Asclepias cordifolia

Botanical

What is it

Asclepias cordifolia (purple milkweed, heartleaf milkweed) is a perennial milkweed native to western North America. It has been used by some Indigenous peoples as a food and traditional medicine.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Any clinical condition

Mixed Evidence

No controlled human evidence supports any therapeutic use. Toxicity risk outweighs theoretical benefit.

How it works

Milkweeds contain cardenolides (cardiac glycosides) similar in mechanism to those used in heart medications. These compounds inhibit the cellular sodium-potassium pump and can affect heart rate and rhythm. The plant also contains latex with potentially irritating alkaloids. No modern controlled research has established a supplemental use for Asclepias cordifolia. Cardenolide content is variable and meaningful intake carries genuine cardiotoxic risk.

Dosage

There is no established safe supplemental dose. Traditional food use involves cooking specific plant parts (young shoots, buds, flowers) for short periods. Concentrated or raw plant intake carries toxicity risk.

When and how to take it

Not applicable. Use is not recommended.

Safety

Cardenolides in milkweeds can cause potentially serious cardiac toxicity, including arrhythmias. Acute symptoms include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and altered heart rhythm. Milky latex can irritate skin and mucous membranes.

Who should be cautious

Avoid entirely in pregnancy, breastfeeding, children, heart disease, and in people on cardiac medications. Generally not recommended for supplemental use given safety concerns.

Interactions

Theoretical and potentially serious interaction with digoxin and similar cardiac glycosides, where milkweed cardenolides could add toxicity. Avoid in combination with any cardiac medication.

Frequently asked questions

Is milkweed safe to eat?⌄

Some milkweed species are eaten traditionally after careful preparation, but the plants contain cardiotoxic cardenolides. Identification mistakes and improper preparation can cause poisoning.

Should I take Asclepias cordifolia as a supplement?⌄

No. There is no recognized supplemental use, and the plant carries real cardiotoxicity risk.

References

Asclepias cordifolia on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Asclepias cordifolia on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Asclepias cordifolia (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.