Black Hellebore
OTHER NAME(S): Christe Herbe, Christmas Rose, Christmas Rose Plant, Eléboro Negro, Ellébore Noir, Hellébore Noir, Herbe aux Fous, Melampode, Rose de Carême, Rose de Noël, Rose Noire, Helleborus niger, Eléboro negro, Ellébore noir
Overview
Black hellebore is a plant. The leaves, root, and underground stem (rhizome) are used to make medicine. Be careful not to confuse black hellebore with white hellebore.
People use black hellebore for conditions such as cancer, nausea, worms, irregular periods, and many others, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. Using black hellebore is also unsafe.
There isn't enough information to know how black hellebore might work for medicinal uses.
There isn't enough information to know how black hellebore might work for medicinal uses.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Causing miscarriage in pregnancy.
- Colds.
- Constipation.
- Irregular menstrual periods.
- Kidney infections.
- Nausea.
- Worms.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of black hellebore for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Black hellebore is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It contains chemicals similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin) that can cause a dangerously irregular heartbeat. Black hellebore can also cause a scratchy throat or mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and problems breathing.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Black hellebore is LIKELY UNSAFE when taken by mouth. It contains chemicals similar to the prescription drug digoxin (Lanoxin) that can cause a dangerously irregular heartbeat. Black hellebore can also cause a scratchy throat or mouth, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, and problems breathing.
While black hellebore is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to use, some people are especially sensitive to its harmful effects. Be particularly careful not to use black hellebore if you have one of the following conditions:
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use black hellebore if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might cause a dangerously irregular heartbeat. It might also cause a miscarriage.
Disorders of the stomach and intestines: It's UNSAFE to use black hellebore if you have a disorder affecting your digestive system.
Heart disease: It's UNSAFE to use black hellebore if you have a heart condition. It might make your heart condition worse.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Antibiotics (Macrolide antibiotics) interacts with Black HelleboreBlack hellebore can affect the heart. Some antibiotics might increase how much black hellebore the body absorbs. Taking black hellebore along with some antibiotics might increase the effects and side effects of black hellebore. Some of these antibiotics, called macrolide antibiotics, include erythromycin, azithromycin, and clarithromycin.
- Antibiotics (Tetracycline antibiotics) interacts with Black HelleboreTaking antibiotics along with black hellebore might increase the chance of side effects from black hellebore. Some antibiotics that interact with black hellebore include demeclocycline (Declomycin), minocycline (Minocin), and tetracycline (Achromycin).
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Black HelleboreDigoxin (Lanoxin) helps the heart beat more strongly. Black hellebore also seems to affect the heart. Taking black hellebore along with digoxin can increase the effects and the risk of side effects of digoxin and black hellebore. Do not take black hellebore if you are taking digoxin (Lanoxin) without talking to your healthcare professional.
- Quinine interacts with Black HelleboreBlack hellebore can affect the heart. Quinine can also affect the heart. Taking quinine along with black hellebore might cause serious heart problems.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with Black HelleboreBlack hellebore can affect the heart. The heart uses potassium. Laxatives called stimulant laxatives can decrease potassium levels in the body. Low potassium levels can increase the chance of side effects from black hellebore. Some stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot), and others.
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with Black HelleboreBlack hellebore might affect the heart. "Water pills" can decrease potassium in the body. Low potassium levels can also affect the heart and increase the risk of side effects from black hellebore. Some "water pills" that can deplete potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of black hellebore 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 black hellebore. 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
- Tyler VE. Herbs of Choice. Binghamton, NY: Pharmaceutical Products Press, 1994.
- Ellenhorn MJ, et al. Ellenhorn's Medical Toxicology: Diagnoses and Treatment of Human Poisoning. 2nd ed. Baltimore, MD: Williams & Wilkins, 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.
- Burnham TH, ed. Drug Facts and Comparisons, Updated Monthly. Facts and Comparisons, St. Louis, MO.
- Foster S, Tyler VE. Tyler's Honest Herbal, 4th ed., Binghamton, NY: Haworth Herbal Press, 1999.
- Kumar VK, Lalitha KG. Pharmacognostical and phytochemical studies of Helleborus niger L Root. Anc Sci Life. 2017;36(3):151-158.
- Felenda JE, Turek C, Mörbt N, Herrick A, Müller MB, Stintzing FC. Preclinical evaluation of safety and potential of black hellebore extracts for cancer treatment. BMC Complement Altern Med. 2019;19(1):105.