Viburno americano

Related Terms

Aletris cordial, American guelder-rose, black haw viburnum, blackhaw, blackhaw viburnum, Caprifoliaceae (family), Celerina, common guelder-rose, Helonias Cordial, iridoid glucosides, salicin, stag bush, Viburnum opulus L.
Note: Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) should not be confused with Sideroxylon lanuginosum and Viburnum lentago, which may also be commonly called black haw.

Background

Black haw is a small tree or shrub with oval leaves, pale flowers, and dark blue-black berries.
Black haw is native to southern North America and has a long history of medicinal use among Native Americans. Traditional uses include the treatment of symptoms and disorders associated with menstruation, pregnancy, and childbirth.
There is currently not enough human data available to support any use of black haw.

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 black haw.

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
Because of a potential effect on the uterus, black haw may interact with abortion-causing drugs. Black haw may also interact with drugs that have hormonal activity, such as birth control pills and hormone replacement therapy.
Because it contains a substance similar to aspirin, black haw may cause allergic reactions in those allergic to aspirin and related compounds. It may also increase bleeding risk when taken with other blood thinners.

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

Baldini L, Brambilla G, Parodi S. [Research on the uterine action of viburnum prunifolium.] Arch Ital Sci Farmacol 1964;14:55-63.
Jarboe CH, Zirvi KA, Schmidt CM, et al. 1-methyl 2,3-dibutyl hemimellitate. A novel component of Viburnum prunifolium. J Org Chem 1969;34(12):4202-4203.
Tomassini L, Cometa FM, Foddai S, et al. Iridoid glucosides from viburnum prunifolium. Planta Med 1999;65(2):195.
Xu H, Fabricant DS, Piersen CE, et al. A preliminary RAPD-PCR analysis of Cimicifuga species and other botanicals used for women's health. Phytomedicine 2002;9(8):757-762.