Botanical Briefs: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)

Authors

Lauren Schwartzberg, Lehigh Valley Health NetworkFollow
Sandra S. Osswald, UT Health San Antonio, Texas
Dirk M. Elston, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

10-1-2021

Publication Title

Cutis

E-ISSN

2326-6929

Department(s)

Department of Medicine; Fellows and Residents

Abstract

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant that historically has been used in medicine for its antimicrobial, antihypertensive, anti-inflammatory, and antineoplastic properties. In dermatology, bloodroot has been utilized for its cytotoxic effects; it has been marketed as black salve as an anticancer treatment, but it does not come without notable toxicities. Unwanted cosmetic outcomes and even irreversible scarring and premalignant conditions have been reported. This article aims to bring awareness to both the therapeutic potential of S canadensis as well as the potential toxicities and risks associated with this North American plant.

Volume

108

Issue

4

First Page

212

Last Page

214

DOI

10.12788/cutis.0345

PubMed ID

34847001

Recommended Citation

Schwartzberg, L., Osswald, S. S., & Elston, D. M. (2021). Botanical Briefs: Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis). LVHN Scholarly Works. Retrieved from https://scholarlyworks.lvhn.org/research-historical-works/28
DOI: 10.12788/cutis.0345