Bleeding Heart
Dicentra
Dicentra is a genus of plants traditionally associated with spring ephemerals in cooler, wetter climates. While its traditional medicinal uses are not well-documented, studies have identified various alkaloids within Dicentra species and other plants, noting particularly high levels of chelidonine and sanguinarine in Chelidonium majus. Scientific evidence suggests that PCR-guided treatment using these compounds may provide better clinical outcomes for managing complicated urinary tract infections compared to conventional culture and sensitivity guidance. Additionally, extracts from Dicentra species have shown cytotoxic activity against multiple cancer cell lines, though the specific components responsible are not clearly identified in current research. No major safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for Dicentra.
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study identified various alkaloids in Dicentra species and other plants, with Chelidonium majus containing high levels of chelidonine and sanguinarine.
- PCR-guided treatment provided significantly better clinical outcomes compared to conventional C&S guidance (88.08% vs. 78.11%, p=0.011) in managing complicated urinary tract infections.
- The study found that cooler, wetter springs were associated with increased aboveground cover of spring ephemerals the following year, though effects varied by species.
- The studied Dicentra species extracts showed cytotoxic activity against various cancer cell lines, though the primary focus was on other plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bleeding Heart?
Bleeding Heart (Dicentra) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bleeding Heart?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bleeding Heart; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: The study identified various alkaloids in Dicentra species and other plants, with Chelidonium majus containing high levels of chelidonine and sanguinarine.
How strong is the evidence for Bleeding Heart?
The strongest finding for Bleeding Heart carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bleeding Heart safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bleeding Heart in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bleeding Heart interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bleeding Heart in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bleeding Heart?
Bleeding Heart is also known as: Дицентра.
Is Bleeding Heart a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 UPLC-MS/MS Profile of Alkaloids with Cytotoxic Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants of the Berberidaceae and Papaveraceae Families. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Determination of Selected Isoquinoline Alkaloids from Mahonia Aquifolia; Meconopsis Cambrica; Corydalis Lutea; Dicentra Spectabilis; Fumaria Officinalis; Macleaya Cordata Extracts by HPLC-DAD and Comparison of Their Cytotoxic Activity. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Interannual variation in spring weather conditions as a driver of spring wildflower coverage: a 15-year perspective from an old-growth temperate forest. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Clinical utility of PCR compared to conventional culture and sensitivity testing for the management of complicated urinary tract infections in adults: Part I. Assessment of clinical outcomes, investigator satisfaction scores, and turnaround literature abstract metadata