Serious Cardiotoxicity and Other Risks
The Danger of Cardiac Glycosides
The most significant risk associated with hedge mustard (Sisymbrium officinale) comes from the cardiac glycosides present, particularly in its flowering, above-ground parts. Cardiac glycosides are compounds known to affect the heart's function and, in concentrated or large doses, can cause serious side effects, including heart rhythm disorders. These compounds interfere with the sodium-potassium pump, which can disrupt electrolyte balance and lead to increased intracellular sodium and serum potassium concentrations, altering the heart's excitability. People with pre-existing heart conditions are especially vulnerable and should avoid hedge mustard entirely, as the plant could worsen their condition or interfere with prescribed treatments.
Digestive and Other Systemic Issues
Beyond its cardiotoxic effects, internal consumption of hedge mustard is also linked to a range of gastrointestinal disturbances. Reported side effects include:
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headaches
- General digestive upset
For those with existing low potassium levels, the risk of serious side effects is heightened. Cardiac glycosides can harm the heart, and low potassium exasperates this risk. While the leaves and seeds may sometimes be used culinarily in certain cultures, the potential for toxicity from the flowering parts, coupled with the lack of standardized dosing, makes any internal use risky without professional medical guidance.
Contraindications and Drug Interactions
Individuals with specific health conditions should avoid hedge mustard completely. This includes pregnant and breastfeeding women, as the plant can harm the heart and cause other serious harm. The plant's potential to affect heart function also means it can have dangerous interactions with a number of common medications.
Comparison of Hedge Mustard Interactions
| Drug Type | Effect with Hedge Mustard | Reason for Interaction |
|---|---|---|
| Digoxin (Lanoxin) | Increases effects and side effects of digoxin. | Both affect heart function; hedge mustard amplifies digoxin's actions. |
| Diuretic drugs ('water pills') | Increases risk of side effects. | Diuretics lower potassium levels, increasing the risk of heart damage from cardiac glycosides. |
| Stimulant laxatives | Can cause potassium levels to drop too low. | Similar to diuretics, stimulant laxatives cause potassium loss, exacerbating the cardiac glycoside risk. |
| Quinine | Increases the risk of side effects. | Both substances can affect heart function, leading to potential heart problems when combined. |
Allergic and Topical Reactions
While less information is available on topical applications, concerns exist regarding skin exposure to hedge mustard. Related mustard allergies can cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including:
- Skin rashes and hives
- Swelling of the lips, face, and tongue
- Wheezing and other breathing difficulties
- In severe cases, anaphylaxis
Contact with certain plants in the mustard family can also cause skin sensitivity to sunlight. Individuals with known mustard allergies should be especially cautious, as cross-reactivity is possible.
Other Related Risks
- Goitrogens: Uncooked leaves and seeds of some brassica family plants contain goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function. While usually not a problem for healthy individuals, those with impaired thyroid function should cook the plant or limit intake.
- Poisonous plant confusion: Hedge mustard must not be confused with other potentially toxic plants, as correct identification is crucial. The use of natural products is not inherently safe, and without definitive dosing information, consumption is not recommended.
- Risk during pregnancy: Due to the cardiac glycosides and potential harm to the heart and other systems, hedge mustard is considered unsafe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Conclusion: Exercise Extreme Caution
Due to the presence of cardiac glycosides and the potential for serious heart-related complications, exercise extreme caution or, ideally, avoid internal consumption of hedge mustard entirely. The risk of dangerous side effects, including heart rhythm disorders and interactions with medications like digoxin, outweigh any unproven traditional benefits. Always consult a healthcare professional before considering any herbal supplement, particularly one with such known safety concerns. The use of this plant is especially dangerous for pregnant or breastfeeding women and those with pre-existing heart conditions.
Potential Outbound Link
For more information on the class of chemicals present in hedge mustard, you can visit the NCBI Bookshelf entry on cardiac glycoside toxicity: Cardiac Glycoside and Digoxin Toxicity - NCBI Bookshelf
