Lirio azul

Related Terms

American blue flag, beta-sitosterol fatty acids, blue flag iris, clajeux (French), dagger flower, dragon flavonoids, flower, flag lilly, flag lily, fleur-de-lis (French), flower-de-luce (French), furfural, gum, harlequin blueflag, Iridaceae (family), iridin, irigenin, Iris caroliniana Watson, Iris versicolor, iris versicolore (French), irisin, isoflavonoids, isophthalic acid, kosatec strakat (Slovak), Lis met Bontkleurige Bloem (Dutch), liver lily, oleoresin, phytosterols, poison flag, purple flag, salicylic acid, sciatica, snake lily, tannin, triterpenoids, water flag, water iris, wild iris.

Background

Blue flag is a species of iris, which commonly grows in moist meadows, marshes, and along stream banks in northern North America. The root or rhizome is the part most often used and is the source of the iridin, also known as irisin. Iridin is usually used as a powdered extract that is bitter and nauseating and has diuretic and laxative properties.
The blue flag rhizome has a very slight but peculiar odor, and a pungent, unpleasant taste. When used internally, fresh blue flag produces nausea, vomiting, purging, and gastrointestinal cramping. The dried root is less acrid and is traditionally employed as an emetic, diuretic, and cathartic. It has also been used for syphilis, some scrofula (tuberculosis infection of the neck lymph glands), skin disorders, and dropsy (edema).
Currently, blue flag is frequently used topically for skin conditions, such as impetigo, eczema, and psoriasis. It is also used for detoxification by increasing urination, stimulating bile production, and acting as a laxative. Various Native American tribes have had many uses for blue flag including for lymphatic or kidney cancer.
There are currently no high quality studies on the medicinal applications of blue flag. Clinical trials are needed to define the efficacy and safety of blue flag.

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 *
* 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)
Based on available scientific evidence, there is no proven safe or effective dose for blue flag. According to expert opinion, fresh rhizome should only be applied on the skin and never taken by mouth, as it may irritate the mouth and is much more likely to cause nausea and diarrhea. Various forms of blue flag have been used, including decoctions, dried rhizomes, fluid extracts, powdered roots, solid extracts and tinctures.

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
Interaction information is based on traditional health practice patterns and expert opinion; human evidence demonstrating interactions of blue flag with other substances is currently lacking in the available literature. Before taking blue flag, individuals should consult with a healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Blue flag may have anti-inflammatory and diuretic (increasing urine flow) properties. Caution is advised when using other drugs with these effects.
Blue flag may cause nausea and vomiting, and caution is advised when taking other drugs taken my mouth as metabolism may be altered. Blue flag may also cause gastrointestinal cramping and catharsis. Caution is advised when taking laxatives.

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

: Information in this monograph is based on traditional health practice patterns and expert opinion; there are no available reliable human trials demonstrating safety or efficacy of blue flag.