Bloodroot

Common names: Bloodroot also is known as red pucoon, red root, coon root, paucon, sweet slumber, tetterwort, snakebite, and Indian paint.

Efficacy-safety rating:

●●...Ethno or other evidence of efficacy.

Safety rating:

What is Bloodroot?

Bloodroot is an early spring wildflower that grows in woodlands of the eastern United States and Canada. The stout rhizome yields a bright red latex when cut, giving the plant its common name. The root and rhizome are collected in the fall for medicinal use.

What is Bloodroot used for?

Bloodroot was used by eastern Native American tribes as a red dye and in the treatment of ulcers, skin conditions, and as a blood purifier. All of these medicinal uses apparently derive from the appearance of the blood-red latex exuded from the fresh root. The juice also was used for coughs and sore throats, with the bitter taste masked by placing the juice on a lump of maple sugar that was then sucked. Higher oral doses were observed to have expectorant and emetic properties. The root entered 19th century medicine as a caustic topical treatment for skin cancers, polyps, and warts. There are no clinical trials to support these uses.

In 1983, an extract of bloodroot was marketed in toothpaste and mouthwashes for prevention of gum disease and plaque. The current clinical status of sanguinarine in dental plaque and gingivitis prevention and treatment is that while modestly effective, it is inferior to the prescription drugs chlorhexidine and doxycycline, and other newer agents under development. Clinical research reveals mixed results with blood root in the treatment of plaque and gingivitis.

What is the dosage of Bloodroot?

Bloodroot is emetic at doses of 30 to 125 mg in humans. It formerly was an ingredient in toothpastes and mouthwashes, but its use has been discontinued because of toxicity concerns.

Is Bloodroot safe?

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Documented adverse effects, including emmenogogue (to increase menstrual flow) effect and uterine stimulant action. Avoid use.

None well documented.

Recent studies have found a strong correlation between the use of sanguinarine dental products and oral leukoplakia, a possible precursor to oral cancer. Bloodroot is contraindicated during pregnancy.

An expert panel reviewed the toxicological literature on bloodroot in 1990 and found no cause for concern. Concern since has been stimulated by reports of cytotoxicity of sanguinarine to cultured cells from oral tissue and inhibition of neutrophil function.

References

Copyright © 2006 Wolters Kluwer Health

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