# Thevetin **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/thevetin **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-30 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** Other **Also Known As:** Yellow oleander glycoside, Thevetia peruviana extract, Cardenolide from yellow oleander, Thevetin A, Yellow oleander cardiac glycoside, Peruvoside related compound, Thevetia glycoside ## Overview Thevetin is a cardiac glycoside extracted from *Thevetia peruviana*, known for its potent effects on heart function. It primarily inhibits the Na+/K+-ATPase pump, increasing intracellular calcium and enhancing myocardial contractility. ## Health Benefits • Cardiac stimulation properties similar to digitalis glycosides (Preliminary evidence - 1940s-1950s observational studies) • Rapid onset positive inotropic effects on heart function (Preliminary evidence - PMID: 18885613) • Potential enhancement of cancer cell apoptosis when combined with TNF-α and TRAIL (Preliminary evidence - in vitro studies only) • Historically used for cardiac insufficiency treatment (Preliminary evidence - PMID: 13199422) • May modulate [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) response through Na+/K+-ATPase inhibition (Preliminary evidence - PMID: 13397252) ## Mechanism of Action Thevetin, like other cardiac glycosides, primarily inhibits the sarcolemmal Na+/K+-ATPase pump. This leads to intracellular sodium accumulation, reducing Na+/Ca2+ exchanger activity. The resulting increase in intracellular calcium enhances myocardial contractility and stroke volume. ## Clinical Summary Preliminary evidence from 1940s-1950s observational studies suggested Thevetin's cardiac stimulation, similar to digitalis. More recent research, including a study (PMID: 18885613), indicates rapid onset positive inotropic effects on heart function. Additionally, early in vitro/animal studies hint at enhancing cancer cell apoptosis with TNF-α. However, human clinical trial data is limited, and evidence for therapeutic use is largely preliminary and outdated. ## Nutritional Profile Thevetin is a toxic cardiac glycoside (specifically a mixture of thevetin A and thevetin B) extracted primarily from the seeds and other parts of the yellow oleander plant (Thevetia peruviana). As a cardenolide-type glycoside, it contains a steroidal aglycone (thevetigenin) linked to sugar moieties, structurally and pharmacologically similar to digitalis glycosides such as digoxin. It has no nutritional value and is considered highly poisonous, with its bioactivity centered on inhibition of the Na+/K+-ATPase pump in cardiac tissue. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges for thevetin have been established due to its extreme toxicity. Animal toxicity studies used 0.5-3.0 g/kg body weight of T. peruviana dried fruit extract, which resulted in severe toxicity and organ damage. This compound should not be used as a supplement due to its poisonous nature. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Thevetin has a narrow therapeutic index, with significant cardiotoxicity risks including arrhythmias, heart block, nausea, and blurred vision at supra-therapeutic doses. It is contraindicated in individuals with certain cardiac conditions like severe bradycardia or high-grade AV block. Thevetin can interact with drugs affecting [heart rhythm](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) or potassium levels, increasing toxicity risk. Due to its high toxicity, it is unsafe during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and generally for self-medication, requiring strict medical supervision. ## Scientific Research Clinical evidence for thevetin is extremely limited, with only early observational studies from the 1940s-1950s available. One study (PMID: 18885613) described thevetin as having digitalis-like properties with rapid onset, while another (PMID: 13199422) evaluated its use in cardiac insufficiency patients, though neither provided modern trial design details or sample sizes. No randomized controlled trials or meta-analyses exist for this compound. ## Historical & Cultural Context Thevetin has been historically noted as a heart stimulant derived from Thevetia peruviana in traditional medicine systems. However, specific traditional medicine systems, preparation methods, or duration of use are not documented in available sources, with its use being overshadowed by its high toxicity rather than established therapeutic efficacy. ## Synergistic Combinations None - thevetin is toxic and should not be combined with any supplements ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What is Thevetin? Thevetin is a potent cardiac glycoside extracted from *Thevetia peruviana*, also known as yellow oleander. It is a naturally occurring compound historically studied for its effects on heart function. ### How does Thevetin work in the body? Thevetin primarily acts by inhibiting the Na+/K+-ATPase pump on cell membranes, particularly in cardiac muscle. This inhibition leads to increased intracellular sodium and subsequently higher intracellular calcium, strengthening heart muscle contractions. ### What are the main traditional uses or benefits associated with Thevetin? Historically, Thevetin has been studied for its cardiac stimulation properties, similar to digitalis, showing rapid onset positive inotropic effects on heart function. Preliminary evidence from early observational studies suggested its potential in managing certain heart conditions. ### What are the safety concerns and side effects of Thevetin? Thevetin is highly toxic and possesses a narrow therapeutic index, meaning small dose increases can lead to severe side effects. These include gastrointestinal issues, blurred vision, dizziness, and life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias or heart block. ### Is Thevetin used in modern medicine or dietary supplements? Due to its extreme toxicity and the availability of safer, more thoroughly studied alternatives, Thevetin is not used in modern clinical medicine or as a dietary supplement. Its use is primarily confined to research settings or traditional practices with significant associated risks. ### What are the natural sources of Thevetin and which plants contain it? Thevetin is a cardiac glycoside found primarily in the seeds and leaves of Thevetia peruviana (yellow oleander) and related Thevetia species. It is also present in other tropical plants in the Apocynaceae family, though Thevetia peruviana is the most notable botanical source. Due to its high toxicity, these plants are not used as dietary sources and Thevetin is not obtained from food in therapeutic amounts. ### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting Thevetin's cardiac benefits? The evidence for Thevetin's cardiac effects comes primarily from observational studies and animal research dating back to the 1940s-1950s, with limited modern clinical trials in humans. While preliminary in vitro and animal studies suggest positive inotropic effects comparable to digitalis glycosides, the evidence quality is considered low by current medical standards. Most modern clinical research has focused on safer cardiac alternatives, leaving Thevetin's efficacy and safety profile incompletely characterized. ### How does Thevetin differ from other cardiac glycosides like digoxin or digitalis? Thevetin and digoxin are both cardiac glycosides that increase heart contractility through similar mechanisms, but Thevetin has a narrower therapeutic window and higher toxicity potential. Unlike digoxin, which has extensive clinical use and monitoring protocols, Thevetin lacks standardized dosing guidelines and reliable pharmacokinetic data in humans. Thevetin's rapid onset of action is similar to digitalis preparations, but its unpredictable absorption and potency make it considerably more dangerous for clinical use. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*