Black Hellebore Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Black Hellebore Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Black Hellebore, alternatively known as Christe Herbe, Christmas Rose, or Rose Noire among other names, is a perennial plant originally from Central and Southern Europe known for its toxicity. The plant carries toxic cardiac glycosides that have led to its discontinued use in medicine. It's important to underline its dangers, especially to pregnant and lactating women, and also for those ingesting it orally.

As per popular usage, black hellebore has been associated with dangerous side effects like irregular heartbeat and gastrointestinal irritation. Poisoning symptoms include feeling nauseated, having a scratchy throat or mouth, difficulty in breathing, spasms and potentially lethal asphyxiation. The raw plant can also incite skin inflammation or irritation when touched.

While used traditionally across history ranging from rheumatoid arthritis, epilepsy, depression, and even as an abortifacient, the plant's safety profile needs more robust data. No standard dosage nor accurate standardization exists at this moment due to the inherent dangers in consumption.

How Is Black Hellebore Thought To Work? What is the mechanism of action?

Black Hellebore works primarily through the leaves, root, and rhizome. They each host potent elements like glycosides (helleborin and hellebrin), saponins (such as hellebosaponins A and D), and the vital flavonoids found in foliage. These elements create an ensemble of effects that include potential anti-cancer, cardiovascular, and membrane irritant impacts. Some preliminary findings have shown that black hellebore extracts can stifle the growth of diverse cancer cells; however, more research is, no doubt, warranted.

The root of the black hellebore contains cardioactive glycosides generating digitoxin-like effects on the heart. Concurrently, the root's saponin contents aggravate the mucous membranes and subsequently escalate toxicity. Thus, its effects primarily pertain to cardiac and gastrointestinal irritations.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, very little certifiable information is accessible on the pharmacokinetics of Black Hellebore.

Interaction Overview (See Bottom of Page For Full List)

Black Hellebore's contents of saponins and cardiac glycosides can potentially increase the risk of toxicity, especially when combined with other substances. It's essential to clasp caution when combined with Potassium-depleting diuretics, cardiac glycosides, Digoxin (Lanoxin), or macrolide antibiotics.

Incorporating Black Hellebore with cardiac glycoside-containing herbs enhances the cardiac glycoside toxicity, which also increases with consistent use or overuse of horsetail, licorice, or stimulant laxative herbs.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

As previously mentioned, exceedingly negative side effects can plague users, including irregular heartbeat, gastrointestinal irritation, or even asphyxiation. Symptoms to look for are throat or mouth scratchiness, salivation, nausea, vomiting, spasms, dizziness, and breath shortness. Additionally, you can get a rash or irritation from handling the fresh plant.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Currently, no standardized supplement information is available for Black Hellebore. Existing data remains insufficient, given the acknowledged dangers of using the plant.

What Is Black Hellebore Typically Used For?

Historically, Black Hellebore was orally taken for an array of health problems such as arthritis, depression, epilepsy, fatigue, joint pain, worm infestations, head colds, and regulation of menstruation. It's also been known to be used as an abortifacient or laxative. However, due to the potent and harmful effects of the plant, these uses are generally not advised in the current day.

Drugs that interact with Black Hellebore