Sanguinaria Canadensis: A comprehensive review on its biological and medicinal properties

Sanguinaria canadensis, commonly known as bloodroot, is a traditional medicine utilised by Native Americans to treat medical ailments. Several alkaloids are contained within the plant’s rhizome, each of which is capable of selectively interacting with distinct molecular processes. The synergistic interactions among these compounds enhance the plant’s ability to modulate physiological pathways, thereby positioning it as a compelling resource for developing therapies with wide-ranging clinical applications. This project assesses recent research on the clinical applicability of alkaloids from Sanguinaria canadensis, with a particular focus on its pro-apoptotic mechanisms, cardiovascular protection, regulation of inflammation, and antimicrobial properties. A literature search using the keywords” sanguinaria canadensis”, “bloodroot”, “sanguinarine”, “apoptosis”, “inflammation”, “cardiovascular” and “infection” identified 17 relevant articles. These findings ascertained Sanguinaria canadensis ' place in therapeutic interventions, warranting further exploration to refine its applications in modern medicine.