Herb & supplement monograph

American Hellebore Drug Interactions, Uses, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how American Hellebore interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug American Hellebore is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what American Hellebore is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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American Hellebore Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, American Hellebore drug interactions carry a high risk of being clinically significant, and we consider this supplement unsafe to combine with many common medications. Every interaction on record is rated major, largely because this plant contains toxic alkaloids with strong, well-documented effects on the heart and blood pressure.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The clearest concern is with antihypertensive drugs, where good human evidence shows American Hellebore can sharply lower blood pressure even in small amounts, and it may also slow the heart and cause drowsiness. Adding it to blood pressure medicine could drop pressure further than intended. There is also a theoretical concern with QT interval-prolonging drugs, since the plant's alkaloids may affect heart rhythm and could raise the risk of a dangerous rhythm disturbance when combined with medicines that do the same.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of major interactions here does not reflect hundreds of separate studies; it mostly reflects the plant's own potent effects on the heart and circulation, which overlap with a wide range of medications. Unlike many supplements whose warnings are theoretical, the blood pressure effect is well established in humans, so we treat this profile seriously rather than as a formality.

Check your medications against American Hellebore

Based on HelloPharmacist’s American Hellebore interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with American Hellebore

328 medications have a known interaction with American Hellebore, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

328 major interactions. These combinations can be clinically significant — best avoided, or used only with close professional supervision. Always check with your pharmacist before combining them with American Hellebore.

2,830 drugs
AcebutololRhotral, Sectral› AcetazolamideAk-Zol, Diamox› Aclidinium Bromide, Formoterol Fumarate DihydrateDuaklir Pressair› AdagrasibKrazati› AliskirenTekturna› AmbrisentanLetairis, Volibris› AmilorideAmilamont, Midamor› Amiloride, HydrochlorothiazideAmil-Co, Amilzide, Moduret 25, Moduretic› AmiodaroneCordarone, Pacerone› AmisulprideBarhemsys› AmitriptylineElavil› Amitriptyline, ChlordiazepoxideLimbitrol DS› Amitriptyline, PerphenazineEtrafon, Etrafon-A, Etrafon-Forte, Triavil› AmlodipineNorliqva› Amlodipine BenzoateKaterzia› Amlodipine BesilateIstin› Amlodipine BesylateNorvasc› Amlodipine Besylate, BenazeprilLotrel› Amlodipine, CelecoxibConsensi› Ammonium ChlorideAmmonium Chloride› AprocitentanTryvio› AripiprazoleAbilify, Abilify Maintena, Abilify Mycite› Aripiprazole LauroxilAristada, Aristada Initio Kit› Arsenic Trioxide (prescription Drug)Trisenox› ArtemetherArtenam, Paluther› AsenapineSaphris, Secuado› AstemizoleHismanal› AtenololAtenix, Tenormin› Atenolol, ChlortalidoneAtenixCo, Tenoret 50, Totaretic› Atenolol, ChlorthalidoneTenoretic›
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact American Hellebore combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs American Hellebore affects

Every type of medication (drug category) American Hellebore is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories American Hellebore interacts with
Antihypertensive DrugsQt Interval-prolonging Drugs
Antihypertensive Drugs

American hellebore can have potent cardiovascular effects due to the toxic steroid ester alkaloids it contains. The alkaloids in this plant notably reduce blood pressure even in small doses. Additionally, the alkaloids can exhibit cardiac depressant, bradycardic, and sedative effects. These alkaloids inhibit the inactivation of sodium-ion channels in excitable cells, particularly those regulating cardiac activity. Furthermore, American hellebore's alkaloids induce vasodilation and block beta-adrenergic activity, potentially influencing the effectiveness or side effects of antihypertensive medications (source https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/5457326/). Patients should exercise caution and consult healthcare professionals before using American hellebore for any reason.

