European white-hellebore
Veratrum album
Veratrum album is a perennial herb found in various mountain ecosystems. In various traditional practices, it has been applied for a wide range of purposes including as an emetic, cathartic, purgative, sedative, and nervine, as well as for treating gout, neuralgia, and skin conditions like scabies. Scientific evidence regarding its therapeutic efficacy is limited, though studies have focused on quantifying its alkaloid content for toxicological assessment and investigating potential protective effects of specific alkaloids like jervine on testicular tissue. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- emetic · scabies
- Traditions
- Unani · 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
- scabies
- cathartic
- errhine
- expectorant
- felon
- gout
- insanity
- itch
- laxative
- nervine
- neuralgia
- purgative
- sedative
- sternutatory
What the science says
- The study developed a method to precisely identify and quantify five alkaloids in Veratrum globules, contributing to their toxicological assessment.
- The study found differences in sperm anomaly rates and markers of testicular tissue damage between groups, suggesting jervine may have some protective effects.
- The study quantified varying concentrations of five Veratrum alkaloids in three Veratrum species across different plant parts.
- Masting intervals in Veratrum album subsp. oxysepalum were shorter and reproductive investment lower at higher elevations due to faster recovery from energy loss after reproduction.
Frequently asked questions
What is European white-hellebore?
European white-hellebore (Veratrum album) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is European white-hellebore traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record European white-hellebore for: emetic, scabies, cathartic, errhine, expectorant, felon. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use European white-hellebore?
European white-hellebore appears in these traditions in our sources: Unani, traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about European white-hellebore?
4 sourced findings are recorded for European white-hellebore; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study developed a method to precisely identify and quantify five alkaloids in Veratrum globules, contributing to their toxicological assessment.
How strong is the evidence for European white-hellebore?
The strongest finding for European white-hellebore carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is European white-hellebore safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for European white-hellebore in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does European white-hellebore interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for European white-hellebore in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of European white-hellebore?
European white-hellebore is also known as: Чемерица белая.
Is European white-hellebore 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 The contribution of carbon budget to masting intervals in Veratrum album populations inhabiting different elevations. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Determination of Veratrum alkaloid contents in three Veratrum species by HPLC-MS/MS. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Examination of effect of jervine purified from the Veratrum album on changes in testicular tissue of varicocele-induced rats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phytochemical Analysis of Veratrum Alkaloids in Medicinal Veratrum Globules Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Tandem Mass Spectrometry. literature abstract metadata