Overview

Asarabacca is a type of evergreen plant. It grows in Europe and parts of Asia. The root is used to make medicine.

People use asarabacca for conditions such as bronchitis, other lung infections, chest pain (angina), and many others, but there's no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse asarabacca with bitter milkwort or senega. All three are sometimes called "snakeroot." Also, don't confuse asarabacca with coltsfoot or ginger.

How does it work ?

The chemicals in asarabacca may have an effect on the lungs. Other chemicals in asarabacca might cause vomiting.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Insufficient Evidence for

More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Asarabacca for these uses.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Asarabacca that is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is POSSIBLY SAFE when used short-term. But asarabacca is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts or for longer durations. Large amount of asarabacca, even that which is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free," may cause nausea, vomiting, burning of the tongue, diarrhea, rash, and paralysis. Asarabacca that is not verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is UNSAFE when taken by mouth for any length of time. Aristolochic acid can damage the kidney or cause cancer.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Asarabacca that is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is POSSIBLY SAFE when used short-term. But asarabacca is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in large amounts or for longer durations. Large amount of asarabacca, even that which is verified as being "aristolochic acid-free," may cause nausea, vomiting, burning of the tongue, diarrhea, rash, and paralysis. Asarabacca that is not verified as being "aristolochic acid-free" is UNSAFE when taken by mouth for any length of time. Aristolochic acid can damage the kidney or cause cancer. Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It is LIKELY UNSAFE to take asarabacca if you are pregnant. It might start your period or cause the uterus to contract. These effects might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.

There isn't enough reliable information to know if asarabacca is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Stomach or intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) problems: Asarabacca can irritate the GI tract. Don't use it if you have ulcers, inflammatory bowel disease, or Crohn disease.

Interactions ?

We currently have no information for ASARABACCA overview.

Dosing

The appropriate dose of asarabacca 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 asarabacca. 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.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is provided by Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Consumer Version. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
© Therapeutic Research Faculty 2020.