Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Snakeroot is a common name that can refer to several different plants, including Rauwolfia serpentina (Indian snakeroot), Aristolochia serpentaria (Virginia snakeroot), and others. Across various traditional medical systems, especially Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine, preparations of snakeroot have been used for a range of ailments, including liver disorders such as jaundice. The rationale in these traditions is based on experiential use and the "detoxifying" or "cooling" properties ascribed to the plant. However, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence supporting the efficacy of any snakeroot species in the treatment of jaundice. Clinical studies evaluating snakeroot specifically for jaundice are essentially absent, and its use is mostly mentioned in the context of historical or ethnobotanical records. Furthermore, some species of snakeroot, such as those in the Aristolochia genus, contain toxic compounds (aristolochic acids) known to cause kidney damage and cancer, raising safety concerns. As a result, while there is a tradition of using snakeroot for jaundice in certain cultures, this use is not supported by modern clinical research, and the evidence base remains very weak.

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