Related Terms

• Ague grass, ague-root, aletris (Spanish), Aletris farinose, aletris farinseu (French), aloeroot, bettie grass, bitter grass, black-root, blazing star, colicroot, colic-root, colicweed, crow corn, devil's bit, diosgenin, gentrogenin, Liliaceae (family), mehlige Aletria (German), saponins, stargrass, star-root, starwort, unicorn root, white colic root.

• Note: True unicorn root (Aletris farinosa L.) should not be confused with false unicorn root (Helonias luteum or Chamaelirium luteum). These herbs differ in chemical composition and claimed uses.

Background

• True unicorn root (Aletris farinosa L.) is a low-growing perennial herb native to eastern North America. Found in old growth forests, the true unicorn root plant is currently thought to be at risk due to destruction of its habitat. The rhizome, an underground stem, is commercially processed into dried pieces.

• True unicorn root has been used in Native American traditional remedies for stomach aches, colic, dysentery, and menstrual disorders. Large doses of the fresh root may act as a narcotic and laxative and may induce vomiting. The dried root is also traditionally used to treat gas or hysteria, as a stomach toner, as a tonic for women, for body pain, and to prevent miscarriage; however, some advise against its use during the third trimester of pregnancy due to its uterine stimulation effects. Well-designed human studies are needed to determine if true unicorn root is safe and effective for treating 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.

• Antispasmodic, arthritis, colic, constipation, diarrhea, diuretic (improves urine flow), dysentery, gas, impotence, infertility, menstrual problems, miscarriage (prevention), sedative, tonic.

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 no proven safe or effective dose for true unicorn root in adults. True unicorn root has been taken traditionally by mouth as a dried root, powdered root, tincture, tea, or fluid extract.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose of true unicorn root for 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

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to true unicorn root (Aletris farinose), its constituents, or members of the Liliaceae family.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Side effects are mainly gastrointestinal and include colic, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting. Other possible side effects are dullness of senses, loss of balance, stupor, and vertigo (dizziness).

• Use cautiously in patients with hormone-sensitive cancers or conditions, as true unicorn root may affect hormonal activity.

• Use cautiously in pregnant women, as true unicorn root may have estrogenic activity and may counteract the effects of the hormone oxytocin, especially in the third trimester.

• Avoid in patients with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to true unicorn root, its constituents, or members of the Liliaceae family.

• Avoid in patients with inflammatory or infectious gastrointestinal conditions, as unicorn root may irritate the gastrointestinal tract.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• True unicorn root may have estrogenic activity and may counteract the actions of the hormone oxytocin, especially in the third trimester.

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

• True unicorn root may interact with antiulcer agents and estrogens.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• True unicorn root may interact with antiulcer agents and estrogens.

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. Bloyer WE. Chamaelirium: Eclectic Materia Medica; Helonias, False unicorn root, Blazing star. Medical Herbalism: A Journal for the Clinical Practitioner 1898;10(3):18-20.

2. Rajkumar R, Srivastava SK, Yadav MC., et al. Effect of a Homeopathic complex on oestrus induction and hormonal profile in anoestrus cows. Homeopathy 2006;95(3):131-135. View Abstract

3. Yarnell E, Abascal K, Greenfield RH, et al. Credentialing of practitioners of botanical medicine. Am J Med Qual 2002;17(1):15-20. View Abstract