Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsUsesPossible Side EffectsSummary
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Uses
Possible Side Effects
Summary
Alternative medicine providers contend that bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)can treat various medical conditions. In Western herbal medicine, the plant has been used most often as an expectorant (eliminating phlegm and mucus in the airways), an antimicrobial (killing microbes), and to remove damaged tissue in oral health.
Historically, Native Americans used bloodroot to treat many conditions, including skin cancer, sore throat, and wound infections. It was also used as a dye and an emetic (to induce vomiting).It should be noted, however, that bloodroot and its components can be toxic if taken for a long time or used on the skin.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Bloodroot Uses
Bloodroot is often used in alternative medicine as a topical or oral antibacterial agent. When used internally, bloodroot is believed to relax smooth muscles, particularly in the heart and lungs.
This is believed to improve cardiovascular and respiratory health. However, there is little clinical evidence that bloodroot can treat any medical condition when taken internally. While it may offer some benefits when used topically (on the skin), much of the current research is inconclusive.
Dental Health
There is some evidence suggesting that bloodroot can reducedental plaqueand prevent or treatgingivitisand other gum diseases. A 2015 systematic review suggested sanguinarine added to mouthwash reduced plaque that causes tooth decay with some success.
Bloodroot extracts are less commonly used today, however, after studies found a link between bloodroot and precancerous lesions (oralleukoplakia).For this reason, the use of bloodroot for oral and dental health is not advised.
Skin Problems
Bloodroot is often used in topical skincare products due to its highantioxidantcontent. It is considered a treatment for skin conditions like acne,eczema, and psoriasis and to debride (reduce) skin growths such as warts, moles, and benign tumors.
Despite these purported benefits, studies have found that the excessive use of topical bloodrootcan lead to injury and death (cutaneous necrosis) of the tissue.
The risk appears greatest in those who apply undiluted bloodroot salves (known as black salve) directly to the skin. However, even diluted compounds are known to cause skin irritation. It is unclear at what concentration topical bloodroot may be safe and effective.
Black salve, sometimes marketed a black draw salve, should be avoided given the potential for disfiguring skin damage. This includes veterinary formulations intended for use on horses.
Respiratory Health
Traditionally, bloodroot was used during Colonial times to treat flu, common colds, sinus infections, and lung infections.It was believed to act as anexpectorant, eliminating phlegm and mucus in the airways. However, there’s little scientific evidence to support these uses.
Despite its popular use as a respiratory health supplement, there is no evidence that bloodroot can prevent or treat any viral or bacterial infection when taken internally.
Natural Remedies for Colds and Flu
Heart Health
Proponents of alternative medicine believe that bloodroot positively impacts people with heart disease. Lab studies suggest that sanguinarine from bloodroot acts as a vasodilator (has a blood vessel relaxing effect).
Clinical studies investigating these claims typically fall short. High doses have been linked to cardiovascular events such asarrhythmiaand, in rare cases, coma. The overuse of bloodroot can also lead tohypotension(a drop in blood pressure).
Cancer
Sanguinarine’s effects have been studied in lung cancer cells in a lab. These studies have suggested that sanguinarine might be able to kill cancer cells.
As significant as this finding may seem, there are many compounds known to induce cell death in a test tube. Few can do so in animals or humans without causing toxicity or injury. Sanguinarine can be very toxic, and its benefits in humans are unknown.
Moreover, black salve, comprised of activated charcoal, zinc chloride (highly corrosive), and bloodroot, has been promoted as a skin cancer remedy. Advocates have claimed this salve, marketed as an anti-cancer treatment, extracts cancer from the body when applied to the skin.
However, as mentioned, the ointment damages tissue and poses a very serious risk of scarring and skin burns, with reports of severe mutilation. Certain alternative medicine practitioners endorse their application even for deeper cancers like breast or ovarian cancer. There is no evidence to support black salve for these uses. Black salve should be avoided as it is a dangerous product.
