False Unicorn Root Herb Description

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False Unicorn Root Herb Description

26 September 2007

Written by: steve Posted under Herbal Medicines

Taxonomic Class

Liliaceae

Common Trade Names

Multi-ingredient preparations: #22 F+ Female Plus, Alertis Compound, Atri- Fem- Reg, Atri- FM – H, Change-O- Life Formula, Cycla-Action, False Unicorn-Squaw Vine Virtue, Fem-H, Fem-mend Formula, Femtone, Femtrol, O.U.T (ovarian uterine tonic), Pregnancy-6 Formula, T-5W, TÂendo, T-miss, Wild Yam-False Unicorn-Virtue

Common Forms

Available as dried roots, chopped for decoction, liquid, and tincture and as a component of tablets used for menopausal symptoms.

Source

The drug is extracted from the root system of Chamaelirium luteum in autumn. The plant is native to North America, generally harvested from the wild, and seldom cultivated. It should not be confused with unicorn root (Aletris farinosa).

Chemical Components

The key constituents of false unicorn root are diosgenin and other steroidal saponins, the glycosides chamaelirin and helonin, and stearic and linoleic acids.

Actions

Claims for the pharmacologic activity of C. luteum include diuretic effects, uterine and ovarian tonic effects, and genitourinary stimulant activity. The steroidal saponins are claimed to stimulate the uterus, but animal studies fail to support any uterine stimulant effect.

Reported Uses

False unicorn root has traditionally been promoted for menstrual and uterine problems, including ovarian cysts, menopause, threatened miscarriage, and vomiting from pregnancy, and to normalize hormones after contraceptive use. The presence of steroidal saponins in the drug is claimed to be effective as a uterine tonic in amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, in hepatic dysfunction, and as a stimulant in genitourinary weakness . It has also been used for digestive problems and as an anthelmintic. No published clinical trials or other clinical evidence is available to support these claims.

Dosage

Traditional uses suggest the following doses:

For menopausal symptoms, 5 to 10 gtt of tincture P.O. four to six times daily. Or, if using a decoction, % cup P.O. b.i.d.

Adverse Reactions

Gl: nausea, vomiting (with oral consumption of large amounts of the herb).

Interactions

None reported.

Contraindications and Precautions

Avoid using false unicorn root in pregnant or breast-feeding patients; effects are unknown. Also avoid its use in patients with infectious or inflammatory Gl conditions.

Special Considerations

Inform the patient that reported beneficial effects of false unicorn root may take months to appear.

Although no known chemical interactions have been reported in clinical studies, consideration must be given to the pharmacologic properties of the herbal product and the potential for exacerbation of the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.

Caution the patient not to self-treat symptoms of gynecologic problems before seeking appropriate medical evaluation because this may delay diagnosis of a serious medical condition.

Advise the patient to consult a health care provider before using herbal preparations because a treatment that has been clinically researched and proved effective may be available.

Points of Interest

False unicorn root was listed as a uterine tonic and a diuretic in the U.S. National Formulary from 1916 to 1947.

Commentary

There is no documented evidence that false unicorn root is effective for conditions that affect the uterus and ovaries. The lack of animal and human data to support its claims and the unknown risks associated with its use limit its usefulness. This product cannot be recommended because of the lack of efficacy for any therapeutic indication.