FolkKB

Dungwort

Helleborus foetidus

Helleborus foetidus, commonly known as stinking hellebore, is a plant traditionally found in Europe and Asia. While there are no specific traditional uses recorded for this plant, it has been studied for its chemical composition and potential biological activities. Scientific evidence indicates that nectar-dwelling yeasts significantly alter the sucrose concentration in Helleborus foetidus flowers, which could influence their natural variability. Additionally, twelve bufadienolides and six 19-norbufadienolides were isolated from this plant, showing differential cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The plant also contains steroidal glycosides, including 20 novel ones, some of which exhibit cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cells. However, the overall scientific evidence is limited and more research is needed to fully understand its potential medicinal applications. Notably, no major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Helleborus foetidus in existing studies.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Nectar-dwelling yeasts significantly alter the sucrose concentration in Helleborus foetidus flowers, reducing the detectable variation among individual plants. D PMID
  • Twelve bufadienolides and six 19-norbufadienolides were isolated from Helleborus foetidus, showing differential cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 breast cancer cells. D PMID
  • The study reviewed 407 polyhydroxylated spirostanol saponins from various plants, with Helleborus foetidus being one of the sources. D PMID
  • The study identified 28 steroidal glycosides in Helleborus foetidus, including 20 novel ones, and found that some showed cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cells. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Dungwort?

Dungwort (Helleborus foetidus) 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 Dungwort?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Dungwort; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Nectar-dwelling yeasts significantly alter the sucrose concentration in Helleborus foetidus flowers, reducing the detectable variation among individual plants.

How strong is the evidence for Dungwort?

The strongest finding for Dungwort carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Dungwort safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Dungwort in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Dungwort interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Dungwort in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Dungwort?

Dungwort is also known as: Hellébore fétide.

Is Dungwort 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

  1. T2 Novel Steroidal Glycosides from the Whole Plants of Helleborus foetidus. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Naturally Occurring Polyhydroxylated Spirostanol Saponins, A Review of the Classification, Sources, Biosynthesis, Biological Activities, and Toxicity. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Bufadienolides from Helleborus foetidus and their cytotoxic properties on MCF-7 breast cancer cells. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Flowers as fungal extended phenotypes: nectar yeasts obfuscate among-plant differences in nectar sugar concentration. literature abstract metadata

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