Related Terms

• Alcanna d'Oriente, Alcanna vera, alkanet, alkanet root, Alkanna lehmannii, Alkanna orientalis, Alkanna sempervireus, Alkanna tinctoria, Alkanna tinctoria Tausch, Alkanna tuberculata, Alkannawurzel (German), anchusa, Anchusae radix, Anchusa tinctoria, Anchusa tuberculata, ancusa (Spanish), Boraginaceae (family), bugloss, dyer's bugloss, havaciva, Lithospermum tinctorium, onoquiles, orcanette (French), orchanet, Schminkwurz (German), Spanish bugloss.

Background

• Alkanna is grown in the south of France and on the shores of the Levant (the mountainous region paralleling the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, including parts of the countries of Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, and Israel). Its root yields a fine red coloring, which has been used as a cloth dye and a tint for tinctures, oils, wines, and varnishes. It is commonly used today as a food coloring.

• Alkanna has been used traditionally for its wound healing and anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence supporting folkloric uses of alkanna is mixed.

• There is currently no available scientific evidence of alkanna to recommend its use, safety or effectiveness for any medical condition.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Anti-aging, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antipruritic (prevents/relieves itching), antiviral (Alkanna orientalis), astringent, back pain, bed sores, bruises, cancer, jaundice, kidney disorders, measles, poisonous snake bites, rash, smallpox, varicose veins, vulnerary (skin regenerative), wound healing.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend alkanna for use in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years)

• There is not enough scientific evidence to safely recommend alkanna for use in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to alkanna, its constituents or potentially any member of the family Boraginaceae should not take alkanna.

Side Effects and Warnings

• In general, the lack of available scientific evidence makes it difficult to comment on the potential adverse effects of alkanna. Nevertheless, certain constituents (pyrrolizidine alkaloids) found in alkanna may be potentially damaging to the liver and lungs, and may also be carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Pyrrolizidine alkaloids may also cause pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) or pulmonary hypertension (high blood pressure).

• Caution is advised in patients with hepatic or pulmonary insufficiency. Patients with cancer should also use cautiously because the quantity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some herbal teas and dietary supplements may worsen the condition.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• Alkanna is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Constituents of alkanna include pyrrolizidine alkaloids and N-oxides. These are potentially toxic to the liver and lungs, and may be cancer-causing. Patients taking any medications should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before using alkanna.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Constituents of alkanna include pyrrolizidine alkaloids and N-oxides (found in alkanna). These are potentially toxic to the liver and lungs, and may be cancer-causing. Patients taking any herbs or supplements should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before using alkanna.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Altamirano JC, Gratz SR, Wolnik KA. Investigation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and their N-oxides in commercial comfrey-containing products and botanical materials by liquid chromatography electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. J AOAC Int. 2005;88(2):406-412. View Abstract

2. Assimopoulou AN, Papageorgiou VP. Radical scavenging activity of Alkanna tinctoria root extracts and their main constituents, hydroxynaphthoquinones. Phytother.Res 2005;19(2):141-147. View Abstract

3. Chen CH, Chern CL, Lin CC, et al. Involvement of reactive oxygen species, but not mitochondrial permeability transition in the apoptotic induction of human SK-Hep-1 hepatoma cells by shikonin. Planta Med 2003;69(12):1119-1124. View Abstract

4. Kourounakis AP, Assimopoulou AN, Papageorgiou VP, et al. Alkannin and shikonin: effect on free radical processes and on inflammation - a preliminary pharmacochemical investigation. Arch.Pharm (Weinheim) 2002;335(6):262-266. View Abstract

5. Ogurtan Z, Hatipoglu F, Ceylan C. The effect of Alkanna tinctoria Tausch on burn wound healing in rabbits. Dtsch.Tierarztl.Wochenschr. 2002;109(11):481-485. View Abstract

6. Papageorgiou VP. Wound healing properties of naphthaquinone pigments from Alkanna tinctoria. Experientia 11-15-1978;34(11):1499-1501. View Abstract