Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefits of ElecampaneSide EffectsPrecautionsDosageToxicityInteractionsHow to StoreSimilar Supplements
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits of Elecampane
Side Effects
Precautions
Dosage
Toxicity
Interactions
How to Store
Similar Supplements
Elecampane(Inula heleniumL.) is an herbal supplement that may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Researchers have looked at whether it can be used to treat a variety of conditions, includingarthritis, respiratory infections, skin disorders, and some types of cancer.However, more studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Elecampane contains compounds that may cause contact dermatitis (skin rash) in some people. It’s part of the Compositae family—which includes artichoke, dandelion, and yarrow. If you have a sensitivity to plants in this family, you shouldn’t take elecampane to avoid an allergic reaction.
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate supplements the way it regulates prescription drugs. That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says. Whenchoosing a supplement, look for independently tested products and consult a healthcare provider, registered dietitian nutritionist (RD or RDN), or pharmacist.
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Elecampane has many traditional uses. Elecampane has been treating ailments since ancient times.Research of these claims is in its early stages, with most studies conducted in vivo(lab study in animals, plants, cells) or in vitro (lab study in a cell culture).
There have been very few clinical studies in humans on the health benefits of elecampane or the compounds it contains. Without human data, firm statements can’t be made about its effectiveness for a condition.
This herb contains a large amount of prebiotic soluble fiber inulin, which supports a healthy intestinal tract.Dietary inulinis found in many foods (including whole wheat, onions, and garlic). Preliminary studies suggest inulin modifies the microbe balance and function in the gut and may reduce gut inflammation.
Some research suggests that elecampane may haveantispasmodic(preventing or relieving muscle spasms), anti-inflammatory (preventing inflammation in the body), and antibacterial (germ-fighting) properties.Due to these effects, elecampane can also soothe digestive disorders.
Elecampane also contains the phytochemicalalantolactone, which may be the reason behind its anti-inflammatory effects.
Further, unproven uses of elecampane include:
Elecampane is available as a dietary supplement but also is used as a food additive for flavor and to add scent to cosmetic and personal care products. Some experts discourage these applications because of the potential to cause contact dermatitis and allergy sensitivity.
Contact Dermatitis
Cancer
Elecampine contains numerous compounds, including alantolactone. Multiple studies demonstrate promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects on cancer cells. These cancers include:
The alantolactone in elecampine is asesquiterpenoid. These compounds have been shown to work against the spread of cancer (metastasis) and promote cancer cell death.Though the results are promising, there’s a need for additional research and clinical studies in humans.
What Is Metastasis?
Inflammation
Elecampane’s abundance of sesquiterpenes may have health effects. Specifically,dehydrocostus, a sesquiterpene lactone found in elecampane, helps with inflammation in the body.
Researchers have conducted preliminary studies of how this lactone affects the inflammation pathway. The results have shown how dehydrocostus may stop inflammation and how it may benefit lung ailments.
Inflammation can cause several problems in the body. Until there are clinical (human) studies with proven evidence and data, whether elecampane can improve inflammation remains unknown.
Tuberculosis
People have also taken elecampane for tuberculosis, a respiratory condition. Early research has shown that alantolactone can stop the growth of tuberculosis.But this research has only applied to cells and animals, not humans.
It turns out that the properties of the sesquiterpenes found in elecampane could benefit the treatment of tuberculosis in more than one way—anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. This early research requires supportive clinical data to verify the findings.
Antibacterial
Elecampane has astringent and antibacterial properties, which may act against bacterial infection.
For example, the antibacterial compounds of elecampane may serve as a potential treatment formethicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA).MRSA is dangerous and sometimes even fatal, so if you’re experiencing any symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately.
Supplement Facts
What Are the Side Effects of Elecampane?
There is a risk of side effects when taking elecampane. As with any supplement, allergic reactions are also possible.
Common Side Effects
Elecampane can contain significant amounts of inulin and sesquiterpenes. Studies have investigated both of these for their role in several health conditions. Inulin and sesquiterpenes may have the following side effects:
Severe Side Effects
Using elecampane can cause several side effects. The noted side effects are the results of taking high amounts of elecampane.
Research has not established safe use in children or people with severe liver or kidney disease. For this reason, children or people with severe liver or kidney diseases should not take it.
Allergic reaction also is possible. A 2017 literature review reports that sesquiterpene lactones in elecampane could potentially trigger an allergic reaction among individuals with a sensitivity to plants in the Compositaefamily.Other plants in the Compositae family include artichoke, mugwort, yarrow, dandelion, and feverfew.
Elecampane often causes drowsiness due to its ability to affect the central nervous system.If elecampane combines with anesthesia, it could potentially be fatal. Stop taking elecampane at least two weeks before a scheduled surgery involving the use of anesthesia.
Dosage: How Much Elecampane Should I Take?
There is no FDA-recommended safe or effective dose of elecampane. Remember that people who are allergic to inulin should not use elecampane.
What Happens if I Take Too Much Elecampane?
Clinical studies with dosing information are not available.
There is the potential for allergic reaction with elecampane as with most herbal supplements. If you know you have an allergy to inulin, taking large doses of elecampane may result in an allergic reaction.
Herbal supplements can interact with medications and other supplements. When using elecampane, consider its interactions with the following medications and supplements.
Elecampane can cause drowsiness. For this reason, avoid taking elecampane with other sedative medications such as Klonopin, Ativan, and Ambien.
Elecampane may interact with supplements that exhibit the same effects as those listed above. Such supplements may be:
Reading a supplement’s ingredient list and nutrition facts panel carefully is essential. Knowing which ingredients and how much of each ingredient is included in the supplement is vital. Please review this supplement label with your healthcare provider to discuss potential interactions with foods, other supplements, and medications.
How to Store Elecampane
Summary
Traditional uses of elecampane include antibacterial effects, respiratory issues, and anti-tumor effects. However, there is not enough clinical data to support these claims.
Taking elecampane is unsafe if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, a child, or have severe kidney or liver disease.
When considering using elecampane, discussing the uses, dosage, side effects, and interactions with your healthcare provider is best.
An Overview of Herbal Medicine
18 Sources
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