Health & Well-Being A-Z

Masterwort

Masterwort plant
Description

Masterwort is a plant. People use it to make medicine.

People use masterwort for conditions such as muscle cramps, stomach disorders, digestive problems, and diarrhea, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Using masterwort by mouth or on the skin can also be unsafe.

Is It Effective?

Effectiveness header

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
  • Diarrhea.
  • Digestion problems.
  • Muscle cramps.
  • Stomach disorders.
  • Swelling (inflammation) of the lining of the stomach and intestines.
  • Other conditions.

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of masterwort for these uses.

Is it Safe?

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There is not enough information to know how masterwort might work.

Safety

When taken by mouth: Masterwort is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It can cause the skin to burn more easily in the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. Also, there are some chemicals in masterwort that can cause cancer.

When applied to the skin: Masterwort is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin. It can cause the skin to burn more easily in the sun. Wear protective clothing and sunblock outside, especially if you are light-skinned. Also, there are some chemicals in masterwort that can cause cancer.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding:If you are pregnant, it's LIKELY UNSAFE to take masterwort by mouth, especially in early pregnancy. It might start your menstrual period, and that could cause a miscarriage.

It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to take masterwort by mouth if you are breast-feeding. It's best to avoid use.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light including sunlamp treatment for certain skin conditions such as psoriasis, use of tanning beds, or time in sunlight: Masterwort causes sensitivity to ultraviolet (UV) light. It could cause your skin to burn. Don't use masterwort if you are receiving UV light therapy. Also, stay out of the sun and avoid tanning beds if you are taking masterwort.

Drug interactions

Medications that increase sensitivity to sunlight (Photosensitizing drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

Some medications can increase sensitivity to sunlight. Masterwort might also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Taking masterwort along with medication that increase sensitivity to sunlight could increase the chances of sunburn, blistering, or rashes on areas of skin exposed to sunlight. Be sure to wear sunblock and protective clothing when spending time in the sun.

Some drugs that cause photosensitivity include amitriptyline (Elavil), Ciprofloxacin (Cipro), norfloxacin (Noroxin), lomefloxacin (Maxaquin), ofloxacin (Floxin), levofloxacin (Levaquin), sparfloxacin (Zagam), gatifloxacin (Tequin), moxifloxacin (Avelox), trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (Septra), tetracycline, methoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen, 8-MOP, Oxsoralen), and Trioxsalen (Trisoralen).

Herb interactions

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Food interactions

There are no known interactions with foods.

Dosage

The appropriate dose of masterwort 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 masterwort. 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.

Other names

Berce Commune, Berce Laineuse, Berce Très Grande, Cow Cabbage, Cow Parsnip, Heracleum lanatum, Heracleum maximum, Heracleum montanum, Heracleum sphondylium, Heracleum sphondylium subsp. montanum, Hogweed, Imperatoria, Madnep, Radix Pimpinelle Franconiae, Woolly Parsnip, Youthwort.

Disclaimer

Information on this website is for informational use only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. While evidence-based, it is not guaranteed to be error-free and is not intended to meet any particular user’s needs or requirements or to cover all possible uses, safety concerns, interactions, outcomes, or adverse effects. Always check with your doctor or other medical professional before making healthcare decisions (including taking any medication) and do not delay or disregard seeking medical advice or treatment based on any information displayed on this website.

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