False Unicorn

Generic name: Chamaelirium Luteum (L.) Gray
Brand names: Blazing Star, Devil's Bit, Drooping Starwort, Fairywand, False Unicorn, Helonias Root, Rattlesnake, Star Grub Root, Stargrass, Starwort

Usage of False Unicorn

Cancer

Animal and in vitro data

The chemical constituents extracted from the root of false unicorn have been tested for cytotoxicity in human leukemia cells in vitro and in prostate cancer in mice.Ng 2003, Yokosuka 2013 In an in vitro study involving several cancer cell lines (cervical, colon, breast, melanoma, and leukemia), components derived from C. luteum demonstrated antiproliferative effects.Challinor 2012

Uterine tonic

Animal and in vitro data

Animal studies were conducted in the early 1900s by a single group of researchers. No effects were observed on isolated or intact uteri. An effect on gonadotropins was also postulated.Brandt 1996, Graham 1955, Pilcher 1916, Pilcher 1918

Clinical data

There are no clinical data regarding the use of false unicorn as a uterine tonic. As part of a combination preparation, the extract was used in a clinical study of herbal alternative therapies for menopause; however, the presence of false unicorn in the capsules could not be cOnfirmed, and the researchers questioned the quality of the preparation.Newton 2008

False Unicorn side effects

Excessive doses may cause nausea and vomiting, possibly due to the saponin content.Duke 2002, Yarnell 2008

Before taking False Unicorn

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. The extract has been reported to have emmenagogue, estrogenic, mastogenic, and uterotonic effects.Duke 2002

How to use False Unicorn

Traditional doSages of false unicorn have included 1 to 2 g of the root as a tea, or 2 to 5 mL of the root tincture 3 times a day as a uterine tonic or diuretic; however, there are no clinical studies to support a particular dosage.Duke 2002 Preparations have not been standardized.

Warnings

Information is lacking. Reports of toxicity from species of the Veratrum genus, which contain toxic alkaloids, may have been erroneously attributed to C. luteum.Chandler 2014 In a study conducted in the 1950s, toxicity in rats was observed at 40 to 50 mg doses of the dried plant extract.Graham 1955 False unicorn is not considered safe for consumption.

What other drugs will affect False Unicorn

None well documented. Extracts of the root inhibited CYP2D6 and 3A4 in one study, suggesting potential for interactions.Ho 2011

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords