By skyforbes 
Key Takeaways
- Traditional uses for Elecampane include bronchitis, whooping cough, fungal infections, and other conditions, but there is very little scientific evidence to support its use.
- Elecampane has numerous properties that may be beneficial for treating cancer and other digestive and respiratory conditions, but human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
- Taking elecampane is unsafe for children or if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have severe kidney or liver disease.
Elecampane (Inula helenium L.) is an herbal supplement that appears to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Researchers have looked at whether it can be used to treat a variety of conditions, including tuberculosis, other respiratory infections, skin disorders, and some types of cancer. However, human studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Supplement Facts
- Active ingredient(s): Inulin, lactone, phenolic acid, flavonoids
- Alternate name(s): Yellowhead
- Legal status: Herbal supplement
- Suggested dose: No safe or effective dose is recommended by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Safety considerations: Pregnancy, lactation, children, severe kidney or liver disease, inulin allergy
Benefits and Uses of Elecampane
Elecampane has many traditional uses. Elecampane has been used to treat ailments since ancient times. Research on 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).
Inulin: This herb contains a large amount of prebiotic soluble fiber inulin, which supports a healthy intestinal tract. Dietary inulin is found in many foods (including whole wheat, onions, and garlic). Preliminary studies suggest that inulin modifies the microbial balance and function in the gut and may reduce gut inflammation.
Digestive effects: Some research suggests that elecampane may have the following properties that may soothe digestive disorders:
- Anti-inflammatory (preventing inflammation in the body)
- Antibacterial (germ-fighting)
Elecampane also contains the phytochemical alantolactone, which may be the reason behind its anti-inflammatory effects.
Further, unproven uses of elecampane include:
Cancer
Elecampine contains numerous compounds in addition to alantolactone. Multiple studies demonstrate promising anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects on cancer cells. These cancers include:
Alantolactone is a sesquiterpenoid. 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.
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 for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). MRSA is dangerous and sometimes even fatal, so if you’re experiencing any symptoms, see a healthcare provider immediately.
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.
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.
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:
- Contact dermatitis
- Allergy
Severe Side Effects
Severe side effects may result from taking large amounts of elecampane, including:
- Chronic actinic dermatitis (an immune-mediated condition affecting sun-exposed skin)
- Anaphylactic reaction
Signs of anaphylaxis may include:
- Itchy red rash with hives
- Swollen throat or swollen areas of the body
- Wheezing, trouble breathing, or cough
- Trouble swallowing
- Hoarse voice
- Vomiting, diarrhea, stomach cramping
- Pale or red color to the face and body
- Passing out
- Chest tightness
- Feeling of impending doom
Seek immediate medical attention if any of these symptoms occur.
Precautions
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 is also 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 Compositae family. 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.
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?
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.
When using elecampane, speak with your healthcare provider about the dose that is best for you. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions to ensure you use it safely.
Interactions
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:
- Beetroot (Beta vulgaris)
- Garlic (Zingiber officinale)
- Magnesium
- Potassium
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.