Laburnum

Last Editorial Review: 6/11/2021
Other Name(s):

Aubour, Bean Trifoil, Cytise, Cytise Aubour, Cytise Commun, Cytise Faux Ébénier, Cytisus alschingeri, Cytisus laburnum, Golden Chain, Indian Laburnum, Laburno, Laburnum anagyroides, Legume, Pea Tree.

Overview

Laburnum is a plant. The seed is used to make medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, people take laburnum to cause vomiting and to empty the bowels.

In manufacturing, laburnum is used as a pesticide.

Be careful not to confuse laburnum and labdanum. They are different plants.

How does it work?

There isn't enough information to know how laburnum might work.

QUESTION

Next to red peppers, you can get the most vitamin C from ________________. See Answer

Uses & Effectiveness

Insufficient Evidence to Rate Effectiveness for...

  • Causing vomiting.
  • Emptying the bowels.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of laburnum for these uses.

Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate (detailed description of each of the ratings).

Side Effects

Laburnum is UNSAFE. All parts, including the seeds and berries, are extremely poisonous. Eating as few as 20 seeds or 3-4 unripe berries can kill an adult. If you accidentally take laburnum, get medical attention right away.

Symptoms of laburnum poisoning include nausea; dizziness; salivation; mouth, throat, and stomach pain; sweating; headache; vomiting; vomiting with blood; spasms; paralysis; decreased urine excretion; decreased breathing; and death.

SLIDESHOW

Vitamin D Deficiency: How Much Vitamin D Is Enough? See Slideshow

Special Precautions & Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Laburnum is UNSAFE and can cause death. Don't take it.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of laburnum 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 laburnum. 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.

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Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

References

Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.