False Unicorn Root (Herb/Suppl)

Brand and Other Names:blazing star root, chamaelirium luteum, more...devil's bit, helonias, starwort, veratrum luteum

Suggested Dosing

Dried rhizome & roots: 1-2 g decocted in a cup of water PO TID

Liquid Extract (1:1 in 45% alcohol) 1-2 mL TID

Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 2-5 mL TID

Capsules: comes in different strengths, follow mfr's instructions

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Suggested Uses

Amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, threatened miscarriage due to uterine atony, vomiting in pregnancy, intestinal worms

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Adverse Effects

None reported

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Warnings

Contraindications

May be advisable to avoid in pregnancy & breastfeeding or used only under physician's supervision

Cautions

Sometimes confused with Aletris farinosa, or true unicorn root

High doses may cause nausea & vomiting

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Pregnancy & Lactation

Pregnancy Category: not known, consult physician

Lactation: not known, consult physician

Pregnancy Categories

A: Generally acceptable. Controlled studies in pregnant women show no evidence of fetal risk.

B: May be acceptable. Either animal studies show no risk but human studies not available or animal studies showed minor risks and human studies done and showed no risk.

C: Use with caution if benefits outweigh risks. Animal studies show risk and human studies not available or neither animal nor human studies done.

D: Use in LIFE-THREATENING emergencies when no safer drug available. Positive evidence of human fetal risk.

X: Do not use in pregnancy. Risks involved outweigh potential benefits. Safer alternatives exist.

NA: Information not available.

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Pharmacology

Metabolism: N/A

Excretion: N/A

Mechanism of Action

Contains steroidal saponins, incl chaemelirin

Efficacy: unconfirmed

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Medscape prescription drug monographs are based on FDA-approved labeling information, unless otherwise noted, combined with additional data derived from primary medical literature.