The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has warned that some supplements sold as tejocote root or Brazil seed contain toxic yellow oleander.
According to the agency, testing revealed that some products labelled as tejocote (Crataegus mexicana) root or Brazil seed were adulterated with yellow oleander (Thevetia peruviana) rather than the ingredients listed on the label.
Yellow oleander is a poisonous plant native to Mexico and Central America and is regarded by public health officials as a substance posing significant toxic risk.
The agency cautioned that exposure to yellow oleander may lead to neurologic, gastrointestinal and cardiovascular adverse health effects that could be severe or even fatal.
Consumers who have taken any of the affected supplements were urged to contact their healthcare provider promptly, even if the products have not been consumed recently, so that a medical evaluation can be carried out if necessary.
The warning follows earlier findings by the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which reported in September 2023 that several tejocote root products had been substituted with yellow oleander.
Following that report, the FDA launched an investigation and began collecting and analysing additional products marketed as tejocote root.
Based on the testing conducted so far, the agency said it is concerned that other products sold as tejocote root – including those labelled as Crataegus mexicana, Raiz de Tejocote and Mexican Hawthorn – could also contain yellow oleander.
The FDA said it continues to identify and test suspect products as part of ongoing surveillance efforts and is coordinating with third-party platforms where the supplements are sold.
The investigation remains ongoing, and additional products could be added to the safety alert as further testing is completed.
The agency also said it has received reports of adverse events associated with the affected supplements.
While some companies have begun voluntary recalls, the FDA noted that products containing toxic yellow oleander may still be available on the market.
