Scarlet Pimpernel
OTHER NAME(S): Adder's Eyes, Miroir du Temps, Mouron des Champs, Morgeline, Murajes, Pasmobelarra, Poor Man's Weatherglass, Red Chickweed, Red Pimpernel, Shepherd's Barometer, Anagallis arvensis, Hierba Coral, Mouron Rouge
Overview
Scarlet pimpernel is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used as medicine.
Despite serious safety concerns, scarlet pimpernel is used for wound healing, infections, joint pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Depression.
- Liver disorders.
- Herpes.
- Cancer.
- Kidney disorders.
- Infections.
- Wound healings, when applied to the skin.
- Itching, when applied to the skin.
- Painful joints, when taken by mouth or applied to the skin.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of scarlet pimpernel for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Scarlet pimpernel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses or long-term. It can cause swelling (inflammation) of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys. There isn't enough reliable information to know if scarlet pimpernel is safe for short-term use.
When applied to the skin: Scarlet pimpernel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin, long-term. There isn't enough reliable information to know if scarlet pimpernel is safe for short-term use.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Scarlet pimpernel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses or long-term. It can cause swelling (inflammation) of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys. There isn't enough reliable information to know if scarlet pimpernel is safe for short-term use.
When applied to the skin: Scarlet pimpernel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin, long-term. There isn't enough reliable information to know if scarlet pimpernel is safe for short-term use.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use scarlet pimpernel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might make the uterus contract. This could cause a miscarriage. Long-term use or high doses can also lead to swelling of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys. Stay on the safe side and avoid using scarlet pimpernel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.
Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Scarlet pimpernel might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use scarlet pimpernel.
Difficulty conceiving a child (infertility): Scarlet pimpernel might harm sperm. If you are a woman trying to conceive a child or a man trying to father a child, don't use scarlet pimpernel.
Interactions
We currently have no information for Scarlet Pimpernel overview.
Dosing
The appropriate dose of scarlet pimpernel 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 scarlet pimpernel. 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
- Gruenwald J, Brendler T, Jaenicke C. PDR for Herbal Medicines. 1st ed. Montvale, NJ: Medical Economics Company, Inc., 1998.
- López V, Jäger AK, Akerreta S, Cavero RY, Calvo MI. Pharmacological properties of Anagallis arvensis L. ("scarlet pimpernel") and Anagallis foemina Mill. ("blue pimpernel") traditionally used as wound healing remedies in Navarra (Spain). J Ethnopharmacol 2011;134(3):1014-7.
- Soberón JR, Sgariglia MA, Pastoriza AC, et al. Antifungal activity and cytotoxicity of extracts and triterpenoid saponins obtained from the aerial parts of Anagallis arvensis L. J Ethnopharmacol 2017;203:233-240.
- Shabbir U, Anjum I, Naveed Mushtaq M, et al. Uroprotective and hepatoprotective potential of Anagallis arvensis against the experimental animal model. J Trop Med. 2022 Sep 26;2022:7241121.
- Saleem H, Zengin G, Ahmad I, et al. Therapeutic propensities, phytochemical composition, and toxicological evaluation of Anagallis arvensis (L.): A wild edible medicinal food plant. Food Res Int. 2020 Nov;137:109651.