Ingredient
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract is flagged for pregnancy, breastfeeding, trying to conceive, postpartum, PCOS and general use. The concern behind the strongest flag is absorbed into the body and fetal development.
- Jaborandi Leaf Extract
- Pilocarpus Extract
Verdict by profile
Truva checks every ingredient against six profiles. Jump to any of them for the full assessment.
- Strongest verdict
- Not Recommended
- Its verdict for pregnancy, the profile this one is worst in
- Profiles flagged
- 6 of 6
- Counting avoid, high risk and medium risk
- Irritancy
- 3 of 5
- Higher means more likely to sting or redden
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract and pregnancy
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
- Fetal development
Pilocarpus Microphyllus (jaborandi) is a medicinal plant containing pilocarpine, an alkaloid that stimulates muscarinic receptors throughout the body. While used in some hair care products for scalp stimulation, this is not a typical cosmetic ingredient but rather a botanical with pharmacological activity. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic drug that can cross the placenta and has systemic effects on smooth muscle, including the uterus. Medical-grade pilocarpine is used cautiously in pregnancy only when benefits outweigh risks. When absorbed through the scalp or skin, jaborandi extract could potentially cause uterine contractions, increased sweating, and cardiovascular effects. Animal studies of pilocarpine show potential for adverse fetal effects at high doses. The FDA classifies pharmaceutical pilocarpine as pregnancy category C (risk cannot be ruled out). While cosmetic extracts contain lower concentrations than medications, obstetricians generally recommend avoiding botanicals with known pharmacological alkaloids during pregnancy. ACOG advises caution with herbal products that have drug-like effects. Safer alternatives for scalp health and hair growth should be chosen during pregnancy.
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract and breastfeeding
Not Recommended
- Passes into breast milk
- Infant exposure
Pilocarpus Microphyllus extract contains pilocarpine alkaloids that have systemic pharmacological effects. Pilocarpine is a cholinergic drug that stimulates parasympathetic nervous system activity throughout the body. Pharmaceutical pilocarpine is known to pass into breast milk and can cause excessive sweating, salivation, and other cholinergic effects in breastfed infants. While cosmetic jaborandi extracts contain lower concentrations than medications, there is potential for absorption through the scalp, especially with repeated use or damaged skin. The American Academy of Pediatrics expresses caution about medications and botanicals with anticholinergic or cholinergic activity during breastfeeding. Dermatologists and lactation consultants recommend avoiding jaborandi-containing products while breastfeeding due to the potential for pilocarpine transfer to milk. The risks outweigh any cosmetic benefits, and safer alternatives exist for scalp and hair care.
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract and postpartum
Caution Advised
- Irritant
- Absorbed into the body
Pilocarpus Microphyllus (jaborandi) extract is a botanical with pharmacological properties due to its pilocarpine alkaloid content. While not breastfeeding, systemic effects are still a consideration. Postpartum women may have increased sensitivity to irritants and active botanicals. Jaborandi can cause significant scalp irritation, excessive sweating, and systemic effects if absorbed. While not contraindicated without breastfeeding, this is a stronger botanical that should be used with caution, particularly as postpartum hair loss can make the scalp more permeable. Gentler alternatives are generally preferable for postpartum scalp care.
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract and trying to conceive
Not Recommended
- Absorbed into the body
Pilocarpus Microphyllus contains pilocarpine alkaloids with systemic pharmacological activity. While trying to conceive, it's prudent to avoid botanicals that have drug-like effects and could potentially affect the early stages of pregnancy before it's detected. Though there's no direct evidence that topical jaborandi affects fertility, the pilocarpine content and potential for systemic absorption make this an ingredient worth avoiding when actively trying to conceive. Since you may be pregnant before knowing it, following pregnancy precautions is advisable. Safer alternatives for hair and scalp health are available.
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract and PCOS
Caution Advised
- Irritant
Pilocarpus Microphyllus (jaborandi) is a medicinal plant used in some hair products. It contains pilocarpine alkaloids that stimulate glandular secretion and have systemic pharmacological effects when absorbed. For women with PCOS, there are no specific hormonal concerns with topical jaborandi as it does not affect androgens or estrogen. However, PCOS is associated with scalp sensitivity and hair thinning, and jaborandi can be quite irritating to sensitive scalps. The potential for systemic absorption and side effects (sweating, nausea) makes this a less ideal choice. Women with PCOS seeking hair growth support should consider gentler, better-studied ingredients. Jaborandi's irritation potential may outweigh any benefits, especially for sensitive PCOS-affected scalps.
Pilocarpus Microphyllus Leaf Extract and general use
Caution Advised
- Common allergen
- Irritant
Pilocarpus Microphyllus (jaborandi) is a South American plant traditionally used for hair growth and scalp stimulation. The extract contains pilocarpine, an alkaloid that stimulates cholinergic receptors and increases glandular secretions. Jaborandi extract can cause significant irritation, allergic reactions, and excessive sweating even from topical use. The pilocarpine content raises concerns about systemic absorption, particularly from the scalp where blood flow is high. Side effects can include sweating, nausea, increased salivation, and cardiovascular effects. The Cosmetic Ingredient Review has noted safety concerns with jaborandi in leave-on products. For the general public, this is not a first-choice ingredient due to irritation potential and the availability of safer, better-studied alternatives for hair growth (like caffeine, peptides, or rosemary extract). Those with sensitive skin or cardiovascular conditions should avoid jaborandi-containing products. Always patch test products containing this extract.
Everything else flagged for the same profiles
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Where this came from
Truva summarises published guidance from bodies including ACOG, the FDA, the EU SCCS and the Cosmetic Ingredient Review. It has no access to your medical history and it is not a substitute for your doctor, dermatologist or midwife. These assessments have not been reviewed by a clinician, and nothing here is a diagnosis or a prescription. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or being treated for PCOS, take the ingredient list to the person looking after you.
Assessment last pulled from the ingredient database on .
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