Evidence supporting the use of: Snakeroot
For the health condition: Dyspepsia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
"Snakeroot" is a common name for several different plants, most notably Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot), and Polygala senega (Seneca snakeroot). Traditionally, various snakeroots have been used in herbal medicine systems across the world, including Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Native American medicine. In particular, Virginia snakeroot (Aristolochia serpentaria) was historically used by Native American and early Euro-American herbalists for gastrointestinal complaints, including dyspepsia (indigestion). The roots were often prepared as teas or tinctures thought to help with digestive stimulation, gas, and stomach discomfort.
However, there is little to no modern scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of snakeroot for dyspepsia. Most clinical research on snakeroot species has focused on other pharmacological actions, such as the antihypertensive effects of Rauwolfia serpentina due to its reserpine content, not digestive benefits. Furthermore, some snakeroot species (notably Aristolochia spp.) contain aristolochic acids, which are toxic and carcinogenic. As a result, their use is discouraged in modern herbal practice.
In summary, the support for snakeroot in dyspepsia is primarily based on traditional use rather than scientific validation, and some species pose significant safety concerns.
Other ingredients used for Dyspepsia
cutchAllspice
Aloe vera
green chiretta
apple
artichoke
barberry
basil
myrobalan
berry flavor
betel
bilberry
black pepper
blackberry
rice
chamomile
Coptis chinensis
turmeric
curcumin
dandelion
fennel
flavonols
ginger
goldenseal
heartwood
Indian tinospora
licorice root
marshmallow
mustard seed
oregon grape
Peppermint
phellodendron amurense
plantain
plum fruit
raspberry
slippery elm bark
sphaeranthus indicus
triphala
gastrodia
cardamom
papaya
Indian bael
neem tree
nut grass
alpinia galangal
clerodendrum indicum
ferula assafoetida
hedychium spicatum
anise
tinospora cordifolia
blackboard tree
caesalpinia crista
fumaria parviflora
swertia
peony
boxthorne
yarrow
prickly ash
myrrh
chrysanthemum
dioscorea
fern
hyacinth bean
sweetgums
morinda
trichosanthes
zanthoxylum
wood betony
white oak
indigo leaves
enzymes blend (proprietary)
geranium
Avens
Angelica
Acacia
Agrimony
Achyranthes
Abrus
Amomum
Asafoetida
Ajuga
Anserina
Aerva lanata
American Liverleaf
Asam gelugor
Angostura
Alsonia scholaris
Agrimonia pilosa
Asteracea
Ananain
Abuta
Aniseed myrtle
Arisaema
Black Seed
Bai Ji
Bidens pilosa
Blackthorn
Bicarbonate
Blepharis
Belleric myrobalan
Bistort
Butea monosperma
Barleria
Bitter Grass
Bael
Boswellia
Banyan
Bur-Reed
Black Nightshade
Bombax
Bitter principals
Black root
banana
Bergenia
Boerhavia diffusa
Centaury
Cinnamomum
Combretum quadrangulare
Clerodendrum phlomidis
Centaurium erythraea
Citron
Carry Me Seed
Capsaicin
Curcumen
Catechu
Campylandra fimbriata
Colombo
Corktree
Curcuma
Chirata
Costus
Colocynth
Celosia
Dianthrone
Dichrostachys glomerata
Erodium cicutarium
Evodia
Elephant's Head
European-Five Finger Grass
Embelia
Flueggea suffruticosa
Four leaved grass
Goldthread
Genipap
Gnaphalium
Guava
Gentianella amarella
Gallotannin
Galangal
Hygrophila
Helicteres isora
Hempnettle
Iridoid glycosides
Indian Coraltree
Long Pepper
Knotgrass
Lebbek
Ledebouriella
Lesser speargrass
Laggera pterodonta
Luffa
Lodhtree
Lotus
Lycopodium
Little ironweed
Marjoram
Mucilage
Malva sylvestris
Matico
Mountain mahogany
Matapalo Tree
Meadow sage
Milkweed
Morning Glory
Marigold
Magnolol
Manzanita
Neoandrographolides
Nimbidin
Oxystelma
Phyllanthus
Premna
Phragmites
Psacalium peltatum
Plantago
Pluchea
Pepper Bark Tree
Pentacyclic triterpenoids
Peucedanum
portulaca
Plumbago zeylanica
Pimpinella
Patrinia
Physalis angulata
Papayotin
Potentilla
Quisqualis
Rue
Rubus
Rubiaceae
Rhus coriaria
Sicklepod
Sophora
Spanish Needle
Salvia
Sensitive Plant
Snakeroot
Solanum indicum
Southernwood
Slippery Elm
Sagebrush
Spantholobus
Stereospermum
Sweet Bay
Sandy Everlasting
Servicetree
Sedanenolide
Terminalia
Thymoquinone
Thymus
Tamaricaceae
Tamarind
Varuna
Verbena
Vidanga
Viola
Water Pepper
Yerba buena
Zedoary
Zingerone
Other health conditions supported by Snakeroot
Abdominal PainArthritis
Bruises (healing)
Burns and Scalds
Canker Sores
Cuts
Diarrhea
Dyspepsia
Eczema
Fever
Gas and Bloating
Gastritis
Headache (general)
Inflammation
Injuries
Itching
Jaundice (adults)
Kidney Stones
Menstrual Irregularity
Pain (general remedies for)
Rashes and Hives
Scratches and Abrasions
Skin (infections)
Skin Care (general)
Snake Bite
Ulcers
Wounds and Sores