Background

Bryonia is a plant. People use the root for medicine. The berries of the plant are poisonous.

Bryonia root is used as a laxative, to induce vomiting, for liver disease, infection, and many other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses. Using bryonia root is also likely unsafe.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: Bryonia is LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to use. Even in low doses, the root can cause many side effects, including dizziness, vomiting, convulsions, bloody diarrhea, nervous excitement, and kidney damage. Larger doses of the root may cause fatal poisoning. Eating the berries of the bryonia plant can cause death. As few as 40 berries can be fatal in an adult.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

It's LIKELY UNSAFE for anyone to take bryonia by mouth. But bryonia is especially dangerous for people with the following conditions:

Pregnancy: Bryonia is UNSAFE for pregnant women when taken by mouth. It can cause a miscarriage.

Breast-feeding: Bryonia is LIKELY UNSAFE for breast-feeding women when taken by mouth. It can cause serious health consequences.

Children: Bryonia is LIKELY UNSAFE for children when taken by mouth. The root can cause serious side effects. Eating as few as 15 berries can cause death.

Stomach and intestinal (gastrointestinal, GI) disorders: There are many reasons not to use bryonia. It can cause serious side effects and death. Additionally, it can irritate the stomach and intestines and can make GI problems worse.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of bryonia depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for bryonia. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

It is not known if Bryonia interacts with any medicines. Before taking Bryonia, talk with your healthcare professional if you take any medications.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

There are no known interactions with herbs and supplements.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

Bryonia root contains chemicals that might reduce inflammation. Bryonia berries contain a toxic chemical that can be fatal.