Likelihood Likely Evidence A
Qt Interval-Prolonging Drugs

American hellebore, also known as Veratrum viride, contains alkaloids that can potentially prolong the QT interval on an electrocardiogram (ECG). This effect is similar to that of certain medications known as QT-prolonging drugs, which can increase the risk of a serious heart rhythm disorder called torsades de pointes (source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4728534/). Combining American hellebore with other drugs that cause QT-prolongation can increase the risk of adverse effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence C
Monograph

American Hellebore: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

American Hellebore (Veratrum viride) is a highly poisonous plant whose root contains toxic alkaloids that can cause dangerous drops in heart rate and blood pressure, even in small amounts. It is not a safe self-care supplement, and any non-homeopathic product carries a serious risk of poisoning. Do not use it without medical supervision, and talk to a pharmacist or doctor before considering any product that contains it.

American Hellebore
Scientific name
Veratrum viride
Family
Melanthiaceae
Part used
Rhizome and root
Common forms
Homeopathic preparations (highly diluted); historically tinctures
People commonly use it for
  • High blood pressure
  • Slowing heart rate
  • Toxemia of pregnancy (historical)
  • Convulsions (historical)
  • Pain relief (traditional)

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallBest avoided

The plant is highly toxic and can cause life-threatening poisoning even at low doses.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically. Alkaloids American hellebore are considered toxic; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically. Alkaloids American hellebore are considered toxic; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

American Hellebore is a tall, leafy perennial plant that grows in wet meadows, swamps, and stream banks across North America. Its scientific name is Veratrum viride, and it is also called green false hellebore, Indian poke, and bugbane. The part used in traditional and homeopathic medicine is the underground rhizome and root.

Despite a long history of folk use, this plant is best known today for being poisonous. It contains powerful natural chemicals called steroidal alkaloids that can affect the heart and nervous system. Because of this danger, most modern commercial products that list American Hellebore are homeopathic, meaning the plant is diluted so much that little or none of it remains.

Uses & effectiveness

Historically, American Hellebore was used by some practitioners to lower blood pressure, slow a fast heart rate, and manage conditions such as convulsions and toxemia of pregnancy. Native American and early folk traditions also used it externally and for pain.

There is no good scientific evidence that American Hellebore is safe or effective for any of these uses. Any blood-pressure-lowering effect comes from its toxic alkaloids, which makes it far too dangerous to use as a remedy. Modern medicine has safe, well-studied drugs for these conditions instead. Homeopathic products are so diluted that they are not expected to have a meaningful effect.

How it works

The root contains a mix of steroidal alkaloids, including protoveratrines A and B, veratridine, jervine, cyclopamine, germidine, and others. These compounds act on the body's nerve and muscle cells by keeping certain sodium channels open. This can over-stimulate nerves that control the heart and blood vessels.

The main result is a sharp slowing of the heart rate and a drop in blood pressure, along with nausea and vomiting. These effects explain both its historical use for high blood pressure and its danger as a poison. Much of what we know comes from poisoning reports and laboratory study, not from controlled trials in people.

Safety & precautions

American Hellebore is highly toxic. Poisonings have happened when people mistook it for edible plants or used it in folk remedies. Even small amounts can cause serious harm, and the toxins are thought to be able to pass through unbroken skin as well as by mouth.

No one should take raw plant material, homemade tinctures, or non-homeopathic products. People with heart conditions, low blood pressure, children, and older adults are at especially high risk. Pregnant and breastfeeding people should avoid it completely, since the alkaloids can be dangerous and some related compounds are known to cause birth defects in animals.

If you suspect poisoning—such as severe vomiting, a very slow heartbeat, dizziness, or fainting after exposure—seek emergency care or contact a poison control center right away.

Side effects

Even small doses can cause nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, drooling, sweating, numbness or tingling, blurred vision, and weakness.

More serious effects can be life-threatening and include a dangerously slow heart rate, a severe drop in blood pressure, irregular heartbeats, confusion, seizures, fainting, and collapse. Because the dose that helps and the dose that harms are so close, there is no safe margin for self-treatment.

American Hellebore: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on American Hellebore from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, American hellebore is unsafe.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Burning sensation in the mouth, diarrhea, headache, nausea, vertigo, and vomiting.

Serious Adverse Effects (Rare):

Orally: Arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, and even death due to cardiac arrest or asphyxiation with high doses.

