Kalanchoe

Kalanchoe is a succulent plant used in various traditional medicines, applied topically for wounds and skin issues and used internally in some traditions for inflammation and other complaints. It is also a common ornamental houseplant. None of these traditional uses has been confirmed in a human study.

Traditionally the leaf juice or poultice is used for minor wounds, skin inflammation, and infections, and some traditions use it internally; there are no human clinical trials behind these uses, so they remain traditional rather than proven.

It is used traditionally as a topical leaf application or juice, and sometimes internally in specific traditions; follow product or practitioner guidance. Species and preparation vary.

Topical traditional use is generally tolerated, but some Kalanchoe species contain compounds (bufadienolides) that can affect the heart and be toxic if ingested in quantity, and they are toxic to grazing animals and pets. Swallowing it can cause an irregular or slowed heartbeat, so internal use should be approached cautiously and only with professional guidance. Avoid it in pregnancy, and avoid it if you take heart medicines such as digoxin, water pills or drugs for heart rhythm.

Kalanchoe pinnata, sometimes called the 'life plant' or 'miracle leaf,' is a succulent native to Madagascar that has spread throughout tropical regions of the Americas, Asia, and Africa.

The clinically studied dose is No human trial behind this page tested any dose of Kalanchoe, so there is no studied dose. Traditional preparations use leaf juice or infusions, and the 250-500 mg of leaf extract per serving seen on some product labels reflects what manufacturers chose, not a… Always follow the product label and check with a healthcare provider for personal advice.

For most healthy adults, Kalanchoe is well tolerated at studied doses. Reported effects can include: Oral safety has never been tested in a clinical trial. Small traditional amounts appear to be tolerated, but larger intakes may cause nausea or vomiting. Kalanchoe contains bufadienolides, heart-active compounds similar to the medicine digoxin. It may also interact with some medications. Kalanchoe is not right for everyone, so check with a healthcare provider first if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or take prescription medication.

Possible interactions include: May interact with heart medicines such as digoxin, because the bufadienolides in Kalanchoe act on the heart in a similar way. Could enhance the effect of diuretic medications and affect potassium balance. If you take prescription medication, check with a pharmacist or doctor before using it.

NutraSmarts rates the evidence for Kalanchoe as Preliminary (1 out of 5). It is backed by 2 clinical trials and 2 cited references summarized on this page. A higher rating reflects more, larger, and better-designed human studies.