Asarabacca
OTHER NAME(S): Asara, Asarabácara, Asaret du Caucase, Asaret d'Europe, Asari Herba, Asari Herba cum Radice, Ásaro Europeo, Asaroun, Asarum, Azarum, Cabaret, European Wild Ginger, False Coltsfoot, Gingembre Rouge, Gingembre Sauvage, Hazelwort, Nard Sauvage, Oreille d'Homme, Public House Plant, Rondelle, Snakeroot, Wild Ginger, Wild Nard, Wild Spikenard, Asarum europaeum, Ásaro europeo, Asaret D’europe
Overview
Asarabacca is a type of evergreen plant. It grows in Europe and parts of Asia. The root is used to make medicine.
People use asarabacca for conditions such as bronchitis, other lung infections, chest pain (angina), and many others, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse asarabacca with bitter milkwort or senega. All three are sometimes called "snakeroot." Also, don't confuse asarabacca with coltsfoot or ginger.
The chemicals in asarabacca may have an effect on the lungs. Other chemicals in asarabacca might cause vomiting.
The chemicals in asarabacca may have an effect on the lungs. Other chemicals in asarabacca might cause vomiting.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Asthma.
- Chest pain (angina).
- Cough.
- Pneumonia.
- Migraine headaches.
- Dehydration.
- Liver diseases.
- Bronchitis.
- Causing vomiting.
- Starting the menstrual period.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Asarabacca for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Asarabacca that is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is POSSIBLY SAFE when used short-term. But asarabacca is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts or for longer durations. Large amount of asarabacca, even that which is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free," may cause nausea, vomiting, burning of the tongue, diarrhea, rash, and paralysis. Asarabacca that is not verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is UNSAFE when taken by mouth for any length of time. Aristolochic acid can damage the kidney or cause cancer.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Asarabacca that is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is POSSIBLY SAFE when used short-term. But asarabacca is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts or for longer durations. Large amount of asarabacca, even that which is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free," may cause nausea, vomiting, burning of the tongue, diarrhea, rash, and paralysis. Asarabacca that is not verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is UNSAFE when taken by mouth for any length of time. Aristolochic acid can damage the kidney or cause cancer.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to take asarabacca if you are pregnant. It might start your period or cause the uterus to contract. These effects might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.
There isn't enough reliable information to know if asarabacca is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Stomach or intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Asarabacca can irritate the GI tract. Don't use it if you have ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn disease.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Asarabacca overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of asarabacca 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 asarabacca. 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
- 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.
- 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.
- Lewis CJ, Alpert S. Letter to health care professionals -- FDA concerned about botanical products, including dietary supplements, containing aristolochic acid. Office of Nutritional Products, Labeling, Dietary Supplements. Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition. May 31, 2000.
- Barringer K. New Combinations in North American Asarum (Aristolochiaceae). Novon. 1993;3(3):225-227.