User:Leahtsao/sandbox

Medicinal Uses
Real Uses

The effect of Conium on breast cancer and prostate cancer has been tested. When extractions of the plant were used on human breast cancer cell lines, cell growth arrest and apoptosis were observed in several areas of the cancer lines. However, similar plant extractions did not have any effect on prostate cancer cells.(2) The reason for these differences are still unknown.

Debate and Controversy

The dosage amount given to patients is controversial. The amount prescribed must be high enough to result in a noticeable difference in the health issue yet low enough to not be considered toxic. The correct dose varies from person to person, which makes it difficult for doctors to prescribe. There have been examples where high doses led to patient death. As a result, physicians are more likely to prescribe well known drugs on the market with more predictable results. Using Conium to treat medical issues by repeatedly placing the plant into a solution and vigorously shaking the result is a practice used in homeopathy. Although this practice claims to yield positive results, it is still considered to be controversial because of its lack of scientific proof. Homeopathic preparations of Conium serve as a possible method to treat health problems. These solutions are sold to the public in stores, and the seeds can be purchased over the internet.(3) Conium homeopathic treatments claim to treat a range of problems such as corneal ulceration, red ear wax, and cancer of the face.(3) These solutions are not proven, and overdose from home treatment can lead to death.

Historical Uses

During the early modern era, Conium was used as one of the main ingredients in flying ointment. When externally applied, the coniine in the flying ointment is said to treat conditions such as fissures, ulcerated hemorrhoids, and pain caused by cancer.(4) Conium was also used to execute selected prisoners in ancient Greece. The most well known case was in the execution of Socrates, who died after being forced drink hemlock juice.

Controversial Uses In small doses, Conium can be used as a sedative.(4) The coniine found in the plant is the main chemical that attacks the central nervous system, which decreases the amount of movement in the body. Conium has been used for this purpose to subdue the effects of teething and epilepsy.(5) When inhaled, the coniine is believed to interact with the body to suppress coughing.(5) Severe coughing from bronchitis may also be alleviated through the inhalation of Conium vapor.(5) Homeopaths also prescribe Conium to treat common ailments such as pain; when given a liquid dilution to treat intense pain, it is possible for the pain to end in a few hours.(6) However, these positive outcomes can be a result of the placebo effect. Conium has been used in suicide. The ease at which the seeds can be obtained adds to its misuse. Overdose of the plant quickly results in paralysis and speech loss. Death occurs shortly after when the respiratory system loses its function.