Believed to help skin issues, heart conditions, and more, it also poses very serious risks.
Alternative medicine providers contend that bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)can treat various medical conditions.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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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.
Verywell / Brianna Gilmartin
A 2015 systematic review suggested sanguinarine added to mouthwash reduced plaque that causes tooth decay with some success.
Skin Problems
Bloodroot is often used in topical skincare products due to its highantioxidantcontent.
However, even diluted compounds are known to cause skin irritation.
Verywell / Anastasia Tretiak
It is unclear at what concentration topical bloodroot may be safe and effective.
This includes veterinary formulations intended for use on horses.
However, theres little scientific evidence to support these uses.
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
The bloodroots main component (part), sanguinarine, is a toxic alkaloid.
Alkaloids are compounds produced by certain plants that contain nitrogen atoms.
Toxic alkaloids can have a significant effect on the central nervous system, digestive system, and immune system.
Sanguinarines effects have been studied in lung cancer cells in a lab.
These studies have suggested that sanguinarine might be able to kill cancer cells.
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.
Certain alternative medicine practitioners endorse their utility 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.
Possible Side Effects
Bloodroot is generally safe when taken orally and for short periods of time.
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.
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.
No supplement is intended to treat, cure, or prevent disease.
Most bloodroot supplements can be stored safely at room temperature in a cool, dry room.
It has also been used as a mouthwash additive to reduce plaque and treat gingivitis.
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