Bloodroot, or Sanguinaria candensis, is a flowering perennial. Its reddish-orange root is used medicinally. Historically used by Native Americans to treat rheumatism and fever, bloodroot has clinically demonstrated antibacterial, anticarcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center states that bloodroot's purported uses range from cancer to migraines, although they also note bloodroot's therapeutic effects have not been tested in humans. Despite its reputed health benefits, use of bloodroot can cause potentially harmful and toxic side effects.
Leukoplakia
Bloodroot contains sanguinarine; a bioactive alkaloid. Sanguinarine can be found in some toothpastes and mouthwashes due to its purported antiplaque effects. Despite its possible oral health benefits, the "Encyclopedia of Pharmaceutical Technology" notes that sanguinarine may cause a burning sensation upon use. Clinical studies have also linked sanguinarine as an oral antiplaque agent to leukoplakia, a type of precancerous sore. Viadent is the brand name of antiplaque toothpaste and mouth rinse that contain sanguinarine. A study published in a 2001 edition of Epidemiology found an increased association between Viadent users and leukoplakia.
Skin Irritation
Used primitively as treatment for skin cancers, warts and polyps, bloodroot is a seemingly beneficial escharotic agent---an agent which destroys tissue and "removes" unwanted skin. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center warns however, that topical application of bloodroot may cause skin irritation. Additionally, a case study published in a 2008 edition of Clinical Toxicology relayed the case of a 53-year-old man who self-treated an unknown skin lesion with a black salve made from bloodroot. Upon self-treatment, the man suffered from a severe increase in pain, ulceration and lesion size.
Nausea and Vomiting
Bloodroot should not be taken internally as it can cause gastric irritation. The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service educates that many herbalists consider bloodroot toxic. Herbalist Margaret Grieve of "A Modern Herbal" relays that upon consumption bloodroot may cause vomiting (due to its extreme bitter taste) as well as a burning sensation in the stomach. The Program on Integrative Medicine at the University of North Carolina additionally highlights bloodroot as an emetic (agent which induces vomiting) in their publication "Herb Monographs for Health Professionals."
Dizziness and Vertigo
Bloodroot may also cause dizziness and vertigo upon consumption as noted by the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. "Herb Monographs for Health Professionals" educates of a clinical study in which bloodroot was given as adjunctive therapy to patients with HIV. Patients were unable to tolerate doses over 5 mg due to herb induced dizziness and vertigo. Never hesitate to consult with a health care professional with questions or concerns regarding side effects.
References
- North Carolina Cooperative Extension Service: Bloodroot
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: Bloodroot
- Epidemiology: The association between Viadent use and oral leukoplakia.
- Encyclopedia of pharmaceutical technology: sanguinarine
- Clinical Toxicology: Adverse Outcome with Bloodroot Salve Treatment
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