Elecampane(Inula heleniumL.)
is an herbal supplement that may have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties.
Elecampane contains compounds that may cause contact dermatitis (skin rash) in some people.
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It’s part of the Compositae familywhich includes artichoke, dandelion, and yarrow.
That means some supplement products may not contain what the label says.
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Benefits of Elecampane
Elecampane has many traditional uses.
Image by Anastasia Tretiak for Verywell Health
Without human data, firm statements can’t be made about its effectiveness for a condition.
Preliminary studies suggest inulin modifies the microbe balance and function in the gut and may reduce gut inflammation.
Elecampane also contains the phytochemicalalantolactone, which may be the reason behind its anti-inflammatory effects.
Some experts discourage these applications because of the potential to cause contact dermatitis and allergy sensitivity.
Image by Anastasia Tretiak for Verywell Health
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.
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.
Tuberculosis
People have also taken elecampane for tuberculosis, a respiratory condition.
This early research requires supportive clinical data to verify the findings.
Antibacterial
Elecampane has astringent and antibacterial properties, which may act against bacterial infection.
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.
The noted side effects are the results of taking high amounts of elecampane.
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 also is possible.
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.
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:
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.
How to Store Elecampane
Fresh elecampane roots should be stored as any roots would be.
Dried roots should be kept out of direct sunlight after chopping and cleaning.
Otherwise, store elecampane as recommended by the manufacturer.
However, there is not enough clinical data to support these claims.
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