Is Euphorbia safe while breastfeeding?

Summary of use during breastfeeding

There are over 2000 species of Euphorbia containing numerous chemical compounds, although no specific active ingredients have been identified. Several Euphorbia species have been used as galactogogues in various cultures, such as Euphorbia lancifolia (called ixbut in the local language) by the Mayans in Guatemala,[1] Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia fusiformis in India, Indonesia and Angola,[2–7] Euphorbia serpyllifolia and other species by American Indians and Euphorbia thymifolia in India and Indonesia.[5] Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia thymifolia are used to improve the quality of colostrum in Indonesia.[8] No scientifically valid clinical trials support these uses; however, some evidence in animals found that a Euphorbia extract increases serum prolactin.[9] Galactogogues should never replace evaluation and counseling on modifiable factors that affect milk production.[10,11] No data exist on the excretion of any components of Euphorbia into breastmilk. Euphorbia species exude a white sap, which is likely the reason for its use as a galactogogue via the “doctrine of signatures”.[5] The sap can cause contact sensitization and ocular toxicity if it gets in the eye. Taken orally, Euphorbia can cause nausea and vomiting.

Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products. More detailed information about dietary supplements is available elsewhere on the LactMed Web site.

Effects on the breastfed infant

Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Effects on milk supply

Animal studies have demonstrated an increase in serum prolactin after administration of an extract of Euphorbia hirta and Euphorbia fusiformis.[7,9]

Levels in milk

Maternal Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.

Infant Levels. Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.