Elecampane

Generic name: Inula Helenium L.
Brand names: Alant, Elecampane, Horseheal, Inula, Radix Inulae, Scabwort, Yellow Starwort

Usage of Elecampane

Clinical trials evaluating the use of elecampane are lacking; however, in vitro research focuses on potential application in chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Antibacterial, cardiovascular, and hypoglycemic effects have also been suggested.(Huo 2008, Khan 2010)

Anti-inflammatory effects

Animal and experimental data

Reductions in inflammatory genes, cytokines, cells, and pathways including inducible NO synthase (iNOS) expression, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-1beta, IL-6, Neutrophils, NF-kappaB signaling, and toll-like receptors have been demonstrated by elecampane extracts in several animal and in vitro studies.(Ding 2019, Gao 2017, Kim 2017, Wang 2018)

Antimycobacterial and anthelminthic activity

Alantolactone is reported to have antimycobacterial and anthelminthic activity. Chromatographic fractions from the root of I. helenium exhibited activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Another study found that the aqueous extracts of I. helenium may inhibit growth of the parasite Ascaris lumbricoides.(Cantrell 1999, El Garhy 2002)

Lung injury

Animal and experimental data

Lipopolysaccharide-induced lung injury was alleviated by an elecampane root lactone extract (20 mg/kg) in an acute lung injury mouse model. mRNA of various inflammatory cytokines (ie, TNF-alpha, IL-1beta, IL-6) as well as iNOS expression were significantly reduced with treatment (P<0.001 each) and NF-kappaB signaling was also decreased. This led to a significant reduction in the accumulation of neutrophils and other inflammatory cells in both percentage and number (P<0.01). In vitro experiments supported these results.(Ding 2019)

Other uses

Alantolactone and isoalantolactone may have antitumor activity. Alantolactone may have hypotensive effects and hyperglycemic as well as hypoglycemic activity. The plant has also been examined for its antioxidant properties.(Bisset 2001, Nesterova 2003, Newall 1996)

In 2 animal arthritis models, oral administration of elecampane root extract significantly reduced arthritis index scores and paw swelling in a dose-Dependent manner. Significant benefit was observed when administered as a prophylactic or treatment regimen. In vitro studies demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects were in play via inhibition of TNF-alpha induced activation of NF-kappaB and MAPK pathways.(Gao 2017)

Improved Glucose tolerance and decreased fat accumulation has been documented with I. helenium root extract in vitro. The mechanism of action did not involve NF-kappaB but instead the inhibition of toll-like receptor pathways that are important in insulin resistance and inflammation. Additionally, levels of proinflammatory adipokines (ie, IL-6, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1) were reduced but not TNF-alpha.(Kim 2017)

Antioxidant activity has been observed in vitro and shown to be related to the total phenolic content of the elecampane root extract.(Nder 2021)

In an atopic dermatitis-like skin lesion mouse model, topical application of 1% elecampane root extract cream significantly reduced clinical symptoms via suppression of inflammatory cytokines in a dose-dependent manner.(Wang 2018)

Elecampane side effects

Elecampane may cause hypersensitivity reactions in patients with an existing allergy to plants in the Asteraceae family. The alantolactones may irritate the mucous membranes and there are case reports in the scientific literature of allergic contact dermatitis.Lamminpaa 1996, Newall 1996

Before taking Elecampane

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

How to use Elecampane

None suggested due to lack of clinical data.

Warnings

Large doses of the herb may cause gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and symptoms of paralysis.Bisset 2001

What other drugs will affect Elecampane

None well documented.

Disclaimer

Every effort has been made to ensure that the information provided by Drugslib.com is accurate, up-to-date, and complete, but no guarantee is made to that effect. Drug information contained herein may be time sensitive. Drugslib.com information has been compiled for use by healthcare practitioners and consumers in the United States and therefore Drugslib.com does not warrant that uses outside of the United States are appropriate, unless specifically indicated otherwise. Drugslib.com's drug information does not endorse drugs, diagnose patients or recommend therapy. Drugslib.com's drug information is an informational resource designed to assist licensed healthcare practitioners in caring for their patients and/or to serve consumers viewing this service as a supplement to, and not a substitute for, the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgment of healthcare practitioners.

The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

Popular Keywords