Veratrum californicum
Veratrum californicum, commonly known as California false hellebore, is a perennial herb native to western North America. While historically utilized in traditional medicine, it contains potent alkaloids that are highly toxic if mishandled. Understanding its chemical potency is crucial for distinguishing its medicinal potential from its significant physiological risks.
- Scientific name: Veratrum californicum
- Family: Melanthiaceae
- Native range: Northern America
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, Veratrum californicum, belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta. Within the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, it is classified under the order Liliales. Finally, it is a member of the family Melanthiaceae and the genus Veratrum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Liliales | WCVP |
| Family | Melanthiaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Veratrum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, Veratrum californicum, is known by various names depending on the region and language. In Sweden, it is commonly referred to by the Swedish name Jättenysrot.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| sv | Jättenysrot | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found throughout the Northwestern United States. Its natural range extends across several distinct states in this region. Specifically, it can be located within the borders of Idaho and Oregon. The species also grows in the mountainous areas of Washington and Wyoming. Additionally, its geographical distribution includes parts of Colorado.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Colorado | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Idaho | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Oregon | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Washington | WCVP |
| Northwestern U.S.A. | Wyoming | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | Arizona | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | California | WCVP |
| Southwestern U.S.A. | Nevada | WCVP |
| South-Central U.S.A. | New Mexico | WCVP |
| Mexico | Mexico Northeast | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, Veratrum californicum, contains various medicinal components, though it is important to note that its parts are highly toxic. The primary part used in pharmacological studies and traditional applications is the root-rhizoome material, which contains potent alkaloids. Specifically, the rhizome serves as the main storage organ for these chemical compounds, while the root structure extends into the soil to anchor the plant. When discussing the botanical anatomy of this species, the term rhizoome is sometimes used to describe the fleshy, underground stem system that characterizes its growth habit.- Total parts
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| root-rhizoome material | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| root | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| rhizome | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Veratrum californicum has 11 reported phytochemicals identified across 19 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include cyclopamine, veratramine, isorubijervine, muldamine, verazine.
- Total chemicals
- 11
- Scientific sources
- 19
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cyclopamine | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| veratramine | 3 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| isorubijervine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| muldamine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| verazine | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| 22-keto-26-aminocholesterol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cycloposine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| dihydrojervine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| etioline | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| tetrahydrojervine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Veratrum californicum has 3 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Anticancer, Antifungal, Antineoplastic.
- Total activities
- 3
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Anticancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antifungal | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Veratrum californicum has 8 reported medicinal uses identified across 9 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include cancer, antineoplastic, arthrogryposis, basal cell carcinoma, colon cancer.
- Total uses
- 8
- Scientific sources
- 9
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| cancer | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| antineoplastic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| arthrogryposis | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| basal cell carcinoma | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| colon cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| hypertension | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| injuries | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| prostate cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |