• African poison ivy, Anacardiaceae (family), heptadecylcatechol (HDC) diacetate, oleoresin, pentadecylcatechols, rhus radicans, Toxicodendron radicans, Toxicodendron radicans resin, urushiol.
• Note: This monograph covers poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) only; poison oak, sumac, and other members of Anacardiaceae family are covered in other monographs.

• Poison ivy (Toxicodendron radicans) is a plant native to North America that grows well in most areas. Its leaves are arranged in groups of three and vary in size and color during the season. In spring to summer, the leaves are small and red, eventually turning green, glossy, and smooth. In the fall, the leaves may turn red, orange, yellow, or brown.
• Poison ivy contains compounds that cause allergic reactions. In the United States and Canada, poison ivy is one of the most common causes of skin rash. Potentially serious reactions may result when poison ivy is used on the skin or eyes or if it is taken by mouth or inhaled.

• Eczema, erectile dysfunction, herpes virus, immune stimulant, poison ivy rash (reduction of sensitivity), tumors (on the surface of the eye).

Adults (18 years and older)

• There is no proven safer or effective dose of poison ivy in adults.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of poison ivy in children.

Allergies

• Avoid with known allergy or hypersensitivity to poison ivy, or any of its components, such as urushiol, the primary irritating compound in poison ivy. An estimated 85% of people are sensitive to urushiol, which usually causes a fluid-filled, itchy rash, but may cause a rare, severe, systemic allergic reaction (called erythema multiforme) in some people. Rash may result from contact with anything that comes in contact with the plant, such as clothing, animals, and tools.
• Individuals with sensitivity to poison ivy may be sensitive to other members of the Anacardiaceae family, such as cashews, japonica, mango, Rhus copallina, Rhus javanica (semialata), Rhus trichocarpa, and Spandia magnifera.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Poison ivy is a commonly reported cause of skin rash. It most often causes a self-limiting, itchy, bumpy, fluid-filled rash, either reddish or noncolored and followed by blistering.
• Taking poison ivy by mouth may cause several skin disorders, such as erythema multiforme, as well as liver function abnormalities and a higher than normal white blood cell count. Liver inflammation or kidney damage may occur in patients with erythema multiforme.
• Bacterial infections secondary to poison ivy rash may occur.
• Avoid using poison ivy on the skin or eyes or by mouth.
• Avoid in patients with known hypersensitivity to poison ivy, oak, sumac, or other members of the Anacardiaceae family.
• Avoid use as an alternative or homeopathic remedy for various skin ailments such as eczema and herpes, either by mouth or on the skin, due to the potential for development of skin reactions or diseases.
• Avoid in patients with blood disorders, kidney diseases or disorders, or liver diseases or disorders.
• Avoid in pregnant and breastfeeding women, due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is a lack of available evidence on use of poison ivy in pregnant or breastfeeding women.

Interactions with Drugs

• Poison ivy may interact with anticancer drugs.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Poison ivy may interact with anticancer herbs and supplements.

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

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