Bloodroot

Botanical

What is it

Bloodroot (Sanguinaria canadensis) is a perennial plant native to eastern North America. Its rhizome contains potent alkaloids and has been used historically for respiratory complaints, topical skin treatments, and as a toothpaste antimicrobial.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cancer (topical black salve)

Mixed Evidence

Black salve use is associated with severe tissue damage and is not an effective cancer treatment. The FDA has warned against these products.

How it works

The rhizome contains sanguinarine, chelerythrine, and related benzophenanthridine alkaloids. Sanguinarine has potent antimicrobial activity but also disrupts cellular function broadly, including Na/K-ATPase inhibition and DNA intercalation. Topically, bloodroot has been promoted as an alternative cancer treatment (black salve), where it causes severe tissue damage and necrosis. This use has resulted in significant injury and is not supported by evidence. Bloodroot in early FDA-approved toothpaste (Viadent) was withdrawn after associations with oral leukoplakia.

Dosage

There is no safe established dose for oral self-supplementation. Topical use is associated with serious harm.

When and how to take it

Not applicable; oral and topical use is not recommended.

1 commercial form

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Bloodroot extract or tincture

Historical use has largely been discontinued in mainstream practice.

Alkaloid absorption is variable.

Safety

Significant safety concerns: sanguinarine is cytotoxic at meaningful doses. Topical black salve preparations have caused tissue destruction. Oral exposure may produce nausea, vomiting, and worse at high doses.

Who should be cautious

Avoid entirely. Particularly dangerous in pregnancy, children, and people with GI disease. Topical black salve products have caused serious harm.

Interactions

Major interactions with antiplatelets and other drugs affecting GI mucosa. Should be avoided.

Frequently asked questions

Is bloodroot safe to use on skin?⌄

No. Black salve preparations cause severe tissue damage and have led to significant patient harm.

Is bloodroot used in toothpaste?⌄

Historically yes, but products containing bloodroot were withdrawn after associations with oral leukoplakia.

References

Bloodroot on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bloodroot on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bloodroot (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.