Vegetarian Bloodroot

Posted by: Sina Ghaboussi | Aug 11, 2010

Bloodroot, also known as Sanguinaria Canadensis, is found natively in North America and India and gains its name from the orange-red coloring of the root and rhizomes. Native Americans used it traditionally in rituals, medicine and for body paint. It has been used for halitosis (bad breath), gingivitis, sore throat, cough and rheumatic pains.

Alkaloids, mainly sanguinarine, are the main active compounds in bloodroot. Alkaloids are used currently in toothpaste and other oral hygiene products due to their inhibition of oral bacterial growth. This supports bloodroots use for halitosis (bad breath can be due to overgrowth of bacteria in the mouth) although current trials have not all shown support for helping with gingivitis or gum disease for dental products with sanguinarine (the main active component in bloodroot). Bloodroot is also used for cough, although rarely alone and only sparingly. There are no human studies to date to support its use for cough or rheumatic symptoms.

Vegetarian Bloodroot supplements, or sanginarine containing toothpastes and mouth rinses, should be taken according to the manufacturer’s directions. Bloodroot has been traditionally used as a mouthwash 10 drops 3 times per day, although it should not be taken long-term. Some side effects associated with long-term use are leukoplakia (white patches in the mouth thought to be precancerous), nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, visual changes, paralysis and fainting. Bloodroot, or sanguinarine containing products, are not considered safe for children, pregnant women or breast-feeding moms and therefore should not be given to them.

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Article Source:
Garby, Alan, et al. The Natural Pharmacy, 3rd edition, 2006

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