Veratrum viride
Veratrum viride
Veratrum viride, commonly known as White Hellebore, is a traditional plant used in various folk medicine practices. Its specific uses are not well-documented historically or across different traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that alkaloids from Veratrum viride, particularly jervine, may have potential anti-cancer properties by inhibiting the AKT1/mTOR pathway; however, these findings require further validation through additional research. The plant is known to contain steroidal alkaloids such as verazine, veratridine, and cyclopamine, which can cause gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms in cases of accidental ingestion, though no major safety issues or drug interactions have been reported for Veratrum viride itself.
- 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