Black Bryony: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Black bryony (Tamus communis L.) is a climbing plant native to Europe and parts of the Mediterranean, long known in folk medicine and foraged diets. Its glossy, heart-shaped leaves, red berries, and fleshy rhizomes have been used both culinarily and medicinally, but its reputation is complicated—celebrated for antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, yet notorious for irritant effects. This article explores the evidence behind its benefits, risks, and recommended approaches to dosage, synthesizing current scientific research for an informed and practical perspective.

Benefits of Black Bryony

Black bryony has attracted renewed interest as scientists delve into the nutritional and pharmacological properties of wild edible plants. Traditionally used for topical remedies and as food in certain regions, black bryony is now being examined for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and potential anticancer effects. Let's explore what the latest research reveals.

Compound	Health Effect	Application	Source
Phenolics	Antioxidant	Dietary/Topical	1 3 4
Flavonoids	Anti-inflammatory	Topical	3 4
Kaempferol glycosides	Antioxidant, GI-stable	Dietary	4
Bioactive extracts	Antiproliferative	In vitro cancer studies	5

Table 1: Key Bioactive Compounds and Health Effects of Black Bryony

Powerful Antioxidant Properties

Black bryony stands out for its exceptionally high concentration of phenolics and related compounds, which are pivotal in neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. In comparative studies, black bryony exhibited the highest levels of phenolics among several wild greens, with significant amounts of flavonoids, tocopherols (Vitamin E), and ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) 1 3. These compounds contribute not only to its antioxidant activity but also to its potential role in reducing oxidative stress—a contributor to aging and many chronic diseases.

• High phenolic content: Up to 759 mg GAE/g extract, among the highest found in wild edible plants 1.
• Potent radical scavenging activity: EC50 values (a measure of antioxidant strength) below 640 μg/ml 1.
• Rich in carotenoids and lycopene: These natural pigments are associated with cellular protection and skin health 3.

Anti-Inflammatory and Folk Uses

Traditional Mediterranean and Iberian folk medicine employed black bryony, especially its berries and rhizome extracts, for relieving pain and rheumatic symptoms through topical application. Scientific studies now support these uses, demonstrating that the fruits contain abundant bioactive phytochemicals with significant anti-inflammatory potential 3. The high antioxidant content likely contributes to this effect, as oxidative damage is linked to inflammation.

• Topical anti-inflammatory activity: Supported by both folk use and phytochemical analysis 3.
• Flavonoids and kaempferol glycosides: Identified as primary anti-inflammatory agents 4.

Nutritional Value and Unique Compounds

Black bryony is also notable for its macronutrient composition and the stability of its beneficial compounds during digestion:

• High carbohydrate and energy content: Making it a substantial addition to traditional diets 1 4.
• Kaempferol glycosides: These flavonoids are not only potent antioxidants but also remain relatively stable through simulated human digestion, suggesting that their benefits are retained after consumption 4.

Antiproliferative and Pro-apoptotic Effects

Modern research is investigating black bryony's extracts for their potential anticancer effects. In laboratory studies, aqueous extracts of black bryony inhibited the growth of human bladder and lung cancer cell lines, showing significant antiproliferative activity 5. While these findings are preliminary and limited to in vitro models, they suggest a promising avenue for future research.

Side Effects of Black Bryony

Despite its impressive profile of bioactive compounds, black bryony is not without risks. Both traditional accounts and modern research highlight several notable side effects, particularly related to skin irritation and potential toxicity. It is crucial to be aware of these risks before using black bryony in any form.

Part Used	Side Effect	Risk Level	Source
Berries	Skin irritation	High (topical)	2
Rhizome	Dermatitis, irritation	High (topical)	2
All parts	Gastrointestinal upset, possible toxicity	Moderate (oral)	2
Rhizome mucilage	Histamine-mediated rash	High (topical)	2

Table 2: Main Side Effects and Risks of Black Bryony

Irritant and Allergenic Properties

Research has confirmed that both the juice of black bryony's ripe berries and the mucilage from its rhizomes can cause significant skin irritation. The culprit is twofold:

• Calcium oxalate crystals: These needle-like crystals penetrate the skin, causing mechanical irritation and a burning or stinging rash 2.
• Histamine content: The rhizome mucilage contains histamine, which can amplify the skin's inflammatory response, leading to redness and swelling 2.

