Yellow Dock
Scientific Name(s): Rumex crispus L.
Common Name(s): Curled dock, Curly dock, Narrow dock, Rumex, Sour dock, Yellow dock
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 16, 2023.
Clinical Overview
Use
The roots of yellow dock exert a laxative effect; however, research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of yellow dock to treat any condition.
Dosing
There is no clinical evidence to support specific dosage recommendations for yellow dock, and caution is warranted because of its oxalate and tannin content. Dosages traditionally used include 2 to 4 tablespoons of the fresh root, or 2 to 4 g of the dry root in a tea 3 times a day for no longer than 8 to 10 days.
Contraindications
Due to its oxalate and tannin content, yellow dock products should not be consumed in patients with endometriosis, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or nephropathy.
Pregnancy/Lactation
Avoid use. Adverse effects have been documented; contains anthraquinones.
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
The oxalate content of the leaves may result in GI symptoms or kidney damage. Consumption of the uncooked leaves as a wild vegetable should be avoided. Consumption of large amounts of the root may cause diarrhea, nausea, and polyuria.
Toxicology
Information is limited.
Scientific Family
- Polygonaceae (buckwheat)
Botany
Yellow dock is a perennial herb native to Europe but found throughout the United States. The plant grows 1 to 2 m in height and has narrow, slender, light green leaves with undulated or curled edges (hence the common name "curly dock"). The flowers, which bloom in June and July, are borne in clusters on the branched stems, with shiny brown seeds encased within the calyx. The deep, spindle-shaped, yellow roots and rhizomes are used medicinally, while the leaves are harvested as a wild vegetable.Meyer 1934, USDA 2016
History
The leaf stalks of the plant, which are harvested in the spring and used as a potherb in salads, can be disagreeable to some because of their tart, sour-sweet taste. Due to its astringent properties, the plant has been used, generally unsuccessfully, in the treatment of venereal diseases and skin conditions. The powdered root has been used as a natural dentifrice. Larger amounts have been given as a laxative and tonic, and for other indications, including cancer. Ethnoveterinary uses have been documented.Duke 2002, Lans 2007
Chemistry
The plant contains oxalate, likely in the form of potassium oxalate crystals. Anthraquinones (eg, aglycones emodin, chrysophanic acid, physcion) have been identified, Duke 1992, Wianowska 2014 and the total anthraquinone content of the root (approximately 2%) exceeds that of medicinal rhubarb (Rheum rhaponticum; 1.4%), another member of the Polygonaceae family.Tyler 1981 Large amounts of tannin exist in the roots; the vitamin, mineral, and fat content of the plant has also been described.Başkan 2007, Duke 1992, Fan 2009, Günaydin 2002
Uses and Pharmacology
Antimicrobial
Animal data
A study evaluating the antimalarial activity of nepodin, a compound extracted from R. crispus, demonstrated activity against Plasmodium falciparum in vitro and reduced parasitemia in mice.Lee 2013 Ether and ethanol extracts of the plant, but not water extracts, demonstrated antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis.Yildirim 2001
Clinical data
Research reveals no clinical data for yellow dock as an antimicrobial agent.
Antioxidant/Cytotoxic
Animal data
Antioxidant activity of ethanol and methanol extracts of R. crispus fruit, seeds, and roots has been demonstrated.Maksimović 2011, Orbán-Gyapai 2015, Shiwani 2012, Suh 2011, Yildirim 2001 In vitro screening of ethanol extracts of the root, leaves, and seeds showed cytotoxic activity against human leukemia cells.Wegiera 2012
Clinical data
Despite being included in multi-ingredient preparations for use in cancer, research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of yellow dock for this indication.
Other uses
Results from an in vitro and in vivo trial suggest that nepodin has an antidiabetic effect.Ha 2014
Dosing
There is no clinical evidence to support specific dosage recommendations for yellow dock, and caution is warranted because of its oxalate and tannin content. Consumption of the uncooked leaves as a wild vegetable should be avoided.
Dosages traditionally used include 2 to 4 tablespoons of the fresh root, or 2 to 4 g of the dry root in a tea 3 times a day for no longer than 8 to 10 days.Duke 2002
Pregnancy / Lactation
Avoid use. Adverse effects have been documented; contains anthraquinones.Duke 2002, Newall 1996
Despite a lack of evidence to support its use, yellow dock was identified as one of the most common herbs used for pregnancy-related anemia by certified or licensed midwives in state-wide surveys conducted in California, Texas, and North Carolina.Dennehy 2010
Interactions
None well documented.
Adverse Reactions
Yellow dock has been identified as an allergen.Kwaasi 1998, Mueller 2000
Toxicology
Information is limited; however, cytotoxic effects against human T cells has been observed in vitro.Wegiera 2012 Due to its oxalate and tannin content, yellow dock is contraindicated in patients with endometriosis, hemorrhoids, intestinal obstruction, abdominal pain of unknown origin, or nephropathy.Duke 2002
References
Disclaimer
This information relates to an herbal, vitamin, mineral or other dietary supplement. This product has not been reviewed by the FDA to determine whether it is safe or effective and is not subject to the quality standards and safety information collection standards that are applicable to most prescription drugs. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this product. This information does not endorse this product as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this product. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this product. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. You should talk with your health care provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this product.
This product may adversely interact with certain health and medical conditions, other prescription and over-the-counter drugs, foods, or other dietary supplements. This product may be unsafe when used before surgery or other medical procedures. It is important to fully inform your doctor about the herbal, vitamins, mineral or any other supplements you are taking before any kind of surgery or medical procedure. With the exception of certain products that are generally recognized as safe in normal quantities, including use of folic acid and prenatal vitamins during pregnancy, this product has not been sufficiently studied to determine whether it is safe to use during pregnancy or nursing or by persons younger than 2 years of age.
Further information
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