Is trichosanthes kirilowii root extract safe during pregnancy?

Pregnancy-Safe Alternatives to trichosanthes kirilowii root extract | VeriMom

Related ingredients

See also

• Is trichosanthes kirilowii root extract safe for babies?
• What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to trichosanthes kirilowii root extract?

Frequently asked questions

Is trichosanthes kirilowii root extract safe during pregnancy?

Animal and mechanistic data show trichosanthin (from T. kirilowii root) is embryotoxic/abortifacient and has been used clinically to induce abortion, so reproductive hazard is supported (h=2). The mechanism is demonstrated (ribosome‑inactivating protein with demonstrated abortion mechanisms in experimental studies), so m=2. For topical cosmetic use exposure is likely low but measurable (e=1) because extracts are applied topically and some dermal uptake or local activity is possible depending on formulation; however systemic exposure from typical cosmetic topical use is likely limited. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8102209/?utm_source=openai))

Is trichosanthes kirilowii root extract safe while breastfeeding?

Because the same demonstrable reproductive/embryotoxic hazard exists for trichosanthin and systemic exposure (even small) could theoretically transfer into breastmilk, breastfeeding is flagged at the same hazard and mechanism level (h=2, m=2). Expected dermal/topical exposure is low but measurable (e=1); no direct data on lactational transfer from topical cosmetic use were found. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8102209/?utm_source=openai))

Is trichosanthes kirilowii root extract safe for baby skin?

Hazard and mechanism are unchanged for infant skin (h=2, m=2) because the same toxic constituent (trichosanthin) is responsible. Exposure score is increased by +1 for baby skin to e=2 because infant skin has a higher surface‑area‑to‑weight ratio and less mature barrier, making dermal absorption and systemic exposure more likely from topical application of products containing the extract. No infant‑specific safety studies for topical T. kirilowii root extract were located. ([pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8102209/?utm_source=openai))

How does VeriMom score trichosanthes kirilowii root extract?

VeriMom scores trichosanthes kirilowii root extract at 40/100 (medium risk) based on EU CosIng status, ECHA hazard classifications, and peer-reviewed PubMed studies. Our scoring pipeline is fully transparent.

What are pregnancy-safe alternatives to trichosanthes kirilowii root extract?

See our curated list of pregnancy-safe alternatives to trichosanthes kirilowii root extract based on similar function and a no-known-risks safety band.