Reports by condition
Arrhythmia Cardiovascular

Orally, American hellebore can cause arrhythmias, bradycardia, hypotension, heart block, and even death due to cardiac arrest or asphyxiation.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Zagler B, Zelger A, Salvatore C, et al. Dietary poisoning with Veratrum album--a report of two cases. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2005;117:106-8.
  4. Prince, L. A. and Stork, C. M. Prolonged cardiotoxicity from poison lilly (Veratrum viride). Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 2000;42(5):282-285.
  5. ZUMOFF, B. Temporary atrioventricular conduction disturbance associated with ingestion of Veratrum viride. Am Heart J 1954;47(4):630-633.
  6. BRONSKY, D., BERNSTEIN, M., and CHESROW, E. J. Cardiac arrhythmia from Veratrum viride. Geriatrics 1957;12(6):389-393.
  7. GOURZIS, J. and BAUER, R. O. Chronic toxicity of a purified extract of Veratrum viride. Proc.Soc.Exp Biol Med 1951;76(4):767-770.
  8. NEWMAN, A. J. Intoxication with Veratrum viride. J Pediatr 1952;40(2):233-234.
  9. Assali, N. S., Brust, A. A., Garber, S. T., and Ferris, E. B. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF TETRAETHYL-AMMONIUM CHLORIDE AND VERATRUM VIRIDE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN NORMAL AND TOXEMIC PREGNANCY. J Clin Invest 1950;29(3):290-296.
  10. Jaffe, A. M., Gephardt, D., and Courtemanche, L. Poisoning due to ingestion of Veratrum viride (false hellebore). J.Emerg.Med. 1990;8(2):161-167.
  11. Komchatov, IuN and Nasirov, G. S. [Poisoning by a tincture of false hellebore]. Sud.Med.Ekspert. 1988;31(1):51-52.
  12. Crummett, D., Bronstein, D., and Weaver, Z., III. Accidental Veratrum viride poisoning in three "ramp" foragers. N.C.Med.J. 1985;46(9):469-471.
  13. Garnier, R., Carlier, P., Hoffelt, J., and Savidan, A. [Acute dietary poisoning by white hellebore (Veratrum album L.). Clinical and analytical data. A propos of 5 cases]. Ann.Med.Interne (Paris) 1985;136(2):125-128.
  14. Bechtel LK, Lawrence DT, Haverstick D, et al. Ingestion of false hellebore plants can cross-react with a digoxin clinical chemistry assay. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(5):435-42.
  15. Forrester JD, Price JH, Holstege CP. Intoxication with a ramp (Allium tricocca) mimicker. False hellebore (Veratrum viride) ingestion. Wilderness Environ Med. 2010;21(1):61-3.
Cluster headache Neurologic/CNS

Orally, American hellebore can cause depressed mental status, headache, lacrimation, salivation, dysphagia, paresthesias, vertigo, blindness, paralysis, and mild convulsions.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Zagler B, Zelger A, Salvatore C, et al. Dietary poisoning with Veratrum album--a report of two cases. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2005;117:106-8.
  4. Prince, L. A. and Stork, C. M. Prolonged cardiotoxicity from poison lilly (Veratrum viride). Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 2000;42(5):282-285.
  5. ZUMOFF, B. Temporary atrioventricular conduction disturbance associated with ingestion of Veratrum viride. Am Heart J 1954;47(4):630-633.
  6. BRONSKY, D., BERNSTEIN, M., and CHESROW, E. J. Cardiac arrhythmia from Veratrum viride. Geriatrics 1957;12(6):389-393.
  7. GOURZIS, J. and BAUER, R. O. Chronic toxicity of a purified extract of Veratrum viride. Proc.Soc.Exp Biol Med 1951;76(4):767-770.
  8. NEWMAN, A. J. Intoxication with Veratrum viride. J Pediatr 1952;40(2):233-234.
  9. Assali, N. S., Brust, A. A., Garber, S. T., and Ferris, E. B. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF TETRAETHYL-AMMONIUM CHLORIDE AND VERATRUM VIRIDE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN NORMAL AND TOXEMIC PREGNANCY. J Clin Invest 1950;29(3):290-296.
  10. Jaffe, A. M., Gephardt, D., and Courtemanche, L. Poisoning due to ingestion of Veratrum viride (false hellebore). J.Emerg.Med. 1990;8(2):161-167.
  11. Komchatov, IuN and Nasirov, G. S. [Poisoning by a tincture of false hellebore]. Sud.Med.Ekspert. 1988;31(1):51-52.
  12. Crummett, D., Bronstein, D., and Weaver, Z., III. Accidental Veratrum viride poisoning in three "ramp" foragers. N.C.Med.J. 1985;46(9):469-471.
  13. Garnier, R., Carlier, P., Hoffelt, J., and Savidan, A. [Acute dietary poisoning by white hellebore (Veratrum album L.). Clinical and analytical data. A propos of 5 cases]. Ann.Med.Interne (Paris) 1985;136(2):125-128.
  14. Bechtel LK, Lawrence DT, Haverstick D, et al. Ingestion of false hellebore plants can cross-react with a digoxin clinical chemistry assay. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(5):435-42.
  15. Forrester JD, Price JH, Holstege CP. Intoxication with a ramp (Allium tricocca) mimicker. False hellebore (Veratrum viride) ingestion. Wilderness Environ Med. 2010;21(1):61-3.
Diarrhea Gastrointestinal

