Bloodroot - Sanguinaria canadensis
Bloodroot, Sanguinaria canadensis, is a flowering herbaceous plant native to the Northeastern United States. It tends to grow in old-growth areas with moist, but well-drained soil and part shade. It is protected in some states so take care if you harvest.
The red rhizome can be used to make a dye. Indigenous Americans used it as an emetic, for gastrointestinal issues, for tuberculosis, skin wounds and rashes.4 It contains alkaloids that are anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory. It is a vasodilator and has been used for high blood pressure.
Studies have shown that the sanguinaria component does display activity against cancer cells by regulating cell growth, preventing growth of tumor-feeding blood vessels, and suppressing certain gene expressions.1 Bloodroot is sometimes used topically for skin cancer however it does not distinguish between normal cells and cancer cells so it can cause tissue destruction and necrosis.2 Caution is warranted if using this topically.
Bloodroot, with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, has been used in dentistry to treat periodontal disease.3 It is active against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Mycobacterium aurum. It is antiparasitic and active against schistosomiasis, and Strongyloides stercoralis. It is antiviral against Parainfluenza Virus-3. It is antifungal against Candida albicans.4