Culver's Root vs Cassia sieberiana

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Culver's Root

Veronicastrum virginicum

Liver Support

Liver Support

Culver's Root

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Cassia sieberiana

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

Tall native North American perennial used by Indigenous peoples and later Eclectic physicians as liver and bowel cleanser.

West African savanna tree; roots and bark used in traditional medicine for liver conditions and fever.

Active Compounds

leptandrin, veronicastroside, tannins, resins, saponins

anthraquinones, chrysophanol, emodin, rhein, tannins, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

Liver and gallbladder conditions, Chronic constipation, Biliary stimulant, Used by Seneca and Menominee tribes

liver disease, fever, constipation, skin diseases, worm expulsion

Modern Uses

Cholagogue, Laxative, Liver tonic, Biliary stimulant

hepatoprotective, laxative, antipyretic, anthelmintic

Adult Dosage

1–2 mL tincture 3x daily; 1–2 g dried root as tea

3-6g bark or root daily

Contraindications

Pregnancy, Diarrhea, Acute liver conditions

pregnancy, IBD, children

Side Effects

Strong laxative effect, Nausea with fresh root, Liver toxicity risk with overuse

GI cramping, laxative effects

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E