Background

• The Jamaican dogwood tree is native to the West Indies, Florida, and Central America. Its scientific names include Piscidia communis, Piscidia erythrina, and Piscidia piscipula. The bark has a bitter taste and unpleasant odor. It is also called fispoison and fishfuddle because of its traditional use in slowing fish in order to make them easier to catch.
• Traditional uses of Jamaican dogwood in medicine include pain relief, sedation, menstrual uses, psychiatric uses, gastrointestinal uses, and aid for labor. However, there is a lack of scientific evidence in support of Jamaican dogwood for any use at this time. Jamaican dogwood may be toxic and may cause breathing difficulties, drowsiness, muscular relaxation, and lack of coordination. Medicinal use of Jamaican dogwood is not recommended unless under the care of a healthcare professional.

References

1. Allen, M. F. Allen E. B. Gómez-Pompa A. Effects of mycorrhizae and nontarget organisms on restoration of a seasonal tropical forest in Quintana Roo, Mexico: Factors limiting tree establishment. Restoration Ecology 2005;13:325-333.
2. Alonso-Diaz, M. A., Torres-Acosta, J. F., Sandoval-Castro, C. A., et al. Effects of four tropical tanniniferous plant extracts on the inhibition of larval migration and the exsheathment process of Trichostrongylus colubriformis infective stage. Vet.Parasitol. 5-6-2008;153(1-2):187-192. View Abstract
3. Alonso-Diaz, M. A., Torres-Acosta, J. F., Sandoval-Castro, C. A., et al. In vitro larval migration and kinetics of exsheathment of Haemonchus contortus larvae exposed to four tropical tanniniferous plant extracts. Vet.Parasitol. 5-31-2008;153(3-4):313-319. View Abstract
4. Auxence, E. G. A pharmacognostic study of Piscidia erythrina. Economic Botany 1953;7(3):270-284.
5. Barker, J. E. Meletis C. D. Naturopathic pain management. Altern Complement Ther 2004;10:188-193.
6. Caceres, A., Lopez, B. R., Giron, M. A., et al. Plants used in Guatemala for the treatment of dermatophytic infections. 1. Screening for antimycotic activity of 44 plant extracts. J.Ethnopharmacol. 1991;31(3):263-276. View Abstract
7. Carapia-Ruíz, V. E. Descripcion de dos especies nuevas de trialeurodes cockerell (homoptera; aleyrodidae) de la peninsula de Yucatan, Mexico. Acta Zoológica Mexicana 2006;22(1):75-80.
8. COSTELLO, C. H. and BUTLER, C. L. An investigation of Piscidia erythrina (Jamaica dogwood). J.Am.Pharm.Assoc.Am.Pharm.Assoc. 1948;37(3):89-97. View Abstract
9. Della, Loggia R., Tubaro, A., and Redaelli, C. [Evaluation of the activity on the mouse CNS of several plant extracts and a combination of them]. Riv.Neurol. 1981;51(5):297-310. View Abstract
10. Della, Loggia R., Zilli, C., Del, Negro P., et al. Isoflavones as spasmolytic principles of Piscidia erythrina. Prog.Clin.Biol.Res. 1988;280:365-368. View Abstract
11. Fernandez-Salas, A., Alonso-Diaz, M. A., Acosta-Rodriguez, R., et al. In vitro acaricidal effect of tannin-rich plants against the cattle tick Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Acari: Ixodidae). Vet.Parasitol. 1-10-2011;175(1-2):113-118. View Abstract
12. Hoffmann, D. The Herbal Handbook: A User's Guide to Medical Herbalism. Healing Arts Press 1988;
13. Meolie, A. L., Rosen, C., Kristo, D., et al. Oral nonprescription treatment for insomnia: an evaluation of products with limited evidence. J.Clin.Sleep Med. 4-15-2005;1(2):173-187. View Abstract
14. Yarnell, E. Abascal K. Botanical Medicines for Headache. Altern Complement Ther 2007;13(3):148-152.
15. Yarnell, E. Abascal K. Spasmolytic Botanicals: Relaxing Smooth Muscle with Herbs. Altern Complement Ther 2011;17(3):169-174.