Boneset
Agueweed, Crosswort, Eupatoire, Eupatorio, Feverwort, Indian Sage, Sweating Scientific Name: Eupatorium perfoliatum. Family: Asteraceae/Compositae. People Use This For: Orally, boneset is used as an antipyretic, diuretic, laxative, emesis, and cathartic. Safety: POSSIBLY UNSAFE: When used orally in excessive amounts. Large doses are both cathartic and emetic. Though the alkaloids have not been characterized, hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common in this genus (3). PREGNANCY AND LACTATION: POSSIBLY UNSAFE ...when used orally, due to possible hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid content (3); avoid using. Effectiveness: There is insufficient reliable information available about the effectiveness of boneset. Mechanism of Action: The applicable parts of boneset are the dried leaf and flowering parts. Preliminary research suggests boneset might have cytotoxic and mild antibacterial activity (4). Adverse Reactions: Report an Adverse Reaction to BONESET Orally, boneset can cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae / Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs. Interactions with Herbs & Supplements: HEPATOTOXIC : Concomitant use is contraindicated due to the risk of additive toxicity. Herbs containing hepatotoxic PAs include borage, butterbur, coltsfoot, comfrey, gravel root, hemp agrimony, hound's tongue, and the Senecio species plants dusty miller, alpine ragwort, groundsel, golden ragwort, and tansy ragwort (2). PYRROLIZIDINE ALKALOID (PA)-CONTAINING Interactions with Drugs: None known. Interactions with Foods: None known. Interactions with Lab Tests: None known. Interactions with Diseases or Conditions: CROSS-ALLERGENICITY: Boneset can cause an allergic reaction in individuals sensitive to the Asteraceae/Compositae family. Members of this family include ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds, daisies, and many other herbs. Dosage/Administration: ORAL: Traditionally one cup of tea, prepared by steeping 1-2 grams herb in 150 mL boiling water, has been used three times daily. The liquid extract, 1:1 in 25% alcohol, has been used 1-2 mL three times daily. 1-4 mL of the tincture, 1:5 in 45% alcohol, has also been used three times daily (1). Specific References: THYME 1. Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare 2. Chojkier M. Hepatic sinusoidal-obstruction syndrome: toxicity of pyrrolizidine 3. Roeder E. Medicinal plants in Europe containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Pharmazie 4. Habtemariam S, Macpherson AM. Cytotoxicity and antibacterial activity of ethanol extract from leaves of a herbal drug, boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum). Phytother Res 2000;14:575-7. |