Blood root

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria Canadensis), commonly known as bloodroot, is a low-growing, North American flowering plant and the sole member of its genus. This fact doesn’t mean that the plant is less than prolific, however, since its propagation is aided by the activity of ants. In a type of mutualism called myrmecochory, ants collect and store bloodroot seeds in the colony to be used as food. Some of the seeds are consumed, but others are nourished by by-products produced in the nest and later germinate.

The chief chemical component of this herb is sanguinarine, which actually represents a group of alkaloids that produce effects similar to morphine. Historically, Native Americans and early European settlers used bloodroot as an expectorant, an emetic to stop vomiting and to treat gingivitis. However, the internal use of bloodroot is now banned in most countries and largely limited to homeopathic preparations elsewhere due to the toxic effects of sanguinarine.

Ironically, however, the U.S. Federal Drug Administration allows this substance to be incorporated into toothpastes and mouthwashes designed to reduce dental plaque.  Although bloodroot alkaloids are indeed antibacterial, sanguinarine has been found to be less effective than other anti-plaque agents, such as chlorhexidine and doxycycline. More importantly, sanguinarine has been linked to an increased risk of developing oral leukoplakia and oral cancer. While many manufacturers have removed sanguinarine from their products, other dental preparations that contain this substance may still exist. Setting the cancer controversy aside, sanguinarine is known to induce uterine contractions, so it should be avoided by pregnant women entirely.

In another ironic twist, the toxic effects of bloodroot alkaloids may also offer anti-cancer benefits. For instance, researchers at Drake University in Iowa have recently discovered that sanguinarine significantly inhibits growth in K562 cells, a line of human myelogenous leukemia cells. Although studies are currently focused on using cultured cells rather than humans, it’s possible that bloodroot extracts may one day be used in cancer therapy.  

Used externally, bloodroot has some very specific and highly desirable qualities—if used properly. Specifically, bloodroot alkaloids effectively dissolve unsightly moles, warts and skin tags. In fact, bloodroot is the active ingredient in Dermatend, a commercial cream mole remover. However, since bloodroot preparations can also damage healthy skin, they should be used carefully and never on broken skin or sensitive areas, such as the eyelids, lips or genitals.



References

Eversole LR, Eversole GM, Kopcik J. Sanguinaria-associated oral leukoplakia: Comparison with other benign and dysplastic leukoplakic lesions. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod . 2000;89:455-464.

Brinker FJ. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions . 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications; 1998.

Damm D, et al. Leukoplakia of the maxillary vestibule — an association with Viadent ? Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol Endod 1999;87:61-66.