Bryone blanche

Related Terms

3-Beta-hydroxy-27-norcycloartan-24-one, alliaroside, black-berried white bryony, brein, briony, brydiofin, bryoamaride, bryodulcoside, bryogenine, bryonia, Bryonia alba 5 CH, Bryonia cretica, Bryonia cretica ssp. dioica, Bryonia dioica, Bryonia dioica Jacq. fruits, Bryonia dioica L., Bryonia laciniosa, Bryonia syriaca, bryonie, bryoniosides, bryony, cabenoside, canova, canova method, cucurbit, Cucurbitaceae (family), cucurbitacin R diglucoside, cucurbitacins, delta-7-stigmastenol, devil's turnip, English mandrake, European white bryony, fatty acids, grumpy bear, isomultiflorenol, kua-lou, ladies' seal, mandrake, N4-(2-hydroxy-ethyl)-L-asparagine, navet du diable (French), red bryony, tamus, tetterberry, tetterbury, trihydroxyoctadecadiene, triterpene glycosides, wild bryony, wild hops, wild nep, wild nepit, wild vine, wood vine.
Note: This monograph does not discuss black bryony (Tamus communis), which is a common name for a different plant.

Background

White bryony (Bryonia alba and Bryonia dioica) is a perennial, climbing herb with flowers and lobed leaves that resemble an open hand. The plant's berries are considered poisonous.
The root of white bryony has been extracted with alcohol and used at very low doses in homeopathic medications for fevers and dry mouth, respiratory infections, gastrointestinal disorders, and joint pain (applied to the skin). Some homeopathic practitioners believe that the patients who may experience the best outcome with bryony treatment are those who are initially reluctant to move or speak and who feel irritable and weary.
However, the homeopathic medicine bryonia was correctly identified only 48.1% of the time by homeopaths when compared with a placebo-containing bottle. In separate research, 60% of homeopaths correctly identified the bottle containing bryonia.
Limited research has shown that white bryony may have analgesic (pain-reducing), anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial effects. However, clinical studies in humans are lacking.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


There is insufficient evidence available to discuss the ability of Bryonia alba to normalize body functions, strengthen body systems, and protect the body from environmental and emotional stress, which could enhance exercise performance. Further research is required in this field.

 C


There is insufficient evidence available to discuss the ability of Bryonia alba to normalize body functions, strengthen body systems, and protect the body from environmental and emotional stress, which could enhance exercise performance. Further research is required in this field.

 C


There is insufficient available evidence to discuss the use of white bryony for pain. White bryony has been examined as part of a homeopathic preparation, but results are not promising. Further research is required in this field.

 C


There is insufficient available evidence to discuss the use of white bryony for pain. White bryony has been examined as part of a homeopathic preparation, but results are not promising. Further research is required in this field.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Fluid extracts of 1/6-1 dram of bryonin (a constituent of white bryony), 1/4-2 grains, or 0.5-1 grams per cup of water have been given by mouth.
For treating vomiting, 300-500 milligrams of powdered bryony has been given by mouth.
To promote bowel movements, 300-500 milligrams of powdered bryony has been given by mouth.
Note: Bryony is given mainly by homeopathic practitioners in extremely small doses.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Bryony may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also lower blood sugar. People taking insulin or drugs for diabetes by mouth should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Bryony may also interact with corticosteroids.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Gupta M, Mazumdar UK, Sivakumar T, et al. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of chloroform extract of Bryonia laciniosa in experimental animal models. Biol.Pharm.Bull. 2003;26(9):1342-1344.
Karageuzyan KG, Vartanyan GS, Agadjanov MI, Panossian AG, Hoult JR. Restoration of the disordered glucose-fatty acid cycle in alloxan-diabetic rats by trihydroxyoctadecadienoic acids from Bryonia alba, a native Armenian medicinal plant. Planta Med. 1998;64(5):417-422.
Khan MT, Choudhary MI, Atta-ur-Rahman, et al. Tyrosinase inhibition studies of cycloartane and cucurbitane glycosides and their structure-activity relationships. Bioorg.Med Chem 9-1-2006;14(17):6085-6088.
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Paris A, Gonnet N, Chaussard C, et al. Effect of homeopathy on analgesic intake following knee ligament reconstruction: a phase III monocentre randomized placebo controlled study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2008;65(2):180-187.
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Sivakumar T, Perumal P, Kumar RS, et al. Evaluation of analgesic, antipyretic activity and toxicity study of Bryonia laciniosa in mice and rats. Am.J.Chin Med. 2004;32(4):531-539.
Suganda AG, Amoros M, Girre L, Fauconnier B. [Inhibitory effects of some crude and semi-purified extracts of indigenous French plants on the multiplication of human herpesvirus 1 and poliovirus 2 in cell culture]. J.Nat.Prod. 1983;46(5):626-632.
Varshney JP, Naresh R. Comparative efficacy of homeopathic and allopathic systems of medicine in the management of clinical mastitis of Indian dairy cows. Homeopathy 2005;94(2):81-85.