Claims that bloodroot has anti-cancer effects are largely exaggerated. In fact, some research suggests that it can cause cancer.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
Bloodroot is generally safe when taken orally and for short periods of time. Some people may experience stomach upset while taking it; it’s not suggested for people with gastrointestinal conditions.Bloodroot should not be taken long-term.
Using bloodroot on the skin may cause irritation, including redness, itching, and swelling.
Symptoms of sanguinarine poisoning include:
Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention right away.
Warnings and Contraindications
Bloodroot has been used traditionally as anabortifacient(to abort a fetus) andemmenagogue(to bring on a period faster).
Bloodroot is extremely toxic in large quantities or for use for an extended period.
Avoid bloodroot if any of the following apply to you:
Avoid using bloodroot in children.
Bloodroot may interact with several medications:
To avoid interactions, let your healthcare provider know if you are using bloodroot or any other herb or supplement in any form, as well as any prescription or non-prescription drugs.
Most bloodroot supplements can be stored safely at room temperature in a cool, dry room. Never use a supplement past its expiration date or if there is evidence of moisture damage, mold, or mildew.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
Bloodroot is an herbal supplement used in alternative medicine to treat a variety of health problems including skin conditions, respiratory diseases, and even cancer. It has also been used as a mouthwash additive to reduce plaque and treat gingivitis.
Though there is some evidence suggesting that it may be helpful for certain conditions, it is not generally recommended since it can have severe, dangerous side effects, especially when used long-term.
8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Croaker A, King GJ, Pyne JH, Anoopkumar-Dukie S, Liu L.Sanguinaria canadensis: traditional medicine, phytochemical composition, biological activities and current uses.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(9):1414. doi:10.3390/ijms17091414Pithon MM, Sant’Anna LI, Baião FC, dos Santos RL, Coqueiro Rda S, Maia LC.Assessment of the effectiveness of mouthwashes in reducing cariogenic biofilm in orthodontic patients: a systematic review.J Dent. 2015;43(3):297-308. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2014.12.010van der Waal I.Oral leukoplakia; a proposal for simplification and consistency of the clinical classification and terminology.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019;24(6):e799-e803. doi:10.4317/medoral.23372Fravor L, Khachemoune A.Dermatologic uses of bloodroot: A review and reappraisal.Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(9):1070-1075. doi:10.1111/ijd.15273Gonick M.Sanguinaria canadensis L., bloodroot, highlighting historical and potential uses.Mohan VR, Tresina PS, Daffodil ED.Antinutritional factors in legume seeds: Characteristics and determination. In: Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldrá F, eds.Encyclopedia of Food and Health. Academic Press, 2015.Gu S, Yang XC, Xiang XY, et al.Sanguinarine-induced apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells is dependent on reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Oncol Rep. 2015;34(2):913-9. doi:10.3892/or.2015.4054Robbins AB, Bui MR, Morley KW.The dangers of black salve: an unregulated, commercially available caustic agent.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(5):618-619. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0146
8 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Croaker A, King GJ, Pyne JH, Anoopkumar-Dukie S, Liu L.Sanguinaria canadensis: traditional medicine, phytochemical composition, biological activities and current uses.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(9):1414. doi:10.3390/ijms17091414Pithon MM, Sant’Anna LI, Baião FC, dos Santos RL, Coqueiro Rda S, Maia LC.Assessment of the effectiveness of mouthwashes in reducing cariogenic biofilm in orthodontic patients: a systematic review.J Dent. 2015;43(3):297-308. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2014.12.010van der Waal I.Oral leukoplakia; a proposal for simplification and consistency of the clinical classification and terminology.