Veratrum viride
Veratrum viride
Veratrum viride, commonly known as False Hellebore, is a plant traditionally associated with European herbal medicine. While its specific uses are not well-documented in traditional practices, studies have shown that alkaloids from this plant, particularly jervine, may potentially inhibit breast cancer (BC) through the AKT1/mTOR pathway; however, these findings require further validation to establish their clinical significance. Scientific evidence is limited but promising. A study developed a method for identifying and quantifying five Veratrum alkaloids in highly diluted preparations, which could be valuable for future research. Additionally, there are reports of three adults mistaking Lily of the Valley or False Hellebore for ramps, leading to bradycardia and hypotension with detectable digoxin concentrations, indicating potential toxicity. The safety profile of Veratrum viride appears to have no major issues recorded; however, given its known toxic components such as steroidal alkaloids including verazine, veratridine, and cyclopamine, which can cause gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms, caution is advised. There are currently no reported drug interactions with this plant. In summary, while Veratrum viride shows potential in certain areas of research, further studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
- 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
- The study developed a method to precisely identify and quantify five Veratrum alkaloids in highly diluted medicinal preparations.
- This study suggests that alkaloids from Veratrum viride, particularly jervine, may inhibit BC through targeting the AKT1/mTOR pathway, though further experimentation is needed.
- The study found that Veratrum parviflorum contains steroidal alkaloids including verazine, veratramine, veratridine, and cyclopamine, which can cause gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms.
- Three adults mistook Lily of the Valley or False Hellebore for ramps and showed detectable digoxin concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Veratrum viride?
Veratrum viride (Veratrum viride) 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 Veratrum viride?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Veratrum viride; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study developed a method to precisely identify and quantify five Veratrum alkaloids in highly diluted medicinal preparations.
How strong is the evidence for Veratrum viride?
The strongest finding for Veratrum viride carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Veratrum viride safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Veratrum viride in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Veratrum viride interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Veratrum viride in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
Is Veratrum viride 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 Hikers poisoned: Veratrum steroidal alkaloid toxicity following ingestion of foraged Veratrum parviflorum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Detectable Digoxin Concentrations in 3 Patients with Ramps Misadventure. 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
- T2 Molecular Insights into Identification of Natural AKT1/mTOR Signaling Inhibitors from Veratrum Viride-Derived Alkaloids for Breast Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Analysis Using Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Molecular Dynam literature abstract metadata