Background

• Plants of the genus Arum are poisonous because they contain calcium oxalate. Currently, there is no standard, accepted medicinal use of the plant, although Arum may have been used to treat prostate disease and skin conditions. Extracts from Arum are being studied for their ability to fight against sperm and therefore, may be used to prevent pregnancy (contraceptive).
• Traditionally, Arum may have been used to treat colds, inflammation of the throat, and diarrhea. It may also have been used as a diaphoretic (fever-inducer) and diuretic (increase urine production). The leaves of the plant have also been applied to the skin for rheumatic-type pain.
• At this time, research supporting the use of Arum for any medical condition is lacking.

References

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• Al Rmalli, S W, Haris, P I, Harrington, C F, et al. A survey of arsenic in foodstuffs on sale in the United Kingdom and imported from Bangladesh. Sci Total Environ. 1-20-2005;337(1-3):23-30.
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• Van Damme, E J, Goossens, K, Smeets, K,et al. The major tuber storage protein of araceae species is a lectin. Characterization and molecular cloning of the lectin from Arum maculatum L. Plant Physiol 1995;107(4):1147-1158.
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