Liverwort
OTHER NAME(S): American Liverleaf, Anémone à Lobes Aigus, Anémone d'Amérique, Bryopsidée, Hepatici Noblis Herba, Hépatique d'Amérique, Hépatique à Lobes Aigus, Herb Trinity, Kidney Wort, Leberbluemchenkraut, Liverleaf, Liverweed, Liverwort-Leaf, Round-Leaved Hepatica, Round-Lobe Hepatica, Sharp-Lobe Hepatica, Trefoil, Anemone acutiloba, Hepatica nobilis var. acuta, Anemone americana, Hepatica nobilis var. obtusa, Anemone hepatica, Hepática, Anémone Hépatique
Overview
Liverwort (Anemone acutiloba) is a plant native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The fresh or dried above ground plant parts are used as medicine.
Liverwort contains a chemical called ranunculin, which converts to toxic chemicals in the body.
People sometimes use liverwort for disorders affecting bile flow in the liver, hemorrhoids, liver disease, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using liverwort can also be unsafe.
Liverwort is sometimes called trefoil. Don't confuse liverwort with red clover, which is also called trefoil. These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for Liverwort overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Fresh liverwort is likely unsafe. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach irritation, and kidney and urinary tract irritation. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dried liverwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Fresh liverwort is likely unsafe. It can cause irritation, itching, and pus-filled blisters. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dried liverwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Fresh liverwort is likely unsafe. Side effects include diarrhea, stomach irritation, and kidney and urinary tract irritation. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dried liverwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
When applied to the skin: Fresh liverwort is likely unsafe. It can cause irritation, itching, and pus-filled blisters. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dried liverwort is safe or what the side effects might be.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Fresh liverwort is likely unsafe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin during pregnancy or breast-feeding. There isn't enough reliable information to know if dried liverwort is safe or what the side effects might be. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Liverwort overview.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of liverwort might be. Liverwort might also be unsafe. Speak with a healthcare provider before use.
References
- Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston, MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- Storrs, F. J., Mitchell, J. C., and Rasmussen, J. E. Contact hypersensitivity to liverwort and the compositae family of plants. Cutis 1976;18(5):681-686.
- Tamehiro, N., Sato, Y., Suzuki, T., Hashimoto, T., Asakawa, Y., Yokoyama, S., Kawanishi, T., Ohno, Y., Inoue, K., Nagao, T., and Nishimaki-Mogami, T. Riccardin C: a natural product that functions as a liver X receptor (LXR)alpha agonist and an LXRbeta antagonist. FEBS Lett 10-10-2005;579(24):5299-5304.