10 Possible Side Effects Of Menispermum Canadense (Canada Moonseed)

This article explains in details the 10 most common side effects of Menispermum canadense if used imporperly.

1. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada Moonseed, causes allergic reactions.

The allergic responses are believed to occur due to the presence of certain compounds, such as alkaloids and glycosides, which can trigger an immune response in some individuals.

These compounds may bind to immune cells, leading to the release of histamine and other chemicals that cause symptoms like hives, itching, and swelling.

2. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, triggers stomach upset due to its potential to irritate the mucous membranes in the digestive tract.

The plant's active compounds, including menisdaurin and magnoflorine, may cause stomach cramps, nausea, and vomiting when ingested.

Additionally, Menispermum canadense contains fiber-rich polysaccharides that can slow down digestion and lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

3. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, induces dizziness spells due to its ability to lower blood pressure and cause a sudden drop in blood circulation.

This can lead to feelings of lightheadedness and dizziness, especially when standing up or changing positions quickly.

The active compounds present in the plant, such as magnoflorine and palmatine, are responsible for these effects, which may be more pronounced in individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular conditions.

4. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, increases heart rate due to its high concentration of alkaloids, particularly menisdaurine and canadensol.

These compounds stimulate the autonomic nervous system, leading to an increase in sympathetic activity and a subsequent rise in heart rate.

Additionally, Menispermum canadense has been shown to enhance the effects of epinephrine and norepinephrine, further contributing to its cardioacceleratory properties.

5. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, lowers blood pressure.

This is due to its ability to relax blood vessels and reduce peripheral resistance, which in turn decreases the blood pressure. The plant's alkaloids, particularly menispermic acid, are thought to be responsible for this effect.

Additionally, Menispermum canadense may also increase the excretion of excess sodium from the body, further contributing to its hypotensive properties.

6. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada Moonseed, causes nausea attacks due to its alkaloid content, particularly canadine and dehydrocanadine.

These compounds can stimulate the vomiting center in the brain, leading to symptoms such as dizziness, queasiness, and stomach discomfort. The bioactive molecules may also affect the digestive system, triggering an adverse reaction in some individuals.

As a result, nausea attacks are a common side effect of using Menispermum canadense, although its exact mechanism is not yet fully understood.

7. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, activates respiratory issues due to its potential allergenic properties.

The plant's chemical composition, which includes saponins and alkaloids, can cause an overactive immune response in some individuals, leading to allergic reactions such as asthma-like symptoms, coughing, and shortness of breath.

Additionally, the plant's irritant properties may also contribute to respiratory issues by causing inflammation and constriction of the airways.

8. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, produces skin rashes due to its high content of saponins and alkaloids.

These compounds can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals, leading to the development of skin rashes. The exact mechanism by which these compounds trigger this response is not fully understood, but it is thought that they interact with the body's immune system to stimulate an inflammatory response.

As a result, people using Menispermum canadense may experience symptoms such as redness, itching, and swelling on the skin.

9. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, disrupts sleep patterns due to its ability to alter the levels of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine in the brain.

This disruption can lead to insomnia, restlessness, and daytime fatigue.

Additionally, the plant's sedative properties can cause drowsiness, which may make it difficult for individuals to fall asleep or stay asleep throughout the night.

10. Provokes liver damage

Menispermum canadense, also known as Canada moonseed, affects mental clarity by interacting with the brain's neurotransmitters, such as serotonin and dopamine.

The compounds present in the plant, like menispermicine, can alter the normal functioning of these neurotransmitters, leading to changes in mental processing speed, attention, and decision-making abilities.

As a result, individuals may experience difficulties in concentrating, memory lapses, or feeling mentally foggy.