Additional notes (click to expand)

Medicinal

Has been used as a tea for fevers.
Plants for a Future at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk

A tincture made from the whole fresh plant has been used in homeopathy for Clergyman's sore throat and uterine displacement.
'Mrs Grieves (1931) A Modern Herbal' at www.botanical.com

Other use

Used in essential oils.

Toxicity

Heliotropium species contain heliotrine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid, which is both carcinogenic and genotoxic. In male rats, increase in pancreatic islet cell tumours, transitory cell papillomas of the urinary bladder, intestinal testicular tumours. DNA_adduct formation and chromosomal abberations in vivo and in vitro, indicating genotoxicity.
van den Berg, S.J.P.L., Restani, et al., P.. (2011). Levels of Genotoxic and Carcinogenic Compounds in Plant Food Supplements and Associated Risk Assessment. Food and Nutrition Science 2: 989-1010. link

Poisonous seeds.
Plants for a Future at www.plantsforafuture.org.uk

Heliotropium arborescens L. 'Marine'

Family: BORAGINACEAE
Genus: Heliotropium
Species: arborescens L.
Cultivar: 'Marine'
Distribution summary: Peru
Habit: Annual
Hardiness: H1c - Heated greenhouse; warm temperate
Garden status: Not currently grown
Flowering months: May, June, July, August, September
Reason for growing: Medicinal, toxic


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