# Euphol **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/euphol **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-30 **Evidence Score:** 2 / 10 **Category:** Compound **Also Known As:** Euphorbia tirucalli triterpene, Tetracyclic triterpene alcohol, Eupholane-type triterpene, E. tirucalli latex extract, Pencil tree triterpene, Milk bush triterpene, Aveloz triterpene ## Overview Euphol is a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol isolated primarily from Euphorbia tirucalli latex that exerts [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and anticancer effects by modulating phospholipase A2 activity and suppressing NF-κB-driven pro-inflammatory signaling. Research in animal and cell models suggests it may inhibit tumor cell proliferation and reduce inflammatory mediator release, though human clinical trials have not yet been conducted. ## Health Benefits • May reduce [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) in colitis models by decreasing pro-inflammatory mediators and increasing IL-10 (animal model evidence). • Shows cytotoxic effects against various cancer cell lines, particularly pancreatic and esophageal squamous cells (in vitro evidence). • Inhibits proliferation, motility, and colony formation in cancer cells, and synergizes with chemotherapeutic agents like gemcitabine and paclitaxel (in vitro evidence). • Induces apoptosis and [autophagy](/ingredients/condition/longevity)-associated cell death in glioma cells (in vitro evidence). • Modulates key signaling pathways such as MAP Kinase/ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT in cancer cells (in vitro evidence). ## Mechanism of Action Euphol inhibits phospholipase A2 (PLA2), an enzyme responsible for releasing arachidonic acid from membrane phospholipids, thereby reducing downstream synthesis of prostaglandins and leukotrienes that drive inflammation. In cancer models, euphol activates caspase-dependent apoptotic pathways and disrupts cell cycle progression at the G1/S checkpoint by modulating cyclin D1 and CDK4 expression. It also upregulates the [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine IL-10 while suppressing TNF-α and IL-6 production, likely through NF-κB pathway inhibition. ## Clinical Summary All current evidence for euphol derives from in vitro cell culture studies and rodent animal models, with no published human clinical trials to date. In murine colitis models, oral administration of euphol reduced myeloperoxidase activity and histological damage scores while elevating colonic IL-10 levels. Cytotoxicity studies report IC50 values in the low micromolar range (approximately 5–20 µM) against pancreatic adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma lines. The evidence base is considered preliminary, and translation to human therapeutic doses and safety profiles remains unestablished. ## Nutritional Profile Euphol is not a nutrient or food substance; it is a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol (C30H50O, MW ~426.7 g/mol) isolated primarily from the latex of Euphorbia tirucalli (pencil cactus/firestick plant) and related Euphorbia species. It has no conventional nutritional profile (no macronutrients, vitamins, minerals, fiber, or protein content). Key bioactive characteristics: • Chemical class: Tirucallane-type tetracyclic triterpenoid (specifically, tirucall-8,24-dien-3β-ol). • Typical concentrations in E. tirucalli latex: approximately 22–48 mg/g of crude dried latex, though this varies with geographic origin, season, and extraction method. • Closely related isomer: Tirucallol (the 3α-epimer); euphol is the 3β-hydroxy form. • Bioavailability notes: As a lipophilic triterpenoid (logP ~8–9), euphol has poor aqueous solubility, which limits oral bioavailability. In animal pharmacokinetic studies, absorption is enhanced by lipid-based delivery vehicles or nanoemulsion formulations. First-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management) likely reduces systemic availability. No human pharmacokinetic data are currently published. • Other co-occurring bioactive compounds in the E. tirucalli latex matrix include: euphorbol (another triterpene), cycloartenol, lupeol, β-sitosterol, ingenol esters, and various diterpene esters (phorbol-type), some of which are irritant/co-carcinogenic and must be separated from euphol during purification. • Euphol itself is studied as an isolated compound at pharmacological doses (typically 10–100 mg/kg in rodent models; 1–50 µM in in vitro assays) and is not consumed as part of a normal human diet. ## Dosage & Preparation Clinically studied dosages are absent; preclinical data report oral administration of 3, 10, or 30 mg/kg in mice for colitis. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions No human safety data, established tolerable upper intake levels, or pharmacokinetic profiles exist for isolated euphol as a supplement. Because euphol inhibits PLA2 and modulates arachidonic acid [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management), theoretical interactions with NSAIDs, corticosteroids, and anticoagulants such as warfarin are plausible and warrant caution. Euphorbia tirucalli latex, the primary plant source, contains co-occurring diterpene esters (e.g., phorbol esters) that are cytotoxic and irritating; purity and sourcing of any euphol extract are therefore critical safety considerations. Use during pregnancy or lactation is not recommended due to complete absence of safety data. