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Veratrum viride

Veratrum viride

Veratrum viride, commonly known as green hellebore, is a plant featured in various traditional medicinal practices. It has been historically utilized as an emetic and for conditions including hypertension, asthma, toothache, wounds, and various chest complaints. Scientific evidence regarding its efficacy is limited, though some studies suggest certain alkaloids like jervine may inhibit BC through the AKT1/mTOR pathway, requiring further experimentation. Research also indicates that steroidal alkaloids in related species can cause gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.

At a glance
Traditionally for
emetic · herpes
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 traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • herpes traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hypertension traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • toothache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • wounds traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • analgesic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • anodyne traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • arteriosedative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • asthma traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • backache traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cardiosedative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • chest complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cns depressant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cns sedative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cold traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study developed a method to precisely identify and quantify five Veratrum alkaloids in highly diluted medicinal preparations. D PMID
  • This study suggests that alkaloids from Veratrum viride, particularly jervine, may inhibit BC through targeting the AKT1/mTOR pathway, though further experimentation is needed. D PMID
  • The study found that Veratrum parviflorum contains steroidal alkaloids including verazine, veratramine, veratridine, and cyclopamine, which can cause gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms. D PMID
  • Three adults mistook Lily of the Valley or False Hellebore for ramps and showed detectable digoxin concentrations. D PMID

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 is Veratrum viride traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Veratrum viride for: emetic, herpes, hypertension, toothache, wounds, analgesic. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Veratrum viride?

Veratrum viride appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Hikers poisoned: Veratrum steroidal alkaloid toxicity following ingestion of foraged Veratrum parviflorum. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Detectable Digoxin Concentrations in 3 Patients with Ramps Misadventure. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Phytochemical Analysis of Veratrum Alkaloids in Medicinal Veratrum Globules Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled With Tandem Mass Spectrometry. literature abstract metadata
  5. 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

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