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Elecampane real
Synonym(s)
DefinitionThis section has been translated automatically.
Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a perennial herbaceous plant of the daisy family (Asteraceae), originally native to Central Asia, now native to almost all of Europe, up to 2 m. high. Elecampane has yellow flowers. Elecampane is one of the oldest medicinal plants, used by the Greeks and Romans in ancient times. In the past, elecampane was often used as a spice.
Cultivated as a medicinal plant only annual to annual overwintering, see under Helenii rhizoma .
Commission E: - Negative overall assessment (efficacy not sufficiently proven, high allergy potential).
ESCOP: - no processing
HMPC: - no processing
General informationThis section has been translated automatically.
Elecampane is stem plant of Helenii rhizoma the elecampane rhizome, from dried and crushed rhizome with roots. For this, there is a negative monograph of the Commission E.
About 17 different sesquiterpene lactones including helenalin have been identified so far in the aerial parts of the plant and 6 in the roots.
Alantolactone and isoalactone play an important role as contact allergens.
Epicutaneous test: for this purpose a short ether extract 0.1% is prepared in vaseline. Alantolactone is tested 0.01-0.1% in petrolatum; isoalantolactone 0.1% in petrolatum. The irritation threshold is low. Direct testing of plant parts is not recommended.
Cross-reactions are also found with chrysanthemum, sunflower as well as with nodding two-tooth.
Note(s)This section has been translated automatically.
Alant was used as a panacea in the Middle Ages. Both the roots and the leaves were used as a cough remedy, for diseases of the throat and as a vermifuge. The earlier use for skin diseases was largely abandoned. This was mainly due to the contact sensitizing properties of the extracts.
LiteratureThis section has been translated automatically.
- Aberer W et al (1990) Active sensitization to elecampane by patch testing with a crude plant extract. Cont. Derm22:53-55
- Arberer W (2008) Contact allergy and medicinal plants. JDDG 6: 15-24
- Hausen BM, Vieluf K (1997) Allergy plants, plant allergens. Ecomed Verlag Landsberg (Munich) 81-82.
- https://pflanzen.fnr.de/industrialplants/medicinalplants/plant-database