Euphorbium (Euphorbia resinifera): a revision study

Euphorbia resinifera (Euphorbium) is a laticiferous species originated from Morocco and has a cosmopolitan distribution. It is widely used in ethnomedicine, traditional medicine, and homeopathic medicine, and is widely used and commercially available around the world. In Brazil, homeopathy is a medical specialty recognized by the Federal Council of Medicine, and various biotechnology investigations have already been carried out by this group, in addition to effective work in primary health care. What will be the biotechnological potential of its homeopathic use? This article presents a literature review of its study around the world. Based on the description of the plant, its plant chemistry, classical toxicology, and clinical studies already carried out by the National Institutes of Health, a discussion was made regarding its potential ethical use in patients with malignant neoplasms as a complementary therapy, as well as its potential use in other chronic-degenerative diseases. Its potential to reduce cancer pain is highlighted, and anabolic and immunomodulatory effects have also been evidenced. This preliminary review encourages future investigations in in vitro and in vivo models. The study concluded that Euphorbium, when prepared from multiple flasks hahnemannian pharmacotechnical method, seems to be a non-toxic, safe medicine, and still raises the question about its adaptogenic-like potential.