Gelsemium sempervirens

Gelsemium sempervirens is a highly toxic plant native to the southeastern United States and Central America. It contains strychnine-related alkaloids such as gelsemine, gelseminine, and sempervirine. In traditional medicine and homeopathy, it has been used for neurological symptoms (such as anxiety and anticipatory fear), migraine headaches, trigeminal neuralgia (facial nerve pain), asthma, flu-like symptoms, prostration (weakness), dizziness, drowsiness, lack of muscular coordination and nervousness[1][2][3][4][5][7]. The mechanism of action is believed to involve modulation of glycine receptors in the central nervous system by its principal alkaloid gelsemine[2]. Animal studies suggest analgesic (pain-relieving) effects via glycine receptor modulation; anxiolytic effects have also been observed in animal models but not confirmed in clinical trials[2]. At pharmacological doses it may show sedative or anti-seizure properties[3]. All parts of the plant are poisonous; ingestion can cause severe toxicity or death due to its potent neurotoxins[1].

Brand names

Olloïs Gelsemium Sempervirens

Other names

yellow jessamineCarolina jasminewoodbineGelsemium nitidumBignonia sempervirens