Common Name: Virginia Snakeroot

General Information

Aristolochia serpentaria is an erect to decumbent, herbaceous perennial plant growing up to 60cm tall[].
The plant is harvested from the wild for mainly local use as a medicine.

Known Hazards

The plant contains aristolochic acid, which has a range of positive medicinal activities. However, there are also potential harmful activities when it is taken internally. When used in large doses or even in small doses over a prolonged period, it can be particularly dangerous for the kidneys, causing irreversible damage, haematuria (blood in the urine) and limb paralysis [, , , , ].
Many species are used medicinally, taken both internally and externally, but some countries, including China, have banned them from internal use[]

Botanical References

, ,

Range

South-eastern N. America - Iowa to New Jersey, south to Texas and Florida

Habitat

Rich dry woods, usually on calcareous soils[, ].

Properties

Medicinal Rating
Habit	Perennial
Height	0.50 m
Pollinators	Flies
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Aristolochia serpentaria is native to the warm temperate and subtropical climates of southeastern N. America. It is not a very cold-hardy plant, being able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c[].
Prefers a well-drained loamy soil, rich in organic matter, in sun or semi-shade[, ], but succeeds in ordinary garden soil[].
Most species in this genus have malodorous flowers, often smelling like decaying flesh[]. They are pollinated by the small flies that are attracted to the flowers by these foetid odours and by the purple-brown colour of the flowers. The flies enter the flower when the stigmas are receptive and then become trapped in the hairy throat of the flower until after the anthers dehisce, thus ensuring pollination[, , ].
The flowers of this plant are sometimes cleistogomous[].

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal

Virginia snakeroot is attracting increasing interest for its medicinal virtues and as a result is becoming uncommon in the wild. It merits consideration for cultivation in forest areas[].
The root is used in a number of proprietary medicines for treating skin, circulatory and kidney disorders[].
The plant contains aristolochic acid which, whilst stimulating white blood cell activity and speeding the healing of wounds, is also carcinogenic and damaging to the kidneys[].
The root is harvested in the autumn and dried for later use[].

The root is antidote, anti-inflammatory, bitter tonic, diaphoretic, diuretic and stimulant[, , , , , ]. Traditionally it was chewed in minute doses or used as a weak tea to promote sweating, stimulate the appetite and promote expectoration[, ]. The native North Americans considered it to have analgesic properties and used an infusion internally to treat rheumatism, pain - but especially sharp pains in the breast, and as a wash for headaches[]. An extract of the root can be drunk to relieve stomach pains[].
The bruised root is placed in hollow teeth for treating toothache[].
This plant should be used with caution, it is irritating in large doses and can cause nausea, griping pains in the bowels etc[, , ]. It should only be used internally under the supervision of a qualified practitioner[].

The boiled root, or a decoction of the whole plant, can be used to treat fevers[].

The chewed root or crushed leaves was applied to snakebites[, ]. This species was the most popular snakebite remedy in N. America[]. It has also been applied externally to slow-healing wounds and in the treatment of pleurisy[].

All species in this genus contain greater or lesser concentrations of aristolochic acid. This compound has a long history of use in hebal medicine (through using plants of the genus Aristolochia) dating back at least to the 5th century CE in China and even earlier in Europe.
Aristolochic acid has a range of potential health benefits - it has been shown to stimulate white blood cell activity and speed the healing of wounds; it has anti-cancer properties and can be used in conjunction with chemotherapy and radiotherapy; it can also be used in the treatment of acute and serious infections such as TB, hepatitis, liver cirrhosis and infantile pneumonia.
However, when taken internally Aristolochic acid also has negative effects upon the body - as well as having anti-cancer properties, it can also be carcinogenic; when used in large doses or even in small doses over a long period, it can be particularly dangerous for the kidneys, causing irreversible damage, haematuria (blood in the urine) and limb paralysis [, , , , ].
Aristolochic acid is often found as an ingredient in proprietary medicines - however, any internal use of plants in this genus cannot be recommended without the guidance of a skilled therapist[].

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - best sown in a greenhouse as soon as it is ripe in the autumn. Pre-soak stored seed for 48 hours in hand-hot water and surface sow in a greenhouse[]. Germination usually takes place within 1 - 3 months at 20°c[]. Stored seed germinates better if it is given 3 months cold stratification at 5°c[]. When large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in the greenhouse for their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer after the last expected frosts.
Division in autumn[].
Root cuttings in winter[].