Health Guide

Lantana camara

### ⚠️ IMPORTANT SAFETY WARNING: Lantana camara is NOT a dietary supplement Before we begin, it is vital to understand that **Lantana camara (Yellow Sage)** is **highly toxic** to humans and animals. It is classified as a poisonous weed, not a dietary nutrient. Unlike beneficial herbs like Ashwagandha or Turmeric, ingesting Lantana berries or leaves can lead to severe liver damage, vomiting, and hospitalization. This guide explains why you should **avoid** it, rather than consume it.

Evidence BasedDietary Supplement

VERIFIED SOURCE

Bio-Activity Analysis

Safety Status: Lantana camara vs. Edible Herbs

SCIENTIFIC DATA VISUALIZATION

Y-Axis

Safety Rating (0-100)

Plant Type →

Health Benefits & Sources

Why You Should AVOID It (Not Take It)

Hepatotoxicity (Liver Damage): The plant contains toxic triterpenoids that can cause severe swelling and damage to the liver.
Gastrointestinal Distress: Ingestion causes immediate nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Photosensitivity: Contact with the plant can make your skin extremely sensitive to sunlight, causing blistering rashes.

What does it do for me?

Nothing beneficial. While some isolated compounds in the plant are being researched for pharmaceutical potential (like anti-cancer properties), consuming the raw plant or standard extracts is dangerous. It is an invasive weed that should be removed from gardens, not eaten.

Natural Food Sources (Safe Alternatives)

Since Lantana is poisonous, we cannot list it as a food source. However, if you are looking for the flavor profile often associated with "Lantana" (lemony/earthy), here are safe, edible alternatives:

Food	Amount	% DV (Nutrient Focus)
Lemon Balm	1 cup fresh	Rich in Antioxidants
Lemon Verbena	1 tbsp dried	Vitamin C
Sorrel	1 cup raw	Vitamin A
Rosemary	1 tbsp fresh	Iron
Oregano	1 tbsp fresh	Vitamin K

Supplementation

Do not supplement with Lantana camara. There are no standard dosages because it is toxic. If you have purchased a product labeled as Lantana, stop taking it immediately and consult a healthcare professional.

Top Food Sources

Lantana Berries

Do not eat - causes liver failure

Lantana Leaves

Do not eat - causes severe vomiting

Lemon Balm

Good alternative for citrus flavor

Lemon Verbena

Good alternative for tea

Sorrel

Good alternative for tangy greens

Frequently Asked Questions

No. All parts of the plant are toxic, especially the unripe berries. It is a poisonous weed.

Strictly NO. Brewing the leaves releases toxic compounds that damage the liver.

While isolated lab compounds show potential for fighting cancer or bacteria, the whole plant is unsafe for consumption.

Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a professional.

Safety & Side Effects

Safety & Toxicity Profile

Who should avoid it? Everyone. There is no safe dosage for human consumption.

Potential Side Effects:

Acute: Vomiting, fever, headache, bloody diarrhea.
Severe: Jaundice (yellowing of skin/eyes), liver failure, convulsions.

Interactions: Highly dangerous to combine with alcohol or other hepatotoxic drugs, as this increases the risk of liver failure.

Scientific References

[1]World Health Organization (WHO) Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants: Lantana camara L.
[2]"Toxicity of Lantana camara" - Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
[3]Toxicological studies on Lantana camara (Linnaeus) in sheep: Pathophysiological changes.