Elecampane root
Helenii radix
Alantwurzel
Published May 5, 1988
Name of Drug
Helenii radix , elecampane root.
Composition of Drug
Elecampane consists of the dried, cut root and rhizome of Inula helenium L. [Fam. Asteraceae], harvested in autumn from 2- to 3-year-old plants, as well as preparations thereof in effective dosage.
The herb contains essential oil and bitter principles.
Uses
Elecampane preparations are used for diseases of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and kidney and lower urinary tract.
The effectiveness for the claimed applications has not been adequately documented.
Risks
The sesquiterpene lactones present in elecampane, principally alantolactone, irritate the mucous membranes. These lactones are sensitizing and cause allergic contact dermatitis. Alantolactone is bound as a hapten to the proteins of the skin. The adduct induces hypersensitivity to alantolactone and other compounds with a 2-methylene—g-lactone (cross-reaction). Large amounts of the herb lead to vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, and symptoms of paralysis.
Evaluation
Since the activity of the herb and its preparations in the areas indicated has not been adequately substantiated, in view of the risks of an allergy its therapeutic use cannot be justified.
|
