bloodroot

Action and Spectrum

Action and Spectrum 

Native American tribes have traditionally used bloodroot, a plant, for a variety of purposes such as dyeing and healing. It contains alkaloids with antibacterial and used in reduction of inflammatory properties, making it effective in treating skin conditions, respiratory illnesses. It is also used as a pesticide. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined 

Burning and lesions in the throat and mouth 

Skin irritation, itching, and swelling 

Disfigurement and worsening lesions 

Permanent disfigurement and scarring 

Persistence of malignancy, persistent periorbital inflammation,a nd significant tissue destruction 

Vomiting 

Dizziness 

Nausea 

Diarrhea 

Vertigo 

Blurred vision 

Fainting 

Bradycardia 

Dilated pupils 

Black Box Warning

Black Box Warning: 

Bloodroot, known for its unique compounds, especially the potent toxin sanguinarine, is a plant storing these substances in its rhizome. Sanguinarine, with its powerful effects on cell function, works by blocking specific proteins, resulting in the breakdown of animal cells. When bloodroot or its extracts are applied to the skin, it can lead to tissue destruction, forming what’s known as an eschar, making them termed escharotic. Despite occasional endorsements as a home remedy for skin cancer, such practices can lead to significant disfigurement. Salves, like black salve, derived from bloodroot, are not effective in eliminating tumors and can leave microscopic tumor deposits. Importantly, internal use of bloodroot is advised against, as an overdose may cause vomiting and loss of consciousness. 

Certain dietary supplement companies have promoted the use of bloodroot extracts as a supposed cure or treatment for cancer. However, the U.S. FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has taken a firm stance against such assertions, explicitly listing some of these products among its “187 Fake Cancer ‘Cures’ Consumers Should Avoid.” The oral consumption of products containing bloodroot is notably linked to the increased risk of oral leukoplakia, a premalignant lesion that may evolve into oral cancer. While there’s a review challenging this connection, it’s crucial to approach these claims skeptically. Notably, Viadent, a dental product containing bloodroot, was removed from the North American market due to apprehensions about its potential association with cancer. 

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindications 

• Hypersensitivity 
• Glaucoma 
• Pediatrics 
• Hypotension 
• Arrhythmias 

Cautions 

• Renal impairment 
• Hepatic impairment 
• Drug interactions 
• Pregnancy  
• Breastfeeding 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

No data is available regarding the administration of the drug during pregnancy. 

Breastfeeding warnings:  

No data is available regarding the excretion of drug in breast milk. 

Pregnancy categories: 

Category A: well-controlled and satisfactory studies show no risk to the fetus in the first or later trimester. 

<b>Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women. 

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.    

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: No data is available for the drug under this category. 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology 

Native American bloodroot is a plant that has been utilized for many ailments, including skin diseases, skin malignancies, and respiratory problems. Because bloodroot possesses insecticidal and phototoxic qualities, it has also been used as a pesticide and as an addition in animal feed.  

Pharmacodynamics 

The pharmacodynamic property is not known 

Pharmacokinetics 

ADME of the drug is unknown 

Adminstartion

Administration 

The route of administration is not known 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: bloodroot 

Pronounced: bluhd-root 

Why do we use bloodroot? 

Sanguinaria canadensis, often known as bloodroot, has historically been used mostly in conventional medicine and cultural rituals. It has been used for its therapeutic benefits. Because of its components like sanguinarine, this plant has used topically for a variety of skin diseases, including warts.