Bloodroot, scientifically known as Sanguinaria canadensis, is a perennial herbaceous plant native to the woodlands of eastern North America. It is notable for the deep orange-red sap that seeps from its rhizomes and roots when they are cut or broken, which is the source of its common name. This distinct fluid has made the plant a subject of traditional use, but it also signals the presence of highly potent and toxic compounds.
Identification and Active Compounds
Bloodroot is an early spring ephemeral, producing a single white blossom that appears to be clasped by a large, lobed basal leaf. The plant’s most identifying characteristic is the thick, underground rhizome, which contains the vibrant, blood-red latex. This fluid is responsible for the plant’s historical uses as a dye and its medicinal reputation.
The biological activity of Bloodroot is primarily attributed to a group of potent chemicals called isoquinoline alkaloids. The most concentrated and studied of these is sanguinarine, a bright red benzophenanthridine alkaloid. Other significant alkaloids include chelerythrine, which also contributes to the plant’s effects.
Sanguinarine is the key chemical component driving both the potential therapeutic interest and the toxicity of the plant. This alkaloid functions as a potent cytotoxic agent, meaning it can kill animal cells by interfering with specific transmembrane proteins. This cellular toxicity is the foundation for the plant’s historical use in caustic treatments.
Traditional and Historical Applications
Indigenous peoples across eastern North America utilized Bloodroot extensively for both practical and medicinal purposes. The plant’s rich red sap was employed as a dye for clothing, baskets, and war paint. Medically, the plant was used externally for dermatological treatments, such as applying the sap to cuts, sores, and skin growths like warts.
Internally, Bloodroot preparations were historically administered for respiratory issues, including coughs, sore throats, and lung ailments. Traditional use also included employing the root as an emetic to induce vomiting and as a purgative to stimulate the bowels, particularly in larger doses.
During the 19th century, Bloodroot was adopted into American eclectic medicine, where it was classified as a stimulating expectorant and diaphoretic in smaller amounts. The caustic nature of the sap was also historically applied directly to skin cancers and other growths. These applications relied on the observable tissue destruction caused by the plant’s compounds, but they did not distinguish between the destruction of diseased and healthy tissue. The use of the plant for internal conditions was always recognized as having unpredictable and potentially severe side effects.
Modern Claims and Scientific Scrutiny
In modern times, Bloodroot’s primary active alkaloid, sanguinarine, found its way into commercial products, particularly within the dental hygiene industry. Toothpaste and mouthwash formulations included sanguinarine extract, marketed for its anti-plaque and anti-gingivitis properties. Research suggested that these products could help reduce dental plaque and gum swelling when used in conjunction with typical dental care.
However, the use of Bloodroot extract in oral products became controversial due to reported adverse effects. Epidemiological studies linked the use of sanguinarine-containing dental products to the development of oral leukoplakia, a potentially premalignant condition characterized by white patches in the mouth. Consequently, many of these commercial oral hygiene products were withdrawn from the North American market.
Another significant modern claim involves the controversial use of Bloodroot in topical preparations known as “black salves” or escharotic pastes, often promoted as alternative treatments for skin cancers. While sanguinarine has demonstrated cytotoxicity in laboratory studies against various cancer cell lines, this is not the same as clinical efficacy in humans. There is a lack of clinical evidence supporting the safe or effective use of Bloodroot-containing salves as a cancer treatment.
Severe Safety Risks and Toxicity
The most significant danger associated with Bloodroot is its potent toxicity, which manifests dramatically when applied topically. The plant’s alkaloids act as an escharotic, destroying tissue upon contact. When applied to the skin, Bloodroot-containing black salves cause massive necrosis, killing both healthy and abnormal cells and leading to the formation of a thick, black scab called an eschar.
This tissue destruction frequently results in severe, permanent disfigurement, deep scarring, and keloid formation. Self-treatment with these salves is extremely dangerous because the resulting eschar does not guarantee complete removal of a skin lesion, often leaving cancerous cells behind and delaying proper medical diagnosis and treatment. Health organizations, including the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, have issued warnings regarding the harmful nature of unapproved black salves marketed as cancer cures.
Internal consumption of Bloodroot is also highly hazardous due to the concentration of toxic alkaloids. Ingesting even small amounts can trigger severe gastrointestinal distress, nausea, and vomiting. Higher doses can lead to systemic toxicity, causing symptoms like faintness, dizziness, low blood pressure, and serious cardiovascular issues. Due to the high risk of cellular and systemic toxicity, Bloodroot is strictly contraindicated for pregnant women and children, and its internal use can potentially lead to shock, coma, or death.