Scarlet pimpernel
Scarlet pimpernel

Background

Scarlet pimpernel is a plant. The parts that grow above the ground are used as medicine.

Despite serious safety concerns, scarlet pimpernel is used for wound healing, infections, joint pain, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support its use.
When taken by mouth: Scarlet pimpernel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when taken by mouth in high doses or long-term. It can cause swelling (inflammation) of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys. There isn't enough reliable information to know if scarlet pimpernel is safe for short-term use.

When applied to the skin: Scarlet pimpernel is POSSIBLY UNSAFE when applied to the skin, long-term. There isn't enough reliable information to know if scarlet pimpernel is safe for short-term use.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: It's LIKELY UNSAFE to use scarlet pimpernel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. It might make the uterus contract. This could cause a miscarriage. Long-term use or high doses can also lead to swelling of the stomach, intestines, and kidneys. Stay on the safe side and avoid using scarlet pimpernel if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

Hormone-sensitive conditions such as breast cancer, uterine cancer, ovarian cancer, endometriosis, or uterine fibroids: Scarlet pimpernel might act like estrogen. If you have any condition that might be made worse by exposure to estrogen, don't use scarlet pimpernel.

Difficulty conceiving a child (infertility): Scarlet pimpernel might harm sperm. If you are a woman trying to conceive a child or a man trying to father a child, don't use scarlet pimpernel.

Effectiveness

NatMed Pro rates effectiveness based on scientific evidence according to the following scale: Effective, Likely Effective, Possibly Effective, Possibly Ineffective, Likely Ineffective, Ineffective, and Insufficient Evidence to Rate.
Likely effective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly effective Effectiveness definitions
Likely ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Possibly ineffective Effectiveness definitions
Insufficient evidence Effectiveness definitions
  • Depression.
  • Liver disorders.
  • Herpes.
  • Cancer.
  • Kidney disorders.
  • Infections.
  • Wound healings, when applied to the skin.
  • Itching, when applied to the skin.
  • Painful joints, when taken by mouth or applied to the skin.
  • Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of scarlet pimpernel for these uses.

Dosing & administration

The appropriate dose of scarlet pimpernel 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 scarlet pimpernel. 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 Scarlet Pimpernel interacts with any medicines. Before taking Scarlet Pimpernel, 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.
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This monograph was last reviewed on 23/10/2022 20:19:14 and last updated on 16/07/2020 03:52:35. Monographs are reviewed and/or updated multiple times per month and at least once per year.
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