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019;24(6):e799-e803. doi:10.4317/medoral.23372Fravor L, Khachemoune A.Dermatologic uses of bloodroot: A review and reappraisal.Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(9):1070-1075. doi:10.1111/ijd.15273Gonick M.Sanguinaria canadensis L., bloodroot, highlighting historical and potential uses.Mohan VR, Tresina PS, Daffodil ED.Antinutritional factors in legume seeds: Characteristics and determination. In: Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldrá F, eds.Encyclopedia of Food and Health. Academic Press, 2015.Gu S, Yang XC, Xiang XY, et al.Sanguinarine-induced apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells is dependent on reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Oncol Rep. 2015;34(2):913-9. doi:10.3892/or.2015.4054Robbins AB, Bui MR, Morley KW.The dangers of black salve: an unregulated, commercially available caustic agent.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(5):618-619. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0146
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Croaker A, King GJ, Pyne JH, Anoopkumar-Dukie S, Liu L.Sanguinaria canadensis: traditional medicine, phytochemical composition, biological activities and current uses.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(9):1414. doi:10.3390/ijms17091414Pithon MM, Sant’Anna LI, Baião FC, dos Santos RL, Coqueiro Rda S, Maia LC.Assessment of the effectiveness of mouthwashes in reducing cariogenic biofilm in orthodontic patients: a systematic review.J Dent. 2015;43(3):297-308. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2014.12.010van der Waal I.Oral leukoplakia; a proposal for simplification and consistency of the clinical classification and terminology.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019;24(6):e799-e803. doi:10.4317/medoral.23372Fravor L, Khachemoune A.Dermatologic uses of bloodroot: A review and reappraisal.Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(9):1070-1075. doi:10.1111/ijd.15273Gonick M.Sanguinaria canadensis L., bloodroot, highlighting historical and potential uses.Mohan VR, Tresina PS, Daffodil ED.Antinutritional factors in legume seeds: Characteristics and determination. In: Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldrá F, eds.Encyclopedia of Food and Health. Academic Press, 2015.Gu S, Yang XC, Xiang XY, et al.Sanguinarine-induced apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells is dependent on reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Oncol Rep. 2015;34(2):913-9. doi:10.3892/or.2015.4054Robbins AB, Bui MR, Morley KW.The dangers of black salve: an unregulated, commercially available caustic agent.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(5):618-619. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0146
Croaker A, King GJ, Pyne JH, Anoopkumar-Dukie S, Liu L.Sanguinaria canadensis: traditional medicine, phytochemical composition, biological activities and current uses.Int J Mol Sci. 2016;17(9):1414. doi:10.3390/ijms17091414
Pithon MM, Sant’Anna LI, Baião FC, dos Santos RL, Coqueiro Rda S, Maia LC.Assessment of the effectiveness of mouthwashes in reducing cariogenic biofilm in orthodontic patients: a systematic review.J Dent. 2015;43(3):297-308. doi:10.1016/j.jdent.2014.12.010
van der Waal I.Oral leukoplakia; a proposal for simplification and consistency of the clinical classification and terminology.Med Oral Patol Oral Cir Bucal. 2019;24(6):e799-e803. doi:10.4317/medoral.23372
Fravor L, Khachemoune A.Dermatologic uses of bloodroot: A review and reappraisal.Int J Dermatol. 2021;60(9):1070-1075. doi:10.1111/ijd.15273
Gonick M.Sanguinaria canadensis L., bloodroot, highlighting historical and potential uses.
Mohan VR, Tresina PS, Daffodil ED.Antinutritional factors in legume seeds: Characteristics and determination. In: Caballero B, Finglas PM, Toldrá F, eds.Encyclopedia of Food and Health. Academic Press, 2015.
Gu S, Yang XC, Xiang XY, et al.Sanguinarine-induced apoptosis in lung adenocarcinoma cells is dependent on reactive oxygen species production and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Oncol Rep. 2015;34(2):913-9. doi:10.3892/or.2015.4054
Robbins AB, Bui MR, Morley KW.The dangers of black salve: an unregulated, commercially available caustic agent.JAMA Dermatol. 2018;154(5):618-619. doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.0146
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