Veratrum viride

From WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

(Redirected from Alkavervir)

Veratrum viride, also known as the American hellebore or Indian poke, is a species of perennial plant in the family Melanthiaceae. It is native to North America and is found in wet meadows, swampy areas, and along stream banks.

Description[edit | edit source]

Veratrum viride grows to a height of 0.7 to 2 meters. It has a stout, unbranched stem with large, alternate, pleated leaves. The flowers are green, with 6 tepals and are arranged in large terminal clusters. The fruit is a capsule containing numerous flat, winged seeds.

Distribution and habitat[edit | edit source]

Veratrum viride is native to eastern and western North America. In the east, it ranges from Georgia to Newfoundland and Labrador. In the west, it ranges from Alaska to California, with a disjunct population in New Mexico. It is typically found in wet meadows, swampy areas, and along stream banks.

Uses[edit | edit source]

Veratrum viride has been used in traditional medicine by Native Americans and early settlers. It has been used to treat high blood pressure, rapid heartbeat, and other heart conditions. However, it is highly toxic and can cause severe side effects, including death, if ingested.

Toxicity[edit | edit source]

All parts of the plant are highly toxic. The toxins include several types of alkaloids, including veratridine and cevadine. Symptoms of poisoning include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and a slow and irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it can cause death.

Conservation status[edit | edit source]

Veratrum viride is not currently listed as threatened or endangered. However, its habitat is being lost due to development and changes in land use.

See also[edit | edit source]

Veratrum viride Resources
Wikipedia
WikiMD
Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.

Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD