Bulbous Buttercup

Botanical

What is it

Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is a perennial flowering plant. In supplements it appears almost exclusively as homeopathic preparations (Ranunc bulb), typically used for pain and skin complaints.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Homeopathic indications (rheumatism, skin)

Mixed Evidence

Used in homeopathy for muscle pain, rheumatism, and skin eruptions. Clinical trials do not consistently support efficacy beyond placebo.

How it works

Fresh buttercup plants contain protoanemonin, an irritant compound that causes blistering on skin contact and gastrointestinal toxicity if ingested. Homeopathic preparations dilute the plant to negligible levels and do not produce these pharmacological effects. Traditional homeopathic mechanisms are not supported by mainstream pharmacology.

Dosage

Homeopathic preparations use dilutions (6X, 30C, etc.) with no measurable plant material in most cases. Follow label directions.

When and how to take it

Follow product-specific homeopathic dosing instructions.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Homeopathic Ranunculus bulbosus

Used in homeopathic practice for musculoskeletal and skin complaints.

Highly diluted; minimal measurable substance

Safety

Fresh plant material is toxic and should never be ingested or applied undiluted. Homeopathic preparations are generally considered safe due to the absence of measurable active substance.

Who should be cautious

Pregnant and breastfeeding individuals should avoid plant-based use; homeopathic preparations are generally considered safe but discuss with a clinician.

Interactions

No significant interactions reported for homeopathic preparations.

Frequently asked questions

Is bulbous buttercup safe?⌄

The raw plant is toxic and irritant. Homeopathic dilutions used in supplements contain negligible plant material and are considered safe.

What is it used for in homeopathy?⌄

Traditional homeopathic indications include muscle pain, rheumatism, and certain skin conditions. Evidence beyond placebo is not established.

References

Bulbous Buttercup on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Bulbous Buttercup (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Bulbous Buttercup with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
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.