Symptoms often include:

• Redness and rash at the site of contact
• Burning, itching, or stinging sensation
• Swelling and, occasionally, blistering

Potential Toxicity and Oral Risks

Although black bryony has been consumed as a wild green in some traditional diets, caution is warranted:

• Toxic compounds: All parts of the plant, especially the berries and rhizomes, are considered potentially toxic if ingested in significant quantities 2.
• Gastrointestinal upset: Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and diarrhea, particularly in children or sensitive individuals 2.
• Not recommended for internal medicinal use: Due to these risks, most modern herbal references advise against internal consumption except by those with specific, traditional knowledge and appropriate preparation methods.

Allergic Reactions and Sensitization

Individuals with sensitive skin or a history of plant allergies may be at greater risk for adverse reactions. Always test a small amount topically before wider application, and avoid contact with mucous membranes and eyes.

Dosage of Black Bryony

Determining a safe and effective dosage of black bryony is challenging, as the plant contains both beneficial and potentially harmful compounds. Dosage recommendations must therefore be conservative, prioritizing safety and evidence-based guidance.

Preparation	Traditional Use	Modern Suggestion	Source
Topical extract	Pain/rheumatism relief	Small amount, dilute, patch test	3
Dietary (sprouts/greens)	Culinary (rare)	Limited, well-cooked, occasional	1
Aqueous extract (lab studies)	Not traditional	0.5–4 mg/ml (in vitro only)	5
Berries/rhizome (oral)	Avoid (toxic)	Not recommended	2

Table 3: Traditional Uses and Dosage Considerations for Black Bryony

Topical Application

• Traditional approach: Black bryony extracts, particularly from the berries and rhizomes, have been applied externally to relieve pain and inflammation, often for conditions like rheumatism 3.
• Modern guidance: Due to the risk of skin irritation and allergic reaction, topical applications should be highly diluted and tested on a small skin area first. Use only brief applications and avoid broken skin.
• Do not use on sensitive skin or in children.

Dietary Use: Edible Greens and Sprouts

• Rare culinary use: In some regions, young shoots and sprouts have been consumed as part of mixed vegetable dishes 1.
• Preparation matters: Shoots were typically well-cooked to reduce toxicity. Consumption should be infrequent and in small amounts, as safety data is limited.
• Not for raw consumption: The potential for toxicity and irritation is higher if the plant is not thoroughly cooked.

Laboratory Extracts: What Studies Use

• In vitro studies: Research on antiproliferative and antioxidant effects used aqueous extracts at concentrations from 0.5 to 4 mg/ml, but these are not directly translatable to human dosage and should not be used as a recommendation for self-medication 5.
• No established therapeutic dose: There is currently no scientifically validated, safe oral or topical dose for black bryony in humans.

What to Avoid

• Berries and rhizomes: Avoid oral ingestion of berries and rhizomes due to their irritant and toxic properties 2. Severe poisoning has been reported, especially in children, after accidental berry ingestion.
• Self-experimentation: Without expert guidance, avoid any internal medicinal use or home-made preparations involving concentrated extracts.

Conclusion

Black bryony is a fascinating example of a traditional wild plant with a complex dual nature—rich in beneficial compounds but also carrying significant risks. Here’s what you need to remember:

• Potent antioxidants: Black bryony is exceptionally high in phenolics, flavonoids, and kaempferol glycosides, supporting its use as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory in traditional medicine 1 3 4.
• Skin irritant and toxic: Both the berries and rhizomes can cause severe skin irritation and are potentially toxic if ingested, largely due to calcium oxalate crystals and histamine 2.
• Potential anticancer properties: Laboratory studies indicate antiproliferative effects against cancer cell lines, but these findings are not yet applicable to human treatment 5.
• Safe use is limited: Topical use requires extreme caution and dilution; dietary use is rare and should be limited to well-cooked young shoots, if at all.
• No established dosage: There are no standardized or recommended doses for black bryony, and self-medicating is not advised.

In summary:

• Black bryony offers intriguing potential benefits, especially as a source of natural antioxidants.
• Its risks—particularly as a skin and gastrointestinal irritant—are significant and must not be underestimated.
• Until further research provides clearer safety guidelines, black bryony should be used only with expert knowledge and extreme caution.

If you are curious about wild edible plants, always consult a knowledgeable herbalist or healthcare provider before experimenting with black bryony or any unfamiliar botanical.