| Elecampane is obtained from the dried cut root and | | | | hypoglycemic drugs, sedatives, and antihypertensives. |
| rhizomes of lnula helenium. Extracts generally contain a | | | | Those with a history of hypersensitivity or contact |
| volatile oil whose chief components are alantolactone; | | | | dermatitis should avoid use. Pregnant and |
| isoalantolactone; 11,13-dihydroisoalantolactone; 11, | | | | breast-feeding patients should also avoid use. |
| 13-dihydroalanlantolactone; and other | | | | Safety Risk Large doses of elecampane could cause |
| sesquiterpen-lactones. These compounds may exhibit | | | | signs of paralysis. |
| variable antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, diuretic, | | | | Clinical considerations |
| expectorant, and hypotensive activities. Elecampane is | | | | Elecampane may interfere with the intended |
| available as fluid extract, in powdered root | | | | therapeutic effect of conventional drugs. |
| preparations, and topical products. | | | | Monitor patient for signs of allergic reaction, especially |
| Reported uses | | | | dermatologic reactions. |
| Elecampane is used to treat diabetes, hypertension, | | | | The alantolactone component can irritate mucous |
| diseases of the respiratory tract such as bronchitis, | | | | membranes. |
| asthma, and cough, diseases of the GI tract, and | | | | If overdose occurs, treat with gastric lavage, intestinal |
| diseases of the kidney and lower urinary tract. It's also | | | | emptying, and activated charcoal. |
| used to stimulate appetite and bile production, to treat | | | | Instruct patient to keep this and other herbal products |
| dyspepsia and menstrual complaints, and to promote | | | | out of children's reach. |
| diuresis. | | | | Instruct patient not to store the herb in a plastic |
| Administration | | | | container. |
| Dried root: 2 to 3 g by mouth three times a day | | | | Tell patient to remind pharmacist of any herbal or |
| Fresh root: 1 to 2 tablespoons by mouth three times a | | | | dietary supplement that he's taking when obtaining a |
| day | | | | new prescription. |
| Extract: 3 g dried root in 20 ml alcohol and 10 ml water | | | | Advise patient to consult his health care provider |
| by mouth three times a day | | | | before using an herbal preparation because a |
| Tea (steep 1 g of ground herb in boiling water for 10 to | | | | treatment with proven efficacy may be available. |
| 15 minutes): 1 cup every 4 hours up to three times a | | | | Safety Risk Advise patient that little evidence exists |
| day as an expectorant. | | | | supporting therapeutic use of elecampane and that the |
| Hazards | | | | herb can cause an allergic reaction. |
| Adverse reactions associated with elecampane | | | | Research summary |
| include mucous membrane irritation, allergic contact | | | | The concepts behind the use of elecampane and the |
| dermatitis and, with larger doses, nausea, vomiting, | | | | claims made regarding its effects haven't yet been |
| diarrhea, and cramps. There is a theoretical interaction | | | | validated scientifically. |
| with herbs with sedative properties and with | | | | |