Sanguinaria canadensis: Blood root

Family

Papaveraceae

Common Names

Blood root, red puccoon.

Plant Description

A genus with one species, Sanguinaria canadensis is a springtime perennial native to Eastern North America. The leaves arise from a thick, branching, rhizomatous root that contains a red sap that gives the plant its common name. Leaves are kidney or heart shaped, bluish-green, with 5 - 7 lobes with crenate edges. The white to pink flowers have 2 sepals and 6 - 12 unequal, oblong petals with numerous stamens (Fig. 349, Fig. 350 and Fig. 351). The fruit is a capsule that dehisces from the base.

Figure 349. Sanguinaria canadensis leaves.

Figure 350. Sanguinaria canadensis flowers.

Figure 351. Sanguinaria canadensis "grandi flora".

Toxic Principle and Mechanism of Action

Sanguinarine and other protoberberine and benzophenanthridine alkaloids are present in the plant and root [1]. These alkaloids are found in other members of the Papaveraceae including the Papaver spp. (poppies), Argemone spp. (Mexican or prickly poppy), Chelidonium majus (celandine), Eschscholzia spp. (California poppy), Glaucium spp. (horned poppy), and Stylophorum spp. (celandine poppy) [1]. Controversy exists as to the toxicity of Sanguinaria as it has been used as a medicinal compound [2]. The plant has antibacterial, antitumor, and cytotoxic effects. Because of its antibacterial properties, sanguinarine has been incorporated in some commercial tooth paste products.

Risk Assessment

There is minimal risk of poisoning of pets or children from blood root unless they gain access to the roots and are attracted by the red sap. No cases of animal poisoning have been recently documented.

Clinical Signs

Depending on the quantity of the plant or root eaten, clinical signs may include vomiting, abdominal pain, weakness, thirst, and collapse. Depending upon the severity of signs, supportive treatment may be necessary.