- Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) has been used historically by some Native American tribes as a medicinal agent to stimulate the digestive system and induce vomiting. It has also been used as an antimicrobial. More recently, the main active constituent of bloodroot, sanguinarine, has been added to dentifrices (used to clean teeth) to reduce plaque and treat gingivitis and periodontal disease. More research is needed in this area to determine sanguinarine's efficacy for these conditions, although there is some concern that chronic oral use of sanguinarine may cause leukoplakia (precancerous white patches in the mouth) and oral dysplastic lesions (abnormal mouth wounds).
- In a report from 2003, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Dental Plaque Subcommittee of the Nonprescription Drugs Advisory Committee concluded "...that sanguinaria extract at 0.03-0.075% concentration is safe, but there are insufficient data available to permit final classification of its effectiveness in an oral rinse or dentifrice dosage form as an [over the counter] antigingivitis/antiplaque active ingredient." However, expert opinion considers bloodroot unsafe when used internally. In 2005, legal action was taken against an unlicensed practitioner for prescribing bloodroot to several women with breast cancer who suffered disfigurement and tissue damage after topically using the cream.
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Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis)
Contents
Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to . Selected references are listed below.
- Allen CL, Loudon J, Mascarenhas AK. Sanguinaria-related leukoplakia: epidemiologic and clinicopathologic features of a recently described entity. Gen.Dent. 2001;49(6):608-614.
View Abstract - Cullinan MP, Powell RN, Faddy MJ, et al. Efficacy of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract in conjunction with initial periodontal therapy. Aust.Dent.J. 1997;42(1):47-51.
View Abstract - 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(4):455-464.
View Abstract - Frankos VH, Brusick DJ, Johnson EM, et al. Safety of Sanguinaria extract as used in commercial toothpaste and oral rinse products. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):41-47.
View Abstract - Harkrader RJ, Reinhart PC, Rogers JA, et al. The history, chemistry and pharmacokinetics of Sanguinaria extract. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):7-12.
View Abstract - Harper DS, Mueller LJ, Fine JB, et al. Effect of 6 months use of a dentifrice and oral rinse containing sanguinaria extract and zinc chloride upon the microflora of the dental plaque and oral soft tissues. J.Periodontol. 1990;61(6):359-363.
View Abstract - Kopczyk RA, Abrams H, Brown AT, et al. Clinical and microbiological effects of a sanguinaria-containing mouthrinse and dentifrice with and without fluoride during 6 months of use. J.Periodontol. 1991;62(10):617-622.
View Abstract - Kuftinec MM, Mueller-Joseph LJ, Kopczyk RA. Sanguinaria toothpaste and oral rinse regimen clinical efficacy in short- and long-term trials. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):31-33.
View Abstract - Laster LL, Lobene RR. New perspectives on Sanguinaria clinicals: individual toothpaste and oral rinse testing. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):19-30.
View Abstract - Mahady GB, Pendland SL, Stoia A, et al. In vitro susceptibility of Helicobacter pylori to isoquinoline alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis and Hydrastis canadensis. Phytother.Res. 2003;17(3):217-221.
View Abstract - Newton SM, Lau C, Gurcha SS, et al. The evaluation of forty-three plant species for in vitro antimycobacterial activities; isolation of active constituents from Psoralea corylifolia and Sanguinaria canadensis. J.Ethnopharmacol. 2002;79(1):57-67.
View Abstract - Southard GL, Parsons LG, Thomas LG, et al. Effect of sanguinaria extract on development of plaque and gingivitis when supragingivally delivered as a manual rinse or under pressure in an oral irrigator. J Clin Periodontol. 1987;14(7):377-380.
View Abstract - Vrba J, Kosina P, Ulrichova J, et al. Involvement of cytochrome P450 1A in sanguinarine detoxication. Toxicol Lett 7-15-2004;151(2):375-387.
View Abstract - Walker C. Effects of sanguinarine and Sanguinaria extract on the microbiota associated with the oral cavity. J.Can.Dent.Assoc. 1990;56(7 Suppl):13-30.
View Abstract - Weide R, Engelhart S, Farber H, et al. [Severe lead poisoning due to Ayurvedic indian plant medicine]. Dtsch.Med.Wochenschr. 11-14-2003;128(46):2418-2420.
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