Bryonia

Botanical

What is it

Bryonia (Bryonia alba or B. dioica) is a perennial vine. It is highly toxic in herbal form and is most often used as a homeopathic preparation (e.g., Bryonia 3X, 6C, 30C) at extreme dilutions.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Joint or respiratory complaints (homeopathic claim)

Mixed Evidence

Controlled trials of homeopathy generally find effects equivalent to placebo. There is no plausible biological mechanism at homeopathic dilutions.

How it works

The root contains bryonin and other cucurbitacin glycosides that are gut and skin irritants and can cause severe poisoning. In undiluted form, even small amounts can cause violent vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially fatal toxicity. Homeopathic Bryonia is highly diluted (often beyond Avogadro's number), so finished products contain little to no original plant material. Homeopathic theory holds that this preparation can treat conditions characterized by dryness, pain on movement, and irritability. There is no plausible biological mechanism and no consistent evidence of benefit beyond placebo.

Dosage

Homeopathic Bryonia preparations are dosed by 'potency' (3X, 6X, 30C, etc.) rather than by milligrams. There is no rational supplemental dose for raw Bryonia, which is toxic.

When and how to take it

Follow product directions for homeopathic preparations. No biological timing recommendation is meaningful.

1 commercial form

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Homeopathic Bryonia (3X-30C and beyond)

Standard homeopathic preparation.

Highly diluted; little to no original plant material.

Safety

Homeopathic Bryonia at standard potencies is generally safe because it contains essentially no active plant material. Raw Bryonia root is dangerously toxic and can cause fatal poisoning. Make sure any product labeled 'Bryonia' is a properly diluted homeopathic preparation.

Who should be cautious

Never ingest raw Bryonia plant material. Homeopathic preparations are unlikely to harm or to benefit. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should be especially cautious about herbal products labeled Bryonia in case the dilution is not adequate.

Interactions

Homeopathic dilutions do not produce meaningful pharmacological interactions. Raw plant material is a toxin.

Frequently asked questions

Is Bryonia safe?⌄

Homeopathic preparations are essentially water and sugar pills and pose little direct risk. Raw Bryonia plant material is genuinely toxic and can be fatal.

Does homeopathic Bryonia work?⌄

Controlled trials of homeopathy typically find effects equivalent to placebo.

References

Bryonia on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Bryonia (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.