Orally, American hellebore can cause burning sensations of the mouth and pharynx, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Zagler B, Zelger A, Salvatore C, et al. Dietary poisoning with Veratrum album--a report of two cases. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2005;117:106-8.
  4. Prince, L. A. and Stork, C. M. Prolonged cardiotoxicity from poison lilly (Veratrum viride). Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 2000;42(5):282-285.
  5. ZUMOFF, B. Temporary atrioventricular conduction disturbance associated with ingestion of Veratrum viride. Am Heart J 1954;47(4):630-633.
  6. BRONSKY, D., BERNSTEIN, M., and CHESROW, E. J. Cardiac arrhythmia from Veratrum viride. Geriatrics 1957;12(6):389-393.
  7. GOURZIS, J. and BAUER, R. O. Chronic toxicity of a purified extract of Veratrum viride. Proc.Soc.Exp Biol Med 1951;76(4):767-770.
  8. NEWMAN, A. J. Intoxication with Veratrum viride. J Pediatr 1952;40(2):233-234.
  9. Assali, N. S., Brust, A. A., Garber, S. T., and Ferris, E. B. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF TETRAETHYL-AMMONIUM CHLORIDE AND VERATRUM VIRIDE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN NORMAL AND TOXEMIC PREGNANCY. J Clin Invest 1950;29(3):290-296.
  10. Jaffe, A. M., Gephardt, D., and Courtemanche, L. Poisoning due to ingestion of Veratrum viride (false hellebore). J.Emerg.Med. 1990;8(2):161-167.
  11. Komchatov, IuN and Nasirov, G. S. [Poisoning by a tincture of false hellebore]. Sud.Med.Ekspert. 1988;31(1):51-52.
  12. Crummett, D., Bronstein, D., and Weaver, Z., III. Accidental Veratrum viride poisoning in three "ramp" foragers. N.C.Med.J. 1985;46(9):469-471.
  13. Garnier, R., Carlier, P., Hoffelt, J., and Savidan, A. [Acute dietary poisoning by white hellebore (Veratrum album L.). Clinical and analytical data. A propos of 5 cases]. Ann.Med.Interne (Paris) 1985;136(2):125-128.
  14. Bechtel LK, Lawrence DT, Haverstick D, et al. Ingestion of false hellebore plants can cross-react with a digoxin clinical chemistry assay. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(5):435-42.
  15. Forrester JD, Price JH, Holstege CP. Intoxication with a ramp (Allium tricocca) mimicker. False hellebore (Veratrum viride) ingestion. Wilderness Environ Med. 2010;21(1):61-3.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no established safe dose of American Hellebore for self-care. Historically it was given only by trained practitioners using carefully measured tinctures, and even then poisonings occurred.

