The therapeutic drug oleandrin is being discussed in the media after multiple claims that it could be used to treat or prevent COVID-19.
Supporters like MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell say the drug is natural, safe and effective at stopping viruses like COVID-19. He’s worked with Housing and Urban Development Secretary Dr. Ben Carson to propose the drug to President Donald Trump as well
The VERIFY team did some research about this substance to understand the safety of its use.
THE QUESTION
Is oleandrin an approved treatment for COVID-19? Is there any evidence it can work?
THE ANSWER
Oleandrin is not an approved treatment for COVID-19 and, right now, there are no peer-reviewed studies that show it has an effect on the virus.
A preliminary study was published that showed positive results when oleandrin was applied to monkey kidney cells, but there have been no tests on human COVID-19 cases.
WHAT WE FOUND
Oleandrin is an extract from the oleander plant. The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center explains in its websitethat it contains substances similar to the active chemical found in the heart medication digoxin. In laboratory experiments, oleandrin proved to affect growth and cause cell death in certain cancer cell lines.
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, oleander is a poisonous substance. Poisoning occurs when a person or animal eats or chews the flowers, leaves or stems of the oleander plant (Nerium Oleander) and can have symptoms including irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, vision impairment and other conditions that could result in death.
Oleandrin is an extract of the plant, but the National Library of Medicine does list it as a “poisonous ingredient” as well.
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