White Hellebore
OTHER NAME(S): Ballestera, Ballestera Blanca, Ellébore Blanc, European Hellebore, European White Hellebore, Hellébore Blanc, Hierba de Ballesteros, Langwort, Rizoma de Veratro, Surbia, Varaire, Varaire Blanc, Vedegambre, Vératre Blanc, White Hellibore, Veratrum album, Veratrum lobelianum, Eléboro Blanco, Vérâtre blanc
Overview
White hellebore (Veratrum album) is a plant with green-yellow flowers that grows up to 5 feet tall. All parts of the plant are poisonous.
White hellebore contains several toxic chemicals that can cause slow heart rate, low blood pressure, paralysis, and seizures.
Despite serious safety concerns, people use white hellebore in homeopathic products, but there is no good scientific evidence to support any use.
Don't confuse white hellebore with American hellebore, black hellebore, or pheasant's eye. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for White Hellebore overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: White hellebore is likely unsafe. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause vomiting, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, blindness, loss of consciousness, paralysis, seizures, and death.
When applied to the skin: White hellebore is likely unsafe. The poisonous chemicals in white hellebore can be absorbed through the skin.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: White hellebore is likely unsafe. All parts of the plant are poisonous and can cause vomiting, slow heart rate, low blood pressure, difficulty breathing, blindness, loss of consciousness, paralysis, seizures, and death.
When applied to the skin: White hellebore is likely unsafe. The poisonous chemicals in white hellebore can be absorbed through the skin.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: White hellebore is likely unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while pregnant or breast-feeding. In addition to being poisonous, white hellebore might also cause birth defects. Avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for White Hellebore overview.
Dosing
All parts of the white hellebore plant are considered poisonous. Speak with a healthcare provider before using any products containing white hellebore.
References
- The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St. Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
- Robbers JE, Speedie MK, Tyler VE. Pharmacognosy and Pharmacobiotechnology. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Jaspersen-Schib R, Theus L, Guirguis-Oeschger M, et al. [Serious plant poisonings in Switzerland 1966-1994. Case analysis from the Swiss Toxicology Information Center]. Schweiz Med Wochenschr 1996;126:1085-98.
- Grobosch T, Binscheck T, Martens F, Lampe D. Accidental intoxication with Veratrum album. J Anal Toxicol. 2008;32(9):768-73.
- Rauber-Lüthy C, Halbsguth U, Kupferschmidt H, et al. Low-dose exposure to Veratrum album in children causes mild effects--a case series. Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(3):234-7.
- Gilotta I, Brvar M. Accidental poisoning with Veratrum album mistaken for wild garlic (Allium ursinum). Clin Toxicol (Phila). 2010;48(9):949-52.
- Melnik EV, Belova MV, Potskhveriya MM, Simonova AY, Tyurin IA, Ramenskaya GV. Veratrum alkaloid determination in four cases of Veratrum aqua poisonings. J Anal Toxicol 2022;46(1):e42-e47.
- Taldaev A, Terekhov RP, Melnik EV, et al. Insights into the Cardiotoxic Effects of Veratrum Lobelianum Alkaloids: Pilot Study. Toxins (Basel) 2022;14(7):490.