Bloodroot
Sanguinaria canadensis
Sanguinaria canadensis is a perennial herb native to North America used extensively in various indigenous medicinal traditions. Historically, it has been applied for a wide range of purposes including treating coughs, sore throats, burns, rheumatism, and anemia, while also serving as an emetic or stimulant. Preliminary scientific research suggests that its constituent sanguinarine may possess antimicrobial properties against Staphylococcus aureus and could potentially mitigate cisplatin-induced kidney injury in mice. Some studies also indicate its role in modulating signaling pathways in certain cancer cells, though more robust evidence is needed. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- emetic · expectorant
- Traditions
- traditional
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- emetic
- expectorant
- stimulant
- alterative
- anemia
- burns
- cough
- divination
- fever
- laxative
- nose polyp
- rheumatism
- sedative
- sore throat
- sternutatory
What the science says
- Sanguinarine improved cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage.
- The study identifies several phytoconstituents from eleven traditional medicinal plants, including Sanguinaria canadensis, that modulate key signaling pathways in lung and colorectal cancer cells.
- Sanguinarine demonstrated antimicrobial properties and interference with biofilm formation in Staphylococcus aureus by affecting membrane integrity and IGPD activity.
- The study found that sanguinarine's intestinal absorption is significantly affected by P-gp proteins and involves multiple transport mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions
What is Bloodroot?
Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Bloodroot traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Bloodroot for: emetic, expectorant, stimulant, alterative, anemia, burns. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Bloodroot?
Bloodroot appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Bloodroot?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Bloodroot; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Sanguinarine improved cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury in mice by reducing inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular damage.
How strong is the evidence for Bloodroot?
The strongest finding for Bloodroot carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Bloodroot safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Bloodroot in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Bloodroot interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Bloodroot in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Bloodroot?
Bloodroot is also known as: Sanguinaire du Canada.
Is Bloodroot 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Studies on pharmacokinetic properties and intestinal absorption mechanism of sanguinarine chloride: in vivo and in situ. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Targeting membrane integrity and imidazoleglycerol-phosphate dehydratase: Sanguinarine multifaceted approach against Staphylococcus aureus biofilms. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Interplay Between Traditional and Scientific Knowledge: Phytoconstituents and Their Roles in Lung and Colorectal Cancer Signaling Pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Attenuation of cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by sanguinarine: modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and cellular damage. literature abstract metadata