Jaborandi

Botanical

What is it

Jaborandi (Pilocarpus jaborandi and related Pilocarpus species) is a South American shrub. Its leaves contain pilocarpine, an alkaloid that is the active ingredient in pharmaceutical eye drops and oral tablets used for glaucoma and dry mouth (Sjogren syndrome).

Evidence for 2 uses

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

Dry mouth in Sjogren syndrome and radiation

Strong Evidence

Pharmaceutical pilocarpine is an established treatment for dry mouth caused by Sjogren syndrome and head/neck radiation, with multiple RCTs.

Glaucoma (open-angle)

Strong Evidence

Topical pilocarpine has been used for decades to lower intraocular pressure. Now generally replaced by better-tolerated agents but still used in certain settings.

How it works

Pilocarpine is a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist (especially M3 subtype). It stimulates exocrine glands (saliva, sweat, tears) and causes smooth-muscle contraction including pupil constriction (miosis) and ciliary body contraction (which lowers intraocular pressure). The pure pharmaceutical pilocarpine has well-defined dosing and indications. The crude herbal leaf is far more variable in pilocarpine content and carries a substantially higher risk of overdose.

Dosage

Pharmaceutical pilocarpine: 5 mg three times daily orally for dry mouth (per prescribing information). Crude jaborandi leaf is not recommended for self-administration because alkaloid content varies widely; serious cholinergic toxicity has been reported with herbal use.

When and how to take it

Pharmaceutical pilocarpine for dry mouth is taken three times daily, typically before meals. Eye drops for glaucoma follow the ophthalmologist's instructions.

3 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Pharmaceutical pilocarpine (Salagen)

Prescription tablets for dry mouth.

Oral tablets with standardized dosing.

Pilocarpine ophthalmic

Prescription drops for glaucoma and certain procedures.

Topical eye drops.

Crude jaborandi leaf

Not recommended for self-use due to overdose risk.

Highly variable alkaloid content.

Safety

Significant cholinergic side effects: sweating, salivation, urinary urgency, diarrhea, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, bronchospasm. Overdose can cause cardiac arrhythmia and seizures. Pharmaceutical use requires medical supervision; herbal use is not recommended.

Who should be cautious

Contraindicated in uncontrolled asthma, angle-closure glaucoma (unless under ophthalmologist supervision for narrow-angle settings), severe cardiac disease, bowel obstruction, and acute iritis. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding unless medically necessary. Herbal jaborandi should not be used outside medical supervision.

Interactions

Major interactions with beta-blockers (additive bradycardia), other cholinergic drugs, and anticholinergic medications (antagonism). Caution with cardiac and pulmonary medications.

Frequently asked questions

Is jaborandi safe as a supplement?⌄

No. The pilocarpine content varies and cholinergic toxicity can be serious. Only pharmaceutical preparations should be used.

What is jaborandi used for medically?⌄

Its active ingredient pilocarpine is used (as a prescription drug) for dry mouth in Sjogren syndrome and after head/neck radiation, and historically for glaucoma.

Why is it in my dietary supplement?⌄

It should not be in most general supplements. If listed, treat the product with caution and consult a clinician.

References

Jaborandi on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Jaborandi (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Jaborandi with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
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.