Phytolacca Americana

Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana

Common Name: American pokeweed

Symbol: PHAM4

Category: Dicot

Genus: Phytolacca

Family: Phytolaccaceae

Family Common Name: Pokeweed family

Order: Caryophyllales

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subkingdom: Tracheobionta

Kingdom: Plantae

Duration: Perennial

Growth Habit: Forb/herb

Native Status: L48 (N), CAN (N)

Flower Color: White

Flower Conspicuous: Yes

Foliage Color: Green

Foliage Texture: Coarse

Fruit Color: Black

Edible: yes

Pokeweed growth habit and fruit detail

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Scientific Name: Phytolacca americana

Common Name(s): Pokeweed

Edible: yes

Medicinal: no

Parts Used: stem, fruit, leaf

mariemorris1221
6 May, 2012

This plant is currently being studied for the treatment of certain cancers. The root has been used for breast cancer. http://www.cancer.org/Treatment/TreatmentsandSideEffects/ComplementaryandAlternativeMedicine/HerbsVitaminsandMinerals/pokeweed Overview Some research has shown that a protein contained in pokeweed, called pokeweed antiviral protein (PAP), has anti-tumor effects in mice and laboratory studies. In test tube studies, PAP has also shown action against viruses such as herpes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Clinical trials have not yet determined whether these effects apply to humans. All parts of the mature pokeweed plant contain chemically active substances such as phytolaccine, formic acid, tannin, and resin acid. All parts of the plant are at least mildly poisonous when eaten, although the root is most toxic. How is it promoted for use? Proponents claim that pokeweed can be taken internally to treat a number of conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, tonsillitis, mumps, swollen glands, chronic excess mucus, bronchitis, mastitis, and constipation. They also say that the herb is an effective treatment for fungal infections, joint inflammation, hemorrhoids, breast abscesses, ulcers, and bad breath. Herbalists also claim that external application of a preparation made from the plant relieves itching, inflammation, and skin diseases. What does it involve? Pokeweed supplements are available as liquid extracts, tinctures, powders, and poultices. There is no standard dose for pokeweed. Pokeweed berries are one of the ingredients in the Hoxsey formula (see Hoxsey Formula). Pokeweed antiviral protein, or PAP, is difficult to remove from the plant in its natural form. For research purposes, scientists have learned how to create PAP. The purified, lab-created version is also less toxic than that extracted from the plant.

Current Rating: 0.0000

mariemorris1221
6 May, 2012

Most of the young shoots I have observed growing wild do have some tinge of red or magenta color in the stems. I have eaten pokeweed for years, even eating the shoots with the red/magenta color in the stalk and have suffered no ill effects. If you observe the proper cooking techniques you should be ok. I personally also know a man who eats up to 60 ripe berries daily and suffered no problems. His wife, however, broke out in a rash after eating only 30 berries. I have steamed the young stems until tender and drizzled cheese sauce over it and love it fixed that way. I think there is a lot of old wives tales about this plant. Somewhat like the ones that were around in past times. Some people said that tomatoes were poisonous and only grew them for an ornamental. I cannot find one substantiated case of pokeweed poisoning or death from eating it online. If anyone has found a reference, please post. I live in the country in Tennessee. Many mountain people around my neck of the woods have been eating poke "sallet" for years, and some even make wine out of the ripe berries. They are all healthy and living today.

Current Rating: 0.0000

Jayden Tor 6 Sep, 2009	Externally, the leaves have been used to relieve acne and rashes. Internally, it is good for tonsillitis, swollen glands and weight loss.
Current Rating: 0.0000

Logos 13 Aug, 2008	CAUTION--All parts of this plant are poisonous if eaten raw. Never eat the underground portions of the plant as these contain the highest concentrations of the poisons. Do not eat any plant over 25 centimeters tall or when red is showing in the plant.
Current Rating: 0.0000

Logos 13 Aug, 2008	Description: This plant may grow as high as 3 meters. Its leaves are elliptic and up to 1 meter in length. It produces many large clusters of purple fruits in late spring.
Current Rating: 0.0000

Logos 13 Aug, 2008	Habitat and Distribution: Look for this plant in open, sunny areas in forest clearings, in fields, and along roadsides in eastern North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
Current Rating: 0.0000

Logos 13 Aug, 2008	Edible Parts: The young leaves and stems are edible cooked. Boil them twice, discarding the water from the first boiling. The fruits are edible if cooked.
Current Rating: 0.0000

Logos 13 Aug, 2008	Other Uses: Use the juice of fresh berries as a dye.
Current Rating: 0.0000

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