Cereus
Scientific names: Selenicereus grandiflorus, Cereus grandiflorus, Cactus grandiflorus
Family: Cactaceae
Alternate names: Cactus à Grandes Fleurs, Cardon, Night Blooming Cereus, Reina de la Noche, Reina de las Flores, Selenicereus, Sweet Scented Cactus
Background
Cereus is an herb. People use the flower, stem, and young shoots for medicine.
Cereus is used for chest pain (angina), fluid retention associated with weak heart function (heart failure), and as a heart stimulant. Cereus is also used for bladder infections and other urinary tract problems, bleeding, and shortness of breath.
Women use it for painful or heavy menstrual periods.
Cereus is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain.
Cereus is used for chest pain (angina), fluid retention associated with weak heart function (heart failure), and as a heart stimulant. Cereus is also used for bladder infections and other urinary tract problems, bleeding, and shortness of breath.
Women use it for painful or heavy menstrual periods.
Cereus is sometimes applied directly to the skin for joint pain.
Safety Safety definitions
Cereus seems safe for most people, when used for conditions other than heart disease. But it’s UNSAFE to use cereus for a heart condition, except under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional. Don’t use it on your own because effects on the heart should be monitored.
The fresh juice may cause burning of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can cause itching and skin blisters when applied to the skin.
Heart conditions: There is some concern that cereus may harm people with existing heart conditions or interfere with heart treatment.
The fresh juice may cause burning of the mouth, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. It can cause itching and skin blisters when applied to the skin.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of cereus during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.Heart conditions: There is some concern that cereus may harm people with existing heart conditions or interfere with heart treatment.
Effectiveness
NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
- Chest pain (angina).
- Fluid retention due to heart failure.
- Heavy menstrual pain and bleeding.
- Urinary tract problems.
- Bleeding.
- Shortness of breath.
- Joint pain, when applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
Dosing & administration
The appropriate dose of cereus depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for cereus. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
Digoxin (Lanoxin)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Digoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Cereus also seems to affect the heart. Taking cereus along with digoxin can increase the effects of digoxin and increase the risk of side effects. Do not take cereus if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.
Medications for depression (MAOIs)
Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.
Cereus contains a chemical called tyramine. Large amounts of tyramine can cause high blood pressure. But the body naturally breaks down tyramine to get rid of it. This usually prevents the tyramine from causing high blood pressure. Some medications used for depression stop the body from breaking down tyramine. This can cause there to be too much tyramine and lead to dangerously high blood pressure.
Some of these medications used for depression include phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), and others.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
Action
Cereus contains chemicals that can stimulate and strengthen the heart.
Products
View all products
Practitioner product
Per serve:
- Selenicereus grandiflorus
- Crataegus monogyna (Hawthorn)
- Lycopus virginicus
- Porcine aorta
- Porcine heart
- Porcine pericardium
- Porcine mitral valve
- Porcine coronary vein
- Porcine heart ventricles
- Adonis vernalis
- Cytisus scoparius
- Phosphorus
- Strophanthus hispidus
- Porcine artery
- Cholesterol
Practitioner product
Discontinued by BioResearch
Practitioner product
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This monograph was last reviewed on 30/04/2023 10:00:00. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
