American hellebore
Scientific names: Veratrum viride, Veratrum eschscholtzii
Family: Liliaceae
Alternate names: American Veratrum, American White Hellebore, Bugbane, Devil's Bite, Earth Gall, Eléboro Americano, Eléboro Verde, False Hellebore, Faux Hellébore, Green Hellebore, Green Veratrum, Indian Poke, Itchweed, Tabac du Diable, Tickleweed, Varaire Vert, Vératre Vert, Veratro Verde
Actions: Cardiovascular, Renal
Background
American hellebore (Veratrum viride) is a poisonous plant native to swampy areas in North America. Traditionally, its extracts have been used as medicine.
American hellebore contains chemicals that are toxic and can cause serious heart-related side effects, including low blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use American hellebore for high blood pressure, kidney problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse American hellebore with European hellebore, white hellebore, or pheasant's eye. These are not the same.
American hellebore contains chemicals that are toxic and can cause serious heart-related side effects, including low blood pressure and abnormal heartbeat.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use American hellebore for high blood pressure, kidney problems, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse American hellebore with European hellebore, white hellebore, or pheasant's eye. These are not the same.
Safety Safety definitions
When taken by mouth: American hellebore is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals that are toxic and can cause serious heart-related side effects, including abnormal heartbeat, low blood pressure, and death.
When applied to the skin: American hellebore is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals that are toxic. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
Heart disease: American hellebore could make heart disease worse by slowing the heart rate or causing abnormal heartbeat.
When applied to the skin: American hellebore is likely unsafe. It contains chemicals that are toxic. There isn't enough reliable information to know what the side effects might be.
Special Precautions & Warnings:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: American hellebore is likely unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.Heart disease: American hellebore could make heart disease worse by slowing the heart rate or causing abnormal heartbeat.
Effectiveness
Effective Effectiveness definitions
There is interest in using American hellebore for a number of purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.
Dosing & administration
American hellebore contains chemicals that are toxic. There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of American hellebore might be. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
Interactions with pharmaceuticals
It is not known if American Hellebore interacts with any medicines. Before taking American Hellebore, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.
Interactions with herbs & supplements
There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.
Interactions with foods
There are no known interactions with foods.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 17/06/2024 10:00:00 and last updated on 13/10/2022 07:57:10. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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Natural Medicines rates safety based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Likely Safe, Possibly Safe, Possibly Unsafe, Likely Unsafe, Unsafe, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate. For more information about Natural Medicines’ Safety Rating System, click here.
The Natural Medicines Effectiveness Ratings are assigned for specific indications. A product might be rated "Possibly Effective" for one condition, but be rated "Likely Ineffective" for another condition, depending on the evidence. For more info click here.
