Ranunculus bulbosus

Related Terms

Anemonic acid, anemonin, bachelor's buttons, bachelor's cheese, blister flower, blister plant, blister weed, bouton d'or (French), bulbosus, bulbous crowfoot, burrwort, butter and cheese, buttercup, butter flower, butterrose, common buttercup, crazy weed, crazyweed, crowfoot, cuckoo-buds of yellow hue, cuckow buds of yellow hue, field buttercup, frogsfoot, giltcup, goldcup, goldknob, gowan, jaunet (French), kingcups, L-caffeoylglucose, meadow bloom, meadow buttercup, protoanemonin, Ranunculaceae (family), ranunculin, Ranunculus acris, Ranunculus bulbosus, St. Anthony's rape, St. Anthony's turnip, tall crowfoot, tall field buttercup, upright meadow crowfoot, yellow weed.

Background

Bulbous buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) is named for the uniquely bulbous, white protrusion that is found at the base of the stem. The common name "blister plant" comes from the blistering that occurs in the mouth and intestinal tract when cattle eat the plant.
More than a century ago, bulbous buttercup was recommended by herbalists for resolving dermatologic, rheumatologic, gastrointestinal, and dental complaints. When rubbed on the skin, bulbous buttercup causes blistering, swelling, and topical ulcers, which were said to alleviate pain topically as well as subcutaneously. All parts of the acrid plants were used to induce vomiting and diarrhea upon ingestion. As a painkiller, the plant was stuffed into dental cavities and its infusions were rubbed on the gums of teething infants.
Bulbous buttercup contains acrid, harsh chemicals that cause uncomfortable and severe reactions wherever it comes into contact with the body. Because of this, bulbous buttercup is not a frequently used herbal plant today. All parts of the bulbous buttercup are now known to be poisonous. The active properties of bulbous buttercup are thought to be destroyed upon heating or drying. There are no available high-quality clinical trials evaluating the use of bulbous buttercup for medicinal purposes.

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)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for bulbous buttercup. Tea made from fresh leaves has been used for gastrointestinal upset, and decoctions of bulbous buttercup have been used to treat sexually transmitted diseases. Tinctures taken by mouth have also been used for sciatica and shingles.
Fresh root put in the tooth cavity has been used for dental cavity pain, and the juice of fresh bulbous buttercup has been applied to nostrils to induce sneezing for the relief of headache. For pain and rheumatism, freshly ground upper parts of the plant rubbed directly on the area of pain to form blisters has been used.

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
Bulbous buttercup may cause ventricular fibrillation. Patients taking anti-arrhythmic medications should use bulbous buttercup with caution.
Bulbous buttercup may cause vomiting. Caution is advised in patients taking other herbs or supplements that induce vomiting.
Bulbous buttercup may be hepatotoxic (liver damaging). Patients taking medications that may also be liver damaging should consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist.
Protoanemonin, a constituent of bulbous buttercup, may cause respiratory failure at toxic doses. Patients taking bulbous buttercup in combination with other medications with respiratory side effects should use with caution. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining any therapies.

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

Kelch WJ, Kerr LA, Adair HS, et al. Suspected buttercup (Ranunculus bulbosus) toxicosis with secondary photosensitization in a Charolais heifer. Vet.Hum.Toxicol 1992;34(3):238-239.
Mares D. Antimicrobial activity of protoanemonin, a lactone from ranunculaceous plants. Mycopathologia 1987;98(3):133-140.
McGovern TW, Lawarre SR. Botanical briefs: buttercup Ranunculus species L. Cutis 2002;69(3):171-172.