Bloodroot is a humble plant that produces delicate white flowers in the spring and has also been a Native American cure-all for centuries. It is found mostly in the eastern part of the United States and can help with digestive problems, respiratory issues, and skin ailments such as skin tumors and warts. Recent research also points to the power of this unassuming plant’s root system as a source of the powerful alkaloid Sanguinarine, which has long been known as a cancer fighter.

Studies Prove the Cancer-Fighting Power of Sanguinarine

Hundreds of studies so far have demonstrated the connection between the plant antioxidant Sanguinarine and cancer. This suggests that this unique substance found in bloodroot may have chemotherapeutic (cancer killing) properties.

According to a study published by the University of Minnesota Medical School that looked specifically at Native American healing modalities, researchers found that the Sanguinarine in bloodroot can “block proliferation and induce apoptosis in a number of different transformed and malignant cell types.”

Study researchers discovered in particular that Sanguinarine, in a dose-dependent manner, is effective on certain kinds of skin cancer even when pharmaceutical drugs are not: “Of particular interest from a chemotherapeutic standpoint, Sanguinarine suppresses the growth of squamous carcinoma cells more effectively than normal foreskin keratinocytes, and inhibits the growth of a number of multidrug resistant cell lines,” researchers noted.

The proliferation of cancer cells in the blood is a hallmark of leukemia. Any substances that can restore apoptosis (cancer cell death) show promise for leukemia healing. A very recent study published in the May 2016 edition of the journal Free Radical Biology and Medicine discovered that Sanguinarine in bloodroot can stimulate cancer cell death through the “activation of caspase cascade, DNA fragmentation and down-regulation of anti-apoptotic proteins” in laboratory leukemia cells.

A 2013 Korean study published in the journal Toxicology discovered that the same processes mentioned above − inducing of cancer cell mitochondrial dysfunction − allowed Sanguinarine to effect colorectal cancer tumor growth.

A 2011 study at the University of California, Davis, found that Sanguinarine had a marked effect on prostate cancer as well. This was mainly through its effect on the protein survivin.

The most exciting discovery as to what Sanguinarine can do is on breast cancer cells. The same University of Minnesota study also discovered that Sanguinarine had an effect on breast cancer cells after a single application. DNA synthesis of breast cancer tumors (MCF-7) led to tumor growth inhibition.

Some aspects of this inhibition remained in place for at least three days after single administering (others came back after 24 hours). The overall results lead the University of Minnesota researchers to conclude that Sanguinarine may be able to “suppress breast cancer cell proliferation for extended lengths of time.”

How Does Sanguinarine in Bloodroot Kill Cancer Cells?

As researchers such as the ones above are discovering, Sanguinarine works in a variety of ways to inhibit cancer cell growth. Its one-two punch, however, is really felt in its ability to effect survivin, a protein that is specifically designed to inhibit cell death (apoptosis). When survivin is active in cancer cells, it can make them practically invincible.

Sanguinarine directly inhibits the functions of survivin in cancer cells. This involves not only creating balance within the cell but also by directly breaking down the survivin protein itself. Without survivin working in their favor, cancer cells soon become subject to the normal cycles of cell death.

Use Precaution When Considering Bloodroot

One thing is for sure about Sanguinarine found in bloodroot − it appears that a little can go a long way. Because Sanguinarine is a benzophenanthrene alkaloid, bloodroot is usually used as a topical microbial for skin rashes and lesions. It is also used in toothpastes (it helps fight gingivitis) and mouthwashes, as well as for the conditions mentioned above.

Although its cancer-killing effects occur when it is ingested, taking too much internally can lead to burning of the stomach, vomiting, vertigo, faintness, and dimness of eyesight. Because of this, never initiate your own at-home protocol with bloodroot. It should always be administered under the supervision of a qualified health care professional.

Much has been written about the amazing healing properties of herbs that come from China, India, and other Asian countries. Not so much is known, however, about the powerful healing herbs that grow right here in the United States. Bloodroot, growing in the wild and as a decorative in many east coast communities, is just such a plant.

Modern science is just now discovering what native peoples right here on this continent have known for centuries. As a carefully-used topical tonic, antimicrobial, and potential cancer-fighter, bloodroot can be a powerfully healing substance.