Oleander
Nerium oleanderEven using oleander twigs as skewers or barbecue wood can poison people; care is needed at picnics.
What is Oleander?
Oleander (Nerium oleander) is a plant of the Apocynaceae family. Traditions that use it: Anatolia and the Mediterranean. Part used: leaves (historical only).
What is Oleander used for?
Traditional use: In folk use the leaves were boiled for haemorrhoids, skin disease and cancer. Scientific evidence: traditional. Contains cardiac glycosides such as oleandrin, which disrupt heart rhythm.
Is Oleander safe?
Safety label: high risk. Every part of the plant is deadly poisonous; even a few leaves are dangerous. Burning the branches on a barbecue or using them as skewers can also cause poisoning.
Traditional use
In folk use the leaves were boiled for haemorrhoids, skin disease and cancer. These uses caused fatal poisonings.
A common ornamental on coasts and road medians.
In nature
Mix-up risk
Its leaves can be mistaken for bay or willow; poisonings have happened when used instead of bay leaves.
Preparation
Never prepare or drink it in any form.
What science says
Contains cardiac glycosides such as oleandrin, which disrupt heart rhythm. Studies on its use for cancer have shown no benefit.
Safety
Every part of the plant is deadly poisonous; even a few leaves are dangerous. Burning the branches on a barbecue or using them as skewers can also cause poisoning.
Drug interactions
| Medicine or substance | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Digoxin and heart medicines | Oleandrin acts like digoxin; together they can cause fatal heart rhythm disturbance. |
| Diuretics, laxatives, licorice | Lower potassium and worsen poisoning. |
This list is not complete. If you take regular medication, ask your pharmacist or doctor before trying Oleander.
Similar plants
Sources
- ResearchHuman Deaths Related to Oleander Poisoning: A Review of the Literature
- ResearchOleander and Datura Poisoning: An Update
- BookBaytop T. Türkiye’de Bitkiler ile Tedavi: Geçmişte ve Bugün. 2. baskı. İstanbul: Nobel Tıp Kitabevleri; 1999.
- Botanical recordKew Plants of the World Online: Nerium oleander
- Titles of research sources are summarised in Turkish on the Turkish page; links open the original English publications.
Written by Edanaz Tınmazlar · Last reviewed: · Türkçe