Baneberry - Actaea rubra

Baneberry
Actaea rubra (Ait.) Willd.

Family: Ranunculaceae, Buttercup
Genus: Actaea

Description
General: perennial herb, stems erect, 1 to several, 40-100
cm tall, usually branched, sparsely short-hairy, from fleshy
rhizomes.

Leaves: the basal one scale-like, otherwise all on stem,
alternate, few, 2- to 3 times divided in 3's and with some
pinnate segments, the segments ovate, 3-9 cm long,
coarsely sharp-toothed and lobed.

Flowers: many in dense clusters on long, naked stalks,
terminal and from upper leaf axils. Individual flower stalks
slender, elongating to as much as 1-2 cm in fruit, each with
a small bract at the base. Sepals 3-5, whitish or purplish-
tinged, 2-3 mm long, soon falling off. Petals 5-10, white,
narrowly spatulate, scarcely longer than the sepals.
Stamens numerous, longer than the petals. Pistil one,
the ovary 1-celled, the stigma 2-lobed.
Flowering time: May-July.

Fruits: berries, fleshy, glossy red, sometimes white,
round-ellipsoid, 5-11 mm long, with several seeds.

Distribution
Moist woods and streambanks, foothills to subalpine zone,
in w. and c. parts of MT. Also from AK to CA, AZ and NM,
and e. to the Atlantic coast.

Toxic and medicinal plant: see below.

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Contents
Identification
English Names Index
Scientific Names Index
Family Index

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Native Americans used the juice from the fruits of various baneberry species to poison arrows, and used the root of the Red Baneberry as a herbal remedy for menstrual problems. The berries contain cardiogenic toxins which can cause cardiac arrest if introduced into the bloodstream. Ingestion of the berries can lead to cardiac arrest and death if enough material is consumed. The root of this species has been used as a strong alternative to Black Cohosh, (Cimicifuga racemosa), for menstrual cramping and menopausal discomfort. The berries are the most toxic part of the plant, and can have an immediate sedative affect on human cardiac muscle tissue.

The whole baneberry plant, but especially the root, is pain-relieving, antirheumatic, and has agents that promote secretion of milk and cause reddening or irritation when applied to the skin. The plant was often used medicinally by many North American Indian tribes. A decoction of roots was taken for rheumatism, syphilis, arthritis, colds and coughs, bronchial or lung trouble, emaciation, and to improve the appetite. However a decoction of roots was considered poisonous if taken in large quantities. An infusion roots was used by women after childbirth for increased milk flow, as a wash for rheumatism, and to slow heavy menstrual flow. A poultice of chewed leaves was applied to boils, wounds. Great caution should be employed if using this plant internally, the rootstock is a violent purgative, irritant and emetic. All parts of the plant are toxic, containing the poison protoanemonin, apparently acting upon the heart. As few as 2 berries can cause severe cramps, headaches, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and/or dizziness. Severe poisoning results in paralysis of the respiratory system and cardiac arrest.