The only products generally found today are homeopathic, which are extremely diluted. If you are considering any product that lists this plant, read the label closely and check with a pharmacist or doctor first. Never make or take a preparation from the raw plant.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

American Hellebore & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically. Alkaloids American hellebore are considered toxic; avoid using.

American Hellebore & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

LIKELY UNSAFE ...when used orally or topically. Alkaloids American hellebore are considered toxic; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 15 references that drive our American Hellebore monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1997.
  2. Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
  3. Zagler B, Zelger A, Salvatore C, et al. Dietary poisoning with Veratrum album--a report of two cases. Wien Klin Wochenschr 2005;117:106-8. PubMed
  4. Prince, L. A. and Stork, C. M. Prolonged cardiotoxicity from poison lilly (Veratrum viride). Vet.Hum.Toxicol. 2000;42(5):282-285.
  5. ZUMOFF, B. Temporary atrioventricular conduction disturbance associated with ingestion of Veratrum viride. Am Heart J 1954;47(4):630-633. PubMed
  6. BRONSKY, D., BERNSTEIN, M., and CHESROW, E. J. Cardiac arrhythmia from Veratrum viride. Geriatrics 1957;12(6):389-393.
  7. GOURZIS, J. and BAUER, R. O. Chronic toxicity of a purified extract of Veratrum viride. Proc.Soc.Exp Biol Med 1951;76(4):767-770. DOI
  8. NEWMAN, A. J. Intoxication with Veratrum viride. J Pediatr 1952;40(2):233-234. PubMed
  9. Assali, N. S., Brust, A. A., Garber, S. T., and Ferris, E. B. COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE EFFECTS OF TETRAETHYL-AMMONIUM CHLORIDE AND VERATRUM VIRIDE ON BLOOD PRESSURE IN NORMAL AND TOXEMIC PREGNANCY. J Clin Invest 1950;29(3):290-296. PubMed
  10. Jaffe, A. M., Gephardt, D., and Courtemanche, L. Poisoning due to ingestion of Veratrum viride (false hellebore). J.Emerg.Med. 1990;8(2):161-167. PubMed
  11. Komchatov, IuN and Nasirov, G. S. [Poisoning by a tincture of false hellebore]. Sud.Med.Ekspert. 1988;31(1):51-52.
  12. Crummett, D., Bronstein, D., and Weaver, Z., III. Accidental Veratrum viride poisoning in three "ramp" foragers. N.C.Med.J. 1985;46(9):469-471.
  13. Garnier, R., Carlier, P., Hoffelt, J., and Savidan, A. [Acute dietary poisoning by white hellebore (Veratrum album L.). Clinical and analytical data. A propos of 5 cases]. Ann.Med.Interne (Paris) 1985;136(2):125-128.
  14. Bechtel LK, Lawrence DT, Haverstick D, et al. Ingestion of false hellebore plants can cross-react with a digoxin clinical chemistry assay. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(5):435-42. PubMed
  15. Forrester JD, Price JH, Holstege CP. Intoxication with a ramp (Allium tricocca) mimicker. False hellebore (Veratrum viride) ingestion. Wilderness Environ Med. 2010;21(1):61-3.
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

American Hellebore: Common Questions

Does American Hellebore interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 328 medications with a known interaction with American Hellebore, including 328 rated major. Use the checker above to see how American Hellebore interacts with a specific drug.
How are American Hellebore interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take American Hellebore with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this American Hellebore interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
Is American Hellebore safe to take as a supplement?
No. The plant is highly poisonous and can cause a dangerously slow heart rate and low blood pressure even in small amounts. It should not be used as a self-care supplement.
Why is it found in homeopathic products if it's poisonous?
Homeopathic products dilute the plant so much that little or none of the original material remains, which is why they are not expected to cause poisoning. They are also not expected to have a meaningful medical effect.
Can I use it during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
No. American Hellebore should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding because its toxic alkaloids can be harmful, and some related compounds cause birth defects in animals.
What should I do if I think I've been poisoned by this plant?
Seek emergency medical care or call your local poison control center right away, especially if you have severe vomiting, dizziness, a slow heartbeat, or fainting after exposure.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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