Given its name, it is no surprise that the bloodroot rhizome is used for extraction of its active principles. Bloodroot characteristically contains the isoquinoline alkaloids– chiefly sanguinarine, but also chelerythrine, oxysanguinarine, berberine, coptisine, and homochelidine. The rhizome also contains the opiate alkaloids protopine, alpha- and beta-allocryptopine.(3) These alkaloids have antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antihistaminic, cardiotonic, and antiplaque activity (by binding to dental plaque). No pharmacokinetic studies are available. A short-term toxicity study of sanguinarine showed an acute LD50 of 1658mg/kg in rats. The acute dermal LD50 was >200mg/kg.(4)


Herbal Properties: expectorant, antispasmodic, emetic, cathartic, nervine, escharotic, stimulant, alterative, antibiotic, diuretic, febrifuge, and sedative.(5-7)