Related Terms

• Alant, alant camphor, alantolactone, alantopicrin, Asteraceae (family), Aster helenium (L.) Scop., Aster officinalis All., Compositae (family), dammaradienol, dammaradienyl acetate, elecampane, elecampane camphor, elfwort, eudesmanes, eudesmanolides, friedelin, germacrane, helenin, helenin camphor, Helenium grandiflorum Gilib., horseheal, inula, Inula campana, inula camphor, Inula helenium, Inula racemosa, inulin, isoalantolactone, isocostunolide, mucilage, scabwort, sesquiterpenes, sitosterols, stigmasterol, thymol derivatives, yellow starwort.

Background

• Elecampane is a tall wildflower with oversized pointed leaves and yellow to orange daisy-like flowers. Elecampane is a natural source of food flavoring in Europe and is approved for use in alcoholic beverages in the United States.

• Traditionally, elecampane is used as an antifungal, antiparasitic, and general antimicrobial agent, as well as an expectorant for coughs, colds, and bronchial ailments. At this time, there is a lack of evidence from randomized, controlled trials to support these uses.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Angina pectoris (chest pain), antibiotic, antifungal, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antiparasitic (roundworm, threadworm, hookworm, whipworm), antiseptic, antispasmodic, antiviral, boils, bronchial congestion, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, colds, cough, decongestant/expectorant, diabetes, digestive tonic, headaches, hypertension (high blood pressure), hypnotic/sleep (aromatherapy), hypoxia (low oxygen levels), immunostimulant, irritable bowel syndrome, laxative, muscle tension, myocardial infarction (heart attack), pain (various causes), pruritus (itchy skin), sedative, skin conditions, stress, tuberculosis.

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (over 18 years old)

• Secondary sources suggest 1.5-4 grams rhizome/root in capsule form or as a decoction, three times daily, or 300 milligrams alantolactone daily for two courses of five days with an interval of 10 days.

• Secondary sources suggest 15-25 drops of tinctured elecampane root daily.

Children (under 18 years old)

• Secondary sources suggest 50-200 milligrams alantolactone daily for two courses of five days with an interval of 10 days.

• Secondary sources suggest 7-12 drops of tinctured elecampane root daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to elecampane or members of the Compositae/Asteraceae family such as dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, and daisies.

• Five cases of occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by the Compositae family were diagnosed in a 14-year period. Elecampane was one of four plants indicated in the five cases.

Side Effects and Warnings

• There is inadequate available information regarding adverse effects associated with elecampane. Contact allergic dermatitis is the most commonly reported adverse event.

• Use cautiously in patients using glucose-modifying agents due to potential for additive or opposite effects.

• Use cautiously in patients using blood pressure-altering agents, anticancer agents, heart agents, laxatives, muscle relaxants, or sedatives, due to potential for additive effects.

• Avoid in patients with allergies to the Compositae/Asteraceae family such as dandelion, goldenrod, ragweed, sunflower, and daisies.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

• Elecampane is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Traditionally, elecampane has been added to white wine for the treatment of bronchitis. Use cautiously with alcohol.

• Elecampane may have moderate antibacterial activity. Use cautiously with antibiotics, due to possible additive effects.

• Elecampane may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medication that may also alter blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare provider. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

• Elecampane may have moderate antifungal and antiparasitic activity; use cautiously.

• Elecampane may have additive effects with other blood pressure-altering agents, anticancer agents, and laxative agents in humans; use cautiously.

• Elecampane may have antioxidant properties.

• Elecampane may have additive effects with agents that induce muscle relaxation. Use cautiously with antispasmodic medications. Elecampane may have additive effects with cardiac agents in humans. Use cautiously with heart medications.

• Elecampane may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan®) or diazepam (Valium®), barbituates such as Phenobarbital, narcotics such as caffeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Interactions with Herbs & Dietary Supplements

• Elecampane may have moderate antibacterial activity, antifungal activity, anticancer activity, antioxidant properties, and antiparasitic activity. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements with similar effects.

• Elecampane may have additive effects with agents that induce muscle relaxation; use cautiously with herbs with such activity.

• Elecampane may have additive effects with cardiac agents in humans. Use cautiously with herbs and supplements taken for the heart.

• Echinacea and osha (Ligusticum porteri) root have been used in combination with elecampane for respiratory ailments. Use cautiously.

• There is a potential for additive effects between elecampane and ginger as laxative agents in humans. There is also a potential for additive effects between elecampane and ginger as anti-cancer agents in humans.

• Elecampane may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also alter blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

• Elecampane may have additive effects with other blood pressure-altering herbs and supplements in humans; use cautiously.

• Use cautiously with herbs and supplements with laxative effects, those taken for respiratory ailments.

• Elecampane may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some herbs and supplements. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

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