Bloodroot

What is it?

Bloodroot has not been shown to treat cancer in humans.

Bloodroot is a perennial flowering herb native to eastern North America. It has been used for inflammation, cough, infections, as an antiplaque agent, and for cancer treatment. Sanguinarine, a compound present in bloodroot, was shown to have antimicrobial activity and to inhibit growth of new blood vessels. Use of bloodroot for skin lesions may result in serious harm. Other side effects of bloodroot include dizziness, vertigo, nausea, and vomiting.

What are the potential uses and benefits?

• Cancer
  Extracts of bloodroot have been studied in the laboratory and in animals for their anticancer effects. Traditional use of bloodroot for cancer is associated with serious adverse effects.
• Cough
  There is not enough scientific evidence to support this use.
• Inflammation
  This use is not backed by any studies.
• Infection
  This use is not backed by any studies.

What are the side effects?

Topical: Skin irritation, burning and lesions in the mouth and throat.

Case Reports
Disfigurement, worsening lesions: With topical use of bloodroot salves to treat skin lesions, with some cases requiring hospitalization.

What else do I need to know?

Patient Warnings:

• Inappropriate use of bloodroot for cancer treatment can have severe adverse effects.
• Bloodroot should not be used in individuals with glaucoma.

Special Point:

Unapproved use of bloodroot paste externally as cancer treatment has been linked to disfigurement.