PDR for Herbal Medicines

HERBAL MONOGRAPHS BLACK HELLEBORE/97

Jarboe CH et al., (1969) J Org Chem 34: 4202.

Jensen SR et al., PH 24:487. 1985.

Further information in:

Fenaroli's Handbook of Flavor Ingredients, Vol. 1, 2nd Ed.,

0 CRC Press 1975.

Kern W, List PH, Horhammer L (Hrsg.), Hagers Handbuch der

Pharmazeutischen Praxis. 4. Aufl., Bde. 1-8: Springer Verlag

Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1969.

Roth L, Daunderer M, Kormann K, Giftpflanzen, Pflanzengifte,

4. Aufl., Ecomed Fachverlag Landsberg Lech 1993.
   Wichtl M (Hrsg.). Teedrogen. 4. Aufl., Wiss. Verlagsges.
   Stuttgart 1997.

Black Hellebore

Helleborus niger

DESCRIPTION

Medicinal Parts: The medicinal parts of the plant are the

dried rhizome with or without roots and the fresh under-

£p ground parts.

Flower and Fruit: The flower is white with a greenish

margin, reddish on the outside. It is hanging and splayed.

There are 5 broadly ovate, campanualate bracts with red-

brown borders, which tend toward each other. The petals are

altered to nectaries. There are numerous yellow stamens. The

fruit is a pod-like, many-seeded follicle with a curved beak

and horizontal stripes. The seeds are matte black, ovate and

have a long swelling on them.

Leaves, Stem and Root: The plant is a perennial subshrub up

to 50 cm high. The stem is erect, glabrous, branched, woody

at the base and almost leafless. The basal leaves are long-

petioled, thickish, coriaceous, glabrous, dark green above

with a lighter underside.

Characteristics: The plant is poisonous; rhizome is black-

brown.

Habitat: The plant is indigenous to the forests of southern
and central Europe.
#.
m Production: Black Hellebore root is the root of Helleborus

niger.

Not to be Confused With: Helleborus foetidus, Helleborus

niger and Helleborus viridis are different plants widn

different active compounds. They may be confused with the

subterranean parts of Trollius eurpaeus, Aconitum napellus,

Astrantia major, Actaea spicata and Adonis vernalis.

Other Names: Christe Herbe, Christmas Rose, Melampode

ACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY

COMPOUNDS: HELLEBORUS FOETIDUS

Steroid saponins: mixture known as helleborin

COMPOUNDS: HELLEBORUS NIGER

Steroid saponins: mixture known as helleborin

Cardioactive steroid glycosides (bufadienolide): including

hellebrin, deglucohellebrin (only traces)

Alkaloids: celliamine, sprintillamine

COMPOUNDS: HELLEBORUS VIRIDIS

Steroid saponins: mixture known as helleborin

Cardioactive steroid glycosides (bufadienolide): including

hellebrin, deglucohellebrin

Alkaloids: celliamine, sprintillamine, sprintillin

EFFECTS: ALL SPECIES

The plant is said to have a typical saponin effect (irritates

mucous membranes) and is in general extremely toxic.

Note that other varieties of Helleborus also contain hellebrin

with a digitalis-like effect.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

Unproven Uses: In folk medicine, Black Hellebore is used as

a laxative, for nausea, worm infestation, to regulate menstru-

ation and as an abortifacient, as well as for acute nephritis.

Also used in the treatment of head colds.

Homeopathic Uses: Used to treat acute diarrhea, encephali-

tis, cephalitis, kidney inflammation and states of confusion.

PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS

General: The mucous membrane-irritating saponin effect of

the drug is the chief focus in cases of poisoning. Symptoms

include scratchy feeling in mouth and throat, salivation,

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, shortness of breath,

possible spasm and asphyxiation. Disorders of cardiac

function (cardiac arrhythmias are to be expected with large

intakes of the rhizome of Helleborus viridis). Poisonings are

recorded among the animals that feed on the plant. Follow-

ing stomach and intestinal emptying (gastric lavage, sodium

sulfate) and the administration ofractivated charcoal, therapy

for poisonings consists of diazepam for spasm and electro-

lyte replenishment and sodium bicarbonate infusions for any

acidosis that may arise. Intubation and oxygen respiration

may also be necessary.

Pregnancy: In folk medicine, Black Hellebore is used as an

abortifacient.

DOSAGE

Mode of Administration: Black Hellebore is obsolete and

dangerous as a drug in allopathic doses.