Aletris

Scientific Name(S): Aletris farinosa L. Family: Liliaceae

Common Name(S): Unicorn root, stargrass, whitetube stargras, crow corn, Ague grass, Aloerot, Devil's-bit, colic root, ague root, starwort, blazing star.

Aletris was being used by Native Americans, even in ancient times, for many medicinal purposes. Now these uses have been scientifically confirmed as valid uses. Analysis of the plant reveals the valuable constituent Diosgenin, which is medicinal as an antifatigue, anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, estrogenic, hypocholesterolemic, and mastogenic, as well as traces of Resin, Saponin, and Volatile oils

Botany: Aletris (of NF VII) is a perennial herb with grassy leaves that grow in a rosette. These leaves surround a slender stem that reaches about 3 feet in height. The plant is native to North America and is distributed widely throughout the continent.

History: Aletris is an old American plant that has now been recognized worldwide in traditional folk medicine. It had been used by Native American Indians in the Carolinas as an antidiarrheal tea and in Appalachia for the management of rheumatisms (known as ague in Colonial times), as a tonic and as a sedative. Aletris is used in the preparation of herbal remedies designed to ameliorate female disorders including dysmenorrhea and menstrual discomfort. The fabled "Lydia Pinkham's Vegetable Compound," which was touted as a cure-all for female discomforts, contained aletris, among other plant derivatives. It has been included in laxatives and has been used as an antiflatulent (hence the name "colic roof") and antispasmodic.

The roots and rhizomes are collected in the fall and dried for preservation.

Uses of Aletris

• Aletris has been used as a sedative, laxative, antiflatulent, antispasmodic and as a treatment for diarrhea and rheumatism.
• Its potential estrogenic properties may account for use treating female disorders.
• Also an extremely effective stomachic it promotes the appetite, an infusion of the leaves has been used in the treatment of colic, stomach disorders, and bloody dysentery.
• The fresh root is bitter, diuretic, narcotic, emetic and cathartic, it is used in small doses only to treat hysteria and other nervous conditions.

Side Effects of Aletris

None significant are known, but it reportedly has narcotic properties and can induce colic, stupor, and vertigo.

Toxicology: No significant adverse events have been reported regarding the use of aletris. The plant has been reported to have narcotic properties, and in small doses can induce colic, stupefaction and vertigo.

Summary: Aletris is a common plant that has been used widely in folklore for the management of female discomforts. The pharmacologic activity of the plant has not been well defined, but steroidal compounds identified in the plant may form the basis of its purported estrogenic activity.