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Bloodroot

Bloodroot contains isoquinolone alkaloid components, primarily sanguinarine, which have antimicrobial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antihistamine, expectorant, antispasmodic, emetic, cathartic, pectoral, and cardiotonic effects.

Sanguinarine converted to a negatively charged iminium ion helps to inhibit plaque from settling on tooth enamel. Antibacterial properties of bloodroot fight organisms responsible for bad breath. Another alkaloid, cholerythrine, may have some anticarcinogenic effects.

Bloodroot is available for external use as decoction, extract, ointment, powder, and tincture, or for internal use as decoction and tincture. Extracts appear in commercial mouthwashes and tooth pastes. Bloodroot is a constituent in products such as Lexat and Viadent.

Benefits And Uses of Bloodroot

Bloodroot is used as an emetic, cathartic, antispasmodic, decongestant, digestive stimulant, laxative, expectorant, dental analgesic, and general tonic. It’s also used to treat bronchitis, asthma, croup, laryngitis, pharyngitis, congestion, deficient capillary circulation, nasal polyps, rheumatism, warts, ear and nose cancer (Fell technique), fever, sore throat, skin burns, and fungal infection.

Administration

• Extract (1:1 in 60% alcohol): 0.06 to 0.3 ml (l to 2 ml for emetic dose) by mouth three times a day .
• Rhizome: 0.06 to 0.5 g (1 to 2 g for emetic dose) by mouth three times a day.
• Tea: 1 cup by mouth several times a day; prepared by boiling 1 to 2 tablespoon(s) of chopped rhizome in 17 oz of water for 15 minutes.
• Tincture: 0:5 in 60% alcohol) 0.3 to 2 ml (2 to 8 ml for emetic dose) by mouth three times a day.
• Wine: Prepared by steeping chopped bloodroot in brandy, then filtering.

Side Effects of Bloodroot

Adverse effects associated with bloodroot include headache, central nervous system (CNS) depression, ataxia, reduced activity, coma, hypotension, eye and mucous membrane irritation, glaucoma, contact dermatitis, nausea, vomiting, and shock.

Bloodroot may potentiate the action of antihypertensives, dopamine, and ganglionic or peripheral adrenergic blockers such as tubocurarine and norepinephrine. Use of bloodroot in conjunction with CNS depressants may have some additive effects. Bloodroot and corticotropin or corticosteroids may produce hypokalemia. Bloodroot may increase the antimicrobial activity of sanguinarine products containing zinc. It also may increase CNS effects if used with alcohol.

Pregnant and breast-feeding patients and those with infections or inflammatory GI conditions should avoid use. Those with GI irritation should use bloodroot with caution because it can irritate the GI tract; those with glaucoma, because it can affect glaucoma treatment.

Clinical considerations

• In most countries, bloodroot isn’t used orally. Oral use can cause CNS depression and narcosis because of bloodroot’s relaxant effect on smooth muscle.
• At higher doses, bloodroot produces interactions similar to diuretics and cathartics.
• If patient is taking an antihypertensiv monitor his blood pressure.
• Prolonged use of bloodroot may affect electrolyte levels, such as potassium, sodium, blood urea nitrogen, uric acid and glucose.
• If overdose occurs or if patient ingests a large quantity of bloodroot, perform gastric lavage or induce vomiting and provide symptomatic treatment.
• Inform patient that bloodroot isn’t recommended for oral use and that large doses can be poisonous. Tell him that toothpastes and mouthwashes containing bloodroot extracts are unlikely to cause harm if they aren’t swallowed.
• If patient is pregnant, advise her not to use bloodroot.
• Advise patient to avoid contact with the eyes and mucous membranes because of bloodroot’s irritant properties. Also advise him to take protective measures so he doesn’t inhale the herb during crude herb processing.
• Tell patient to avoid alcohol while using bloodroot because of the risk of enhanced CNS depression.
• Warn patient that a component of the herb may cause cataracts.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of bloodroot and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically .

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