False Unicorn
OTHER NAME(S): Alétris, Blazing Star, Chamaelire Doré, Devil's Bit, Fairywand, False Unicorn Root, Helonias, Plante Étoilée, Starwort, Chamaelirium luteum, Chamaelirium carolianum, Helonias dioica, Helonias lutea, Veratrum luteum, Fairy Wand, Star Wort, Unicornio Falso, Fausse Licorne
Overview
False unicorn is an herb. The underground stem (rhizome) and root are used to make medicine.
Women use false unicorn for treating ovarian cysts, menstrual problems, menopausal symptoms, vomiting from pregnancy, and infertility. Some women take it to normalize hormones after discontinuing birth control pills.
False unicorn is also used to treat digestive problems and to relieve water retention by increasing urine flow. Some people also use it to rid the intestines of worms.
False unicorn might contain chemicals that stimulate the uterus and kill intestinal worms. It might also increase the production of urine.
False unicorn might contain chemicals that stimulate the uterus and kill intestinal worms. It might also increase the production of urine.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Ovarian cysts.
- Menstrual problems.
- Symptoms of menopause.
- Vomiting associated with pregnancy.
- Infertility.
- Digestive problems.
- Water retention.
- Intestinal worms.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of false unicorn for these uses.
Precautions
There is not enough information to know if false unicorn is safe when used as a medicine. Large doses can cause nausea and vomiting.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's UNSAFE to use false unicorn if you are pregnant. It might cause uterine contractions and threaten the pregnancy.
Not enough is known about the safety of using false unicorn during breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Stomach or intestinal disorders (gastrointestinal disorders): False unicorn can irritate the stomach and intestines. Don't use it if you have any problems with your stomach or intestines.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Lithium interacts with False UnicornFalse unicorn might have an effect like a water pill or "diuretic." Taking false unicorn might decrease how well the body gets rid of lithium. This could increase how much lithium is in the body and result in serious side effects. Talk with your healthcare provider before using this product if you are taking lithium. Your lithium dose might need to be changed.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) substrates) interacts with False UnicornSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. False unicorn might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking false unicorn along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking false unicorn, talk to your healthcare provider if you take any medications that are changed by the liver. Some medications that are changed by the liver include amitriptyline (Elavil), clozapine (Clozaril), codeine, desipramine (Norpramin), donepezil (Aricept), fentanyl (Duragesic), flecainide (Tambocor), fluoxetine (Prozac), meperidine (Demerol), methadone (Dolophine), metoprolol (Lopressor, Toprol XL), olanzapine (Zyprexa), ondansetron (Zofran), tramadol (Ultram), trazodone (Desyrel), and others.
- Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with False UnicornSome medications are changed and broken down by the liver. False unicorn might decrease how quickly the liver breaks down some medications. Taking false unicorn along with some medications that are changed by the liver might increase the effects and side effects of your medication. Before taking false unicorn talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking any medications that are changed by the liver. Some medications changed by the liver include lovastatin (Mevacor), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), fexofenadine (Allegra), triazolam (Halcion), and many others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of false unicorn depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for false unicorn. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Challinor VL, Stuthe JM, Parsons PG, et al. Structure and bioactivity of steroidal saponins isolated from the roots of Chamaelirium luteum (false unicorn). J Nat Prod. 2012;75(8):1469-79.
- Yokosuka A, Takagi K, Mimaki Y. New cholestane glycosides and sterols from the underground parts of Chamaelirium luteum and their cytotoxic activity. J Nat Med. 2013;67(3):590-8.
- Ho SH, Singh M, Holloway AC, Crankshaw DJ. The effects of commercial preparations of herbal supplements commonly used by women on the biotransformation of fluorogenic substrates by human cytochromes P450. Phytother Res. 2011;25(7):983-9.