Evidence supporting the use of: Bloodroot
For the health condition: Ulcerations (external)

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) has a long history of use in traditional Native American and early Western herbal medicine for treating external ulcerations and skin conditions. Historically, it was applied topically as a poultice or ointment to help manage ulcers, wounds, and skin lesions. The root contains several alkaloids, most notably sanguinarine, which has demonstrated antimicrobial and escharotic (tissue-destroying) properties in laboratory studies. These properties may have contributed to its traditional use in managing infected or non-healing ulcers. However, there is little to no robust clinical evidence from human trials supporting its efficacy or safety for this use. In fact, escharotic preparations of bloodroot can cause significant tissue damage, scarring, and other adverse effects, and have been associated with harmful outcomes in modern case reports. While the traditional use is well-documented, current medical guidelines do not recommend bloodroot for external ulcers due to safety concerns and lack of proven benefit. As a result, while the evidence for traditional use is established, scientific validation is lacking, and risks from use are significant.

More about Bloodroot
More about Ulcerations (external)

Products containing Bloodroot

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.