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials or meta-analyses were identified; all evidence is limited to preclinical studies in animal models and cell lines. Research has focused on its effects in mouse models of colitis and various cancer cell lines. ## Historical & Cultural Context In Brazilian folk medicine, the latex sap of *Euphorbia tirucalli*, which contains euphol, has been traditionally used for treating various cancers such as leukemia, prostate, and breast cancers. No specific duration or other traditional systems were detailed. ## Synergistic Combinations Gemcitabine, Paclitaxel, Curcumin, Resveratrol, Quercetin ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What plant does euphol come from? Euphol is extracted primarily from the milky latex of Euphorbia tirucalli, a succulent tree also called 'pencil cactus' or 'rubber hedge euphorbia' native to Africa and widely distributed in tropical regions. The latex contains euphol as a major triterpenoid constituent, though it also contains toxic phorbol esters, making raw latex unsafe for direct consumption. ### Can euphol kill cancer cells? In vitro studies show euphol exerts cytotoxic effects against several cancer cell lines, including pancreatic adenocarcinoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, with IC50 values typically in the 5–20 µM range. It appears to induce apoptosis via caspase activation and arrest cell cycle progression by downregulating cyclin D1 and CDK4. However, these are laboratory findings only, and no human clinical trials have evaluated euphol as a cancer treatment. ### How does euphol reduce inflammation? Euphol blocks phospholipase A2 (PLA2), the enzyme that liberates arachidonic acid from cell membranes, cutting off substrate supply for prostaglandin and leukotriene synthesis. It also suppresses NF-κB transcriptional activity, lowering production of TNF-α and IL-6 while increasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. These combined actions have been demonstrated in rodent colitis models but not yet confirmed in human studies. ### Is euphol safe to take as a supplement? There is currently no established safe dosage, pharmacokinetic data, or human toxicology profile for euphol taken as an isolated supplement. The source plant latex contains co-occurring phorbol esters that are highly irritating and potentially carcinogenic, so extract purity is a significant concern. Until human clinical trials are completed, euphol cannot be considered a proven-safe supplement ingredient. ### What is the difference between euphol and ursolic acid? Both euphol and ursolic acid are triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties, but they differ structurally and mechanistically. Euphol is a tetracyclic triterpene alcohol that primarily targets PLA2 inhibition, while ursolic acid is a pentacyclic triterpene that more prominently inhibits NF-κB and activates AMPK pathways. Ursolic acid also has a significantly larger body of research, including some human studies, whereas euphol research remains limited to preclinical models. ### Does euphol have better bioavailability in any particular supplement form? Euphol is a lipophilic (fat-soluble) compound, which suggests it may have improved absorption when taken with dietary fat or in formulations designed to enhance fat-soluble nutrient delivery. Most research on euphol has used standardized extracts or purified preparations, but clinical data on different supplemental forms and their relative bioavailability in humans is limited. Liposomal or oil-based delivery systems may theoretically improve absorption, though this has not been formally studied in humans. ### What does the current clinical research show about euphol's effectiveness in humans? Most evidence for euphol comes from in vitro (cell culture) and animal model studies, particularly for cancer cytotoxicity and anti-inflammatory effects in colitis models. Human clinical trials specifically testing euphol supplementation are extremely limited or absent, meaning safety and efficacy claims cannot yet be confirmed in people. The gap between animal research and clinical evidence means euphol should be considered a preliminary or investigational compound rather than an established therapeutic agent. ### Does euphol interact with chemotherapy drugs like gemcitabine? In vitro research suggests euphol may synergize with gemcitabine and other chemotherapeutic agents, potentially enhancing their cancer cell-killing effects. However, this evidence is from laboratory studies, and it is unknown whether this interaction occurs at therapeutic doses in the human body or whether it could complicate cancer treatment protocols. Anyone taking euphol while undergoing chemotherapy should consult their oncologist, as concurrent use could affect drug efficacy or safety. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*