Inula Helenium Extract
Also known as: Elecampane, horse-heal, Inula helenium L., Inula helenium
Overview
Inula helenium, commonly known as elecampane or horse-heal, is a perennial herb with a long history of traditional use in ethnomedicine, particularly for respiratory conditions, inflammation, and digestive complaints. The root extract is rich in bioactive compounds, primarily sesquiterpene lactones like alantolactone and isoalantolactone, as well as various phenolic compounds. It is recognized for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties, with emerging research suggesting potential roles in metabolic regulation. While preclinical studies (in vitro and animal models) have explored its mechanisms and effects, high-quality human randomized controlled trials are limited, indicating that the evidence base is still largely preclinical.
Benefits
Inula helenium exhibits several promising benefits, primarily supported by preclinical research. It demonstrates significant immunomodulatory effects, with animal studies showing that oil extracts can increase macrophage counts and enhance T-cell numbers in immune organs, suggesting a boosted innate immune response. The herb also possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, attributed to its sesquiterpene lactones and phenolic compounds, which help reduce markers of inflammation. Furthermore, its extracts and isolated sesquiterpene lactones have shown antimicrobial activity against various bacteria, including *Staphylococcus aureus*, indicating potential for infection control. Cellular studies have revealed anti-adipogenic effects, where the root extract inhibits fat cell formation by targeting key metabolic pathways (AMPKα and Nur77), suggesting a role in managing obesity and metabolic dysfunction. Other reported preclinical benefits include neuroprotective, antiproliferative, antifungal, anthelmintic, and prebiotic activities.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Inula helenium are primarily mediated by its active compounds, particularly sesquiterpene lactones such as alantolactone and isoalantolactone. These compounds exert their effects through multiple mechanisms. They modulate immune cell proliferation and activity, including increasing macrophage counts and enhancing T-cell numbers in immune organs, thereby boosting the immune response. In terms of anti-inflammatory action, these compounds inhibit inflammatory pathways, reducing the production of inflammatory mediators. For its anti-adipogenic effects, the extract targets molecular regulators like AMP-activated protein kinase alpha (AMPKα) and nuclear receptor Nur77, which are crucial in the process of fat cell differentiation. The antimicrobial activity is linked to the ability of sesquiterpene lactones to disrupt bacterial cell function.
Side effects
Comprehensive human safety data from randomized controlled trials for Inula helenium are currently unavailable. Preclinical studies have not reported significant toxicity at the tested doses, and traditional use suggests a degree of tolerability. However, due to the lack of rigorous human trials, potential allergic reactions or gastrointestinal upset cannot be definitively ruled out. There are no documented drug interactions or contraindications from high-quality scientific sources. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family (e.g., ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigolds) should exercise caution due to potential cross-reactivity. Given the limited human safety data, caution is advised, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, and individuals with pre-existing medical conditions or those taking other medications.
Dosage
Currently, there are no established human dosing guidelines for Inula helenium derived from clinical trials. Preclinical animal studies have utilized doses such as 200 mg/kg of an oil extract administered intragastrically in mice. For human use, any dosage would be extrapolated from traditional practices or based on the standardization of active compounds, typically focusing on sesquiterpene lactone content. However, without robust clinical data, specific recommendations for efficacy or safety cannot be made. The form of the extract (e.g., dried root, tincture, standardized extract) and its absorption characteristics would also influence effective dosing. Further research is essential to define safe and effective human dosages for various therapeutic purposes.
FAQs
Is Inula helenium effective for respiratory infections?
Traditional use and in vitro antimicrobial data suggest potential benefits for respiratory infections, but robust human clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Can Inula helenium aid in weight loss?
Cellular studies indicate anti-adipogenic effects by inhibiting fat cell formation, but there is no human evidence yet to support its use for weight loss.
Is Inula helenium safe to use?
Preclinical data suggest a good safety profile, but comprehensive human safety data are insufficient. Caution is advised, especially for sensitive individuals.
How quickly do the effects of Inula helenium appear?
In animal studies, immune effects were observed within 48 hours. Metabolic effects in cell culture were studied over several days, but human response times are unknown.
What are the main active compounds in Inula helenium?
The primary active compounds are sesquiterpene lactones, particularly alantolactone and isoalantolactone, along with various phenolic compounds.
Research Sources
- https://biomedpharmajournal.org/vol17no4/inula-helenium-l-root-extract-in-sunflower-oil-determination-of-itscontent-of-water-soluble-vitamins-and-immunity-promoting-effect/ – This animal study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of Inula helenium oil extract in mice. It found that the extract significantly increased macrophage counts and enhanced T-cell numbers in immune organs within 48 hours, suggesting a boost to the innate immune response. The study highlights the potential of the extract to support immune function.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35897937/ – This in vitro cellular study explored the anti-adipogenic effects of Inula helenium root extract and alantolactone on 3T3-L1 adipocytes. It demonstrated that the extract inhibited adipogenesis by targeting key metabolic pathways, specifically AMPKα and Nur77, suggesting a potential role in managing obesity and metabolic dysfunction at a cellular level.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35209195/ – This in vitro study evaluated the antimicrobial activity of elecampane root extracts. It found that sesquiterpene lactones isolated from the root exhibited significant antimicrobial effects against *Staphylococcus aureus*, indicating the potential of Inula helenium as a natural antimicrobial agent. The research supports its traditional use in combating infections.
- https://www.uaiasi.ro/revmvis/index_htm_files/9.%20Inula%20helenium%20A%20literature%20review%20on%20ethnomedical%20uses,%20bioactive%20compounds%20and%20pharmacological%20activities.pdf – This literature review provides a comprehensive summary of the ethnomedical uses, bioactive compounds, and pharmacological activities of Inula helenium. It consolidates findings from various preclinical studies, highlighting its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, neuroprotective, and antimicrobial effects, while also noting the limited clinical evidence available.
