Hellebore

Generic name: Veratrum Album L., Veratrum Californicum Dur., Veratrum Fimbriatum A. Gray., Veratrum Frigidum Schltdl. And Cham., Veratrum Nigrum L., Veratrum Viride Ait.
Brand names: Black False Hellebore, California False Hellebore, False Hellebore, Fringed False Hellebore, Green Hellebore, Indian Poke, Itchweed, Langwort, Western Hellebore, White Hellebore

Usage of Hellebore

Veratrum alkaloids act by binding to sodium voltage–gated channels in skeletal muscle and cardiac and nerve cells, which delays repolarization and allows prolonged conduction of impulses.Schep 2006

Cardiovascular effects

Animal data

Older animal studies verified cardiovascular effects of Veratrum spp.Schep 2006

Clinical data

Veratrum extracts were used historically in the management of hypertension. However, research reveals no current clinical data regarding the use of false hellebore for cardiovascular use, in part due to the plant’s recognized toxicity.Quatrehomme 1993, Schep 2006

Other uses

Potential chemotherapeutic applications of the toxic alkaloids, including the jervanine alkaloid cyclopamine, have been investigated.Heretsch 2015, Li 2006, Wilson 2010

Hellebore side effects

GI irritation, salivation, vomiting, headache, visual disturbances, paresthesia, dizziness, bradycardia, atrioventricular block, hypotension, and syncope have been reported.Gilotta 2010, Grobosch 2008

Before taking Hellebore

Avoid use. No longer considered safe for use. Teratogenic effects have been reported in animals.Schep 2006

How to use Hellebore

Veratrum extract is toxic. The powdered root of the plant has been traditionally dosed at 0.02 to 0.1 g.Greunwald 2002

Warnings

Poisoning has been reported, commonly due to mistaking the plant for wild Garlic or other species. Symptoms, including vomiting that may minimize absorption of the toxic principles, can appear 30 minutes following ingestion.Gilotta 2010, Grobosch 2008, Pfab 2016, Rauber-Lüthy 2010, Schep 2006, Zagler 2005 Treatment is aimed at achieving hemodynamic stability with the use of fluids, atropine, and vasopressor agents; with prompt supportive care, recovery is typical (although fatalities have been reported).Schep 2006 Children can be managed in the SAMe manner.Rauber-Lüthy 2010 Teratogenic effects (including congenital tracheal stenosis) have been reported in fetuses of animals grazing on V. californicum.Schep 2006

What other drugs will affect Hellebore

None well documented. Interactions could theoretically occur with cardiovascular drugs.

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