cancer cells in laboratory studies.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: Some compounds exhibit the ability to modulate inflammatory pathways.

Clinical Trials

Few clinical trials exist for poke root, and most data come from in vitro and animal studies. Notable research includes:

• Antiviral activity of PAP: Studies indicate potential use against HIV and herpes simplex virus, but its toxicity limits clinical application.
• Immunomodulatory effects: Preliminary evidence suggests benefits for lymphatic drainage and inflammatory disorders, but these findings are not well-supported by clinical studies.
• Cancer research: Limited studies show promise for pokeweed extracts in inhibiting tumor growth in vitro.

Summary

Poke root is a plant with a rich history in traditional medicine and promising but underexplored pharmacological effects. However, its high toxicity and lack of robust clinical evidence necessitate caution. Modern herbalists use it sparingly for lymphatic and inflammatory conditions, but its use requires expertise and careful dosing. More clinical research is needed to validate its efficacy and safety.

Generated by ChatGPT; edited by Christopher Hobbs