Bryonia alba has become famous homeopathic remedy that is obtained from the roots of the homonymous plant, native to central, southern and eastern Europe. It is also known as white briony, bryony, wild hop and false mandrake.
It belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family, characterized by being climbing plants with tendrils. It is recognized by the pentagonal leaves with sharp teeth, the greenish-white flowers and the black and fleshy berries.
Now, even if the fruits of the Bryonia alba they are toxic, traditional medicine has used the root for therapeutic purposes. What are the main uses? In the following space we detail them and reveal what their possible side effects are.
What benefits are attributed to it?
The active ingredients of white bryony give it various medicinal properties. Let’s see in detail what they are and how they can improve health according to the principles of homeopathy.
1. Constipation and water retention
THE Bryonia alba is considered an emetic; that is, a remedy capable of inducing vomiting. Likewise, it can act as a diuretic, which stimulates the elimination of water and electrolytes through the urine.
In general, despite the lack of evidence, popular literature claims it helps the following conditions:
- constipation;
- stomach ache;
- water retention.
2. Inflammation
There are many who use the Bryonia alba for its possible anti-inflammatory effects. It is often used to reduce joint pain and is actually a common ingredient in rheumatoid arthritis and headache medications.
Its mechanism of action is the dilation of blood vessels., the contraction of which is linked to migraine and various ailments. However, scientific evidence addressing such properties is not yet fully conclusive.
Indeed, a clinical trial Posted in British Journal of Clinical Pharmacology stated that the use of an extract of Brionia and arnica had no effect on the swelling and bleeding that can occur after heart surgery.
3. Antitumor activity
The active compounds that make up white bryony have been studied as adjuvants against cancer. A study Posted in Journal of Natural Products determined that root extracts Bryonia alba have antitumor potential. For this reason, they not only reduce the risk of cancer, but also appear to inhibit the expansion of these cells.
In the meantime, A study in vitro published in Avicenna journal of phytomedicine found that this plant has cytotoxic effects; that is, it prevents the division and growth of cells such as cancer cells.
In this case, research indicates that these properties they are effective against squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, as well as adenocarcinoma of the cervix or cervix. However, human studies are needed to clinically support this theory.
4. Other benefits of Bryonia alba
THE Bryonia alba It is considered a homeopathic remedy. Therefore, popular culture ascribes many other advantages to it. This covers the following:
- relief from the flu and its symptoms;
- decrease in mumps;
- decrease in tracheitis, pneumonia and bronchitis;
- control of dry eye syndrome;
- relief from feeling dizzy.
Side effects and contraindications
The first thing you should know about this plant is that you shouldn’t consume the berries. They have high levels of toxicity, capable of causing chronic disease and even death.
However, the other parts of this plant can also be poisonous, but have no fatal consequences. Whatever dose you take, it could cause symptoms such as:
- nausea;
- vomit;
- dizziness;
- fatigue;
- difficult breathing;
- diarrhea;
- excessive urination.
For its part, given the lack of scientific evidence of its effects on pregnant and lactating women, intake should be limited until approved by a specialist. The same should also be done with children and the elderly.
As they well point out The expertsTHE Bryonia alba he was a crook substitute for the mandrake (Mandragora officinarum) due to the similarity of their roots. It was sold as it was in many parts of Europe, until over time the properties of the mandrake began to be attributed to the white bryonia. It is for this reason that it is known as a false mandrake..
Therefore, from a scientific point of view, the plant does not possess the qualities attributed to it; This is because these have been assimilated due to their use as a counterfeit mandrake.. Specialists advise against its use beyond an ornamental grass.
Dosage and indications
Homeopathy has different doses that depend on the condition being treated.
- During a fever accompanied by sweating, intense thirst and body aches, it is recommended to consume 5 granules of Bryonia alba in a dilution of 9 CH (centesimal dilution) every 4 hours.
- In case of arthritis, the established dose is 5 granules in a dilution of 5 CH divided into 2 administrations per day for 10 days. However, if you suffer from acute synovitis, the dose should be given every 2 hours.
- On the other hand, for dry eye syndrome it is suggested to take Bryonia alba In dilution of 5 CH, 6 times a day for 3 months.
Attention, the doses may vary depending on the manufacturer of the supplement. Therefore, the information on the label must be verified. Also, if in doubt, you should ask your homeopathic doctor or herbalist. It should not be taken in conjunction with medical treatments due to the risk of interactions.
What is there to remember about ‘Bryonia alba’?
Bryonia alba is a homeopathic medicine derived from the roots of the plant of the same name. This climbing plant native to the European continent is distinguished by having pentagonal leaves with sharp teeth, greenish-white flowers and poisonous black berries.
As for its medicinal properties, it is said to have anti-inflammatory effect and anticancer activity. Additionally, it appears useful in the treatment of constipation, mumps, flu, arthritis, and dry eye syndrome.
However, its use should always be under control, given the high levels of toxicity. The berries can be deadly and consuming other parts of this plant in its various presentations, even in small quantities, can trigger a series of discomforts.
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