True Unicorn root

Other Names : Aletris farinosa, Ague grass, ague-root, aletris, Aletris farinose, aletris farinseu, aloeroot, bettie grass, bitter grass, black-root, blazing star, colicroot, colic-root, colicweed, crow corn, devil's bit, diosgenin, gentrogenin, Liliaceae, mehlige Aletria , saponins, stargrass, star-root, starwort, unicorn root, white colic root.

Special Precautions of True Unicorn root

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

References

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