HERBAL MONOGRAPHS ELECAMPANE/267Production: Elecampane root is the root of Inula helenium. It
is harvested in autumn. The roots are then cut and hung up to
dry or dried artificially at 50° C.Other Names: Alant, Elfdock, Elfwort, Horse-Elder, Horse-
heal, Scabwort, Wild Sunflower, Yellow Starwort, Velvet
DockACTIONS AND PHARMACOLOGY
COMPOUNDS
Volatile oil: chief components alantolactone, isoalantolac-
tone, 11,13- dihydroisoalantolactone, 11,13- dihydroalanto-
lactone (the mixture of alantolactone derivatives is also
known as helenalin or elecampane camphor)PolyynesPolysaccharides: above all inulin (fructosan)EFFECTS
The main active principles are alantolacton, isoalantolacton
and other sesquiterpenlactones. Compounds of this kind have
an antiphlogostic and antibiotic effect. Antifungal activity
has also been demonstrated.The antimicrobial and anthelmintic effect results from the
sesquiterpene lactones. Alantolactone and isoalantolactone
are antitumoral, and helenin shortens clotting time. Alanto-
lactone and heler.in lead to complete paralysis of the
spontaneous contraction of the intestine in animal studies.The plant has mild antiseptic and expectorant effect due to
the essential oil, which contains sesquiterpene.INDICATIONS AND USAGE
Unproven Uses: Preparations of the rhizome are used to treat
bronchitis, whooping cough and bronchial catarrh. In folk
medicine, Elecampane is used as a stomachic, diuretic,
carminative and cholagogue, as well as for menstrual
complaints.Homeopathic Uses: Inula helenium preparations are used for
stomach ulcers and chronic cough.PRECAUTIONS AND ADVERSE REACTIONS
General: The drug is severely irritating to mucous mem-
branes and strongly sensitizing.Pregnancy: Not to be used during pregnancy.OVERDOSAGE
Larger administrations of the drug lead to vomiting, diarrhea,
spasms and signs of paralysis. Following gastric lavage,
intestinal emptying (sodium sulfate) and the administration
of activated charcoal powder, poisoning is treated with the
antimetic trifluopromazine.
DOSAGE
Mode of Administration: The comminuted drug is used in tea
mixtures. The extract is used as a constituent in numerous
pharmaceutical preparations, including gastrointestinal reme-
dies, alterants, gout remedies, diuretics and in numerous
expectorants.Preparation: To prepare an infusion, boiling water is poured
over 1 gm of ground drug and left to draw for 10 to 15
minutes, after which time it is strained through a tea strainer
(1 teaspoonful corresponds to about 4 gm drug).Daily Dosage: Average single dose 1 gm.Tea—1 cup is drunk 3 to 4 times daily as an expectorant;
may be sweetened with honey.Helenium Extract—The single dose is 0.5 gm.Homeopathic Dosage: 5 drops, 1 tablet or 10 globules every
30 to 60 minutes (acute) or 1 to 3 times daily (chronic);
parenterally: 1 to 2 ml sc acute, 3 times daily; chronic once a
day (HAB34).Storage: Store in a cool place, protected from light, not in
plastic containers.
LITERATURE
Kerimov SS, Chishov OS, (1974) Khim Prir Soed 10:254.
Khvorost PP, Komissarenko NF, (1976) Khim Prir Soed 6:820.
Kiesewetter R, Miiller M, (1958) Pharmazie 13:777.
Lauro L, Rolih C, Observations and research on an extract of
Inula viscosa Ait. Boll Soc Ital Biol Sper, 66:829-34, 1990 Sep
Pazzaglia M, Venturo N, Borda G, Tosti A, Contact dermatitis
due to a massage liniment containing Inula helenium extract.
Contact Dermatitis, 61:267, 1995 Oct
Rosik GH et al., Khim Farm Zh 21:632-634. 1987.
Tripathi YB, Chaturvedi P, Assessment of endocrine response
of Inula racemosa in relation to glucose homeostasis in rats.
Indian J Exp Biol, 61:686-9, 1995 Sep
Vishnakova SA et al., (1977) Rasut Resur 13:428.
Zinchenko V et al., Rastit Res 19:544-548. 1983.
Further information in:
Alonso Blasi N, Fraginals R, Lepoittevin JP, Benezra C, A
murine in vitro model of allergic contact dermatitis to
sesquiterpene alpha-methylene-gamma-butyrolactones. Arch
Dermatol Res, 284:297-302, 1992
Fokina GI, Frolova TV, Roikhel VM, Pogodina W,
Experimental phytotherapy of tick-borne encephalitis. Vopr
Virusol, 36:18-21, 1991 Jan-Feb.
Hansel R, Keller K, Rimpler H, Schneider G (Hrsg.), Hagers
Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis, 5. Aufl., Bde 4-6
(Drogen), Springer Veriag Berlin, Heidelberg, New York, 1992-
1994.