The weed Euphorbia peplus (petty spurge) has been recognized in recently years as having a chemical useful in the treatment of actinic keratosis and other skin cancers. There are papers going back quite a few years, but more recently the relevent compound has apparently been FDA approved in the USA. I find this interesting.

Petty spurge plant – it has that white latexy sap.

A couple of links to papers describing the use of the sap/compound from the sap. The interesting thing, apart from it being a readily available weed and easy to use, is that in the research, they only applied it for 3 days. Yes, 3 days. For complete resolution of something like 70% of the lesions.

2011: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3050615/

2011: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21375515

2013: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741697/

2016: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313035/

buffy said:

The weed Euphorbia peplus (petty spurge) has been recognized in recently years as having a chemical useful in the treatment of actinic keratosis and other skin cancers. There are papers going back quite a few years, but more recently the relevent compound has apparently been FDA approved in the USA. I find this interesting.

Petty spurge plant – it has that white latexy sap.

A couple of links to papers describing the use of the sap/compound from the sap. The interesting thing, apart from it being a readily available weed and easy to use, is that in the research, they only applied it for 3 days. Yes, 3 days. For complete resolution of something like 70% of the lesions.

2011: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3050615/

2011: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21375515

2013: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3741697/

2016: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5313035/

Checking up last reference.

“Ingenol mebutate is available as a topical gel formulation approved for the field treatment of actinic keratosis.”

From Table 1, it’s pretty clear that no-one really has the foggiest idea why it works. For example, its action may just be that it kills skin cells. Many years ago I used a wart treatment cream that did that.

But perhaps I’m being too cynical.

From wikipedia, Euphorbia plants share the feature of having a poisonous, milky, white, latex-like sap.

More from wikipedia,

“The common name “spurge” derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge (“to purge”), due to the use of the plant’s sap as a purgative. One of the euphorbias was used as a powerful laxative.”

“Irritants

“The milky sap of spurges evolved as a deterrent to herbivores. It is white, and transparent when dry, except in E. abdelkuri, where it is yellow. The pressurized sap seeps from the slightest wound and congeals after a few minutes in air. The skin-irritating and caustic effects are largely caused by varying amounts of diterpenes. Triterpenes such as betulin and corresponding esters are other major components of the latex. In contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), the latex can produce extremely painful inflammation. Therefore, spurges should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets. Latex on skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Congealed latex is insoluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsifier such as milk or soap. A physician should be consulted if inflammation occurs, as severe eye damage including permanent blindness may result from exposure to the sap. When large succulent spurges in a greenhouse are cut, vapours can cause irritation to the eyes and throat several metres away. Precautions, including sufficient ventilation, are required.”

mollwollfumble said:

More from wikipedia,

“The common name “spurge” derives from the Middle English/Old French espurge (“to purge”), due to the use of the plant’s sap as a purgative. One of the euphorbias was used as a powerful laxative.”

“Irritants

“The milky sap of spurges evolved as a deterrent to herbivores. It is white, and transparent when dry, except in E. abdelkuri, where it is yellow. The pressurized sap seeps from the slightest wound and congeals after a few minutes in air. The skin-irritating and caustic effects are largely caused by varying amounts of diterpenes. Triterpenes such as betulin and corresponding esters are other major components of the latex. In contact with mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth), the latex can produce extremely painful inflammation. Therefore, spurges should be handled with caution and kept away from children and pets. Latex on skin should be washed off immediately and thoroughly. Congealed latex is insoluble in water, but can be removed with an emulsifier such as milk or soap. A physician should be consulted if inflammation occurs, as severe eye damage including permanent blindness may result from exposure to the sap. When large succulent spurges in a greenhouse are cut, vapours can cause irritation to the eyes and throat several metres away. Precautions, including sufficient ventilation, are required.”

The property of spurges has been known for a very long time and probably is one of the many herbal remedies. The latex sap reacts with skin regardless of species, although the Petty Spurge is less aggressive and consequentially safer to use.

It’s (Ingenol) been available on prescription for at least 4-5 years in Australia for treatment of solar keratosis.

poikilotherm said:

It’s (Ingenol) been available on prescription for at least 4-5 years in Australia for treatment of solar keratosis.

I saw papers from back in the 80’s about it. So did we make it “real” about the same time as the Americans?

buffy said:

poikilotherm said:

It’s (Ingenol) been available on prescription for at least 4-5 years in Australia for treatment of solar keratosis.

I saw papers from back in the 80’s about it. So did we make it “real” about the same time as the Americans?

Pretty much first fda and ema reg in 2012.

It kills budgies.