Veratrum Viride Root

Veratrum viride (American hellebore) root contains steroidal alkaloids (jervine, veratrine, cyclopamine) that activate and then block voltage-gated sodium channels in cardiac and vascular tissue, producing bradycardia and hypotension. Historically, extracts were used as antihypertensive agents before modern therapies, but the narrow therapeutic window and potential for severe toxicity limited clinical use. Cyclopamine, derived from Veratrum californicum, has become important in cancer research as a Hedgehog pathway inhibitor.

Yes, Veratrum Viride Root is an approved drug. It has reached clinical phase 4. It is classified as a Unknown.