Blue marsh iris

The Blue marsh iris (Iris versicolor), also known as the American iris, is a plant species from the iris family (Iridaceae). It is native to the wet regions of North America and is valued both for its striking blue to violet-colored flowers and for its traditional medicinal applications.

What benefits does the Blue marsh iris offer?

The Blue marsh iris is used in traditional medicine for various therapeutic purposes. Some of these purposes have been examined in studies in order to verify an effect. The potential health benefits include:

  • Digestion-supporting effect: The plant has traditionally been used to treat digestive problems such as constipation and dyspepsia. Its constituents are said to stimulate digestion and promote excretion. Homeopathic drops made from I. versicolor L. are frequently prescribed for chronic pancreatitis, stomach ulcers, and gastritis (1,2,3,6).
  • Antioxidant effect: Versicolor showed an antioxidant effect in studies, which is attributable to various active compounds (1,4,5)
  • Liver support: The Blue marsh iris is used in folk medicine to support liver function and for detoxification of the body. (2,6)
  • Support of the pancreas: Investigations have shown that I. Versicolor can exert a synergistic effect with other herbs to support thyroid disorders such as subclinical hypothyroidism and Hashimoto's disease (1,2,7)
  • Anti-inflammatory properties: Traditionally, it is used for inflammatory conditions such as rheumatism and arthritis. (2,8)
  • Diuretic effect: The plant is said to have a diuretic action and is therefore used to treat water retention and to promote urine production. (2)

How does the Blue marsh iris work?

The effects of the Blue marsh iris are attributable to various bioactive compounds:

  • Iridin: A glycoside that occurs in the plant and exhibits various effects (2,9).
  • Flavonoids and tannins: These secondary plant compounds possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that contribute to reducing inflammation and protecting cells (1,2,10,11).

The chemical compounds of the Blue marsh iris act primarily on the digestive and urinary tract, promote detoxification, and alleviate inflammation.

Side effects and risks

Although the Blue marsh iris is used in traditional medicine, there are some potential risks:

  • Toxicity: In higher doses, the plant can be toxic and lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Allergic reactions: Some individuals may react allergically to the plant, especially with external use.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The use of the Blue marsh iris during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not recommended, as the effects on the unborn child or the breastfed baby have not been sufficiently studied.

Conclusion

The Blue marsh iris is a plant with a long history in traditional medicine. It offers potential health benefits, particularly in supporting digestion and liver function as well as in alleviating inflammation. Due to its possible toxicity, however, it should be used with caution.

Sources:

  1. Khatib S, Faraloni C, Bouissane L. Exploring the Use of Iris Species: Antioxidant Properties, Phytochemistry, Medicinal and Industrial Applications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Mar 9;11(3):526. doi: 10.3390/antiox11030526. PMID: 35326175; PMCID: PMC8944787.
  2. Southern Cross University. (n.d.). Iris versicolor. Retrieved from https://www.scu.edu.au/analytical-research-laboratory---arl/medicinal-plant-garden/medicinal-plant-monographs/iris-versicolor/
  3. Kovalev V.M., Mykhailenko O.O., Krechun A.V., Osolodchenko T.P. Antimicrobial activity of extracts of Iris hungarica and Iris sibirica. Ann. Mechnikov’s Inst. 2017;2:57–64. doi: 10.5281/zenodo.803878.
  4. Kostić A.Ž., Gašić U.M., Pešić M.B., Stanojević S.P., Barać M.B., Mačukanović-Jocić M.P., Avramov S.N., Tešić Z.L. Phytochemical analysis and total antioxidant capacity of rhizome, above-ground vegetative parts and flower of three Iris species. Chem. Biodivers. 2019;16:e1800565. doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201800565.
  5. Khatib S, Faraloni C, Bouissane L. Exploring the Use of Iris Species: Antioxidant Properties, Phytochemistry, Medicinal and Industrial Applications. Antioxidants (Basel). 2022 Mar 9;11(3):526. doi: 10.3390/antiox11030526. PMID: 35326175; PMCID: PMC8944787.
  6. Chevallier A. 2001. Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants. St Leonards NSW: Dorling Kindersley.
  7. Stansbury J., Saunders P., Winston D. Promoting healthy thyroid function with iodine, Bladderwrack, Guggul and Iris. J. Restore Med. 2012;1:83–90. doi: 10.14200/jrm.2012.1.1008.
  8. Bartram T. 1995. Bartram's Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine. London: Robinson.
  9. Ying ZH, Li HM, Yu WY, Yu CH. Iridin Prevented Against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammatory Responses of Macrophages via Inactivation of PKM2-Mediated Glycolytic Pathways. J Inflamm Res. 2021 Feb 5;14:341-354. doi: 10.2147/JIR.S292244. PMID: 33574693; PMCID: PMC7872898.
  10. Wang, J., Chen, X., Chen, Y., Qin, F., & Yang, H. (2022). Pharmacological effects and mechanisms of tannic acid. Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 154, 113561. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113561
  11. Labieniec M, Gabryelak T, Falcioni G. Antioxidant and pro-oxidant effects of tannins in digestive cells of the freshwater mussel Unio tumidus. Mutat Res. 2003 Aug 5;539(1-2):19-28. doi: 10.1016/s1383-5718(03)00115-3. PMID: 12948811.