Alpine Delphinium
Delphinium elatum
Delphinium elatum, commonly known as larkspur, is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and western Asia. Traditionally, its use in medicine has not been well-documented; however, it has been employed for ornamental purposes and sometimes in horticultural practices. Scientific studies have shown that several diterpenoid alkaloids from Delphinium elatum exhibit slight cytotoxic activity against certain human tumor cell lines, with some new C19-diterpenoid alkaloids identified from both the plant and its seeds showing comparable or superior nematode control to methyl bromide in agricultural settings. While these findings suggest potential therapeutic applications, the evidence is currently limited and more research is needed to confirm these observations. Safety concerns are minimal based on available data; however, no significant drug interactions have been reported thus far.
- Traditionally for
- aperient · diuretic
- Traditions
- traditional · Western phytotherapy
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- aperient
- diuretic
- emetic
- eye complaints
- itch
- skin complaints
- vermifuge
What the science says
- Several diterpenoid alkaloids from Delphinium elatum showed slight cytotoxic activity against certain human tumor cell lines.
- Eleven new C19-diterpenoid alkaloids were identified from Delphinium elatum cv. Pacific Giant, with some showing cytotoxic activity against certain cancer cell lines.
- Both steam treatments provided nematode control comparable to or exceeding that of methyl bromide in larkspur (Delphinium elatum).
- Four new C19-diterpenoid alkaloids were identified from Delphinium elatum seeds, along with evaluations of their cytotoxic activity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Alpine Delphinium?
Alpine Delphinium (Delphinium elatum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Alpine Delphinium traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Alpine Delphinium for: aperient, diuretic, emetic, eye complaints, itch, skin complaints. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Alpine Delphinium?
Alpine Delphinium appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.
What does the scientific evidence say about Alpine Delphinium?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Alpine Delphinium; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Several diterpenoid alkaloids from Delphinium elatum showed slight cytotoxic activity against certain human tumor cell lines.
How strong is the evidence for Alpine Delphinium?
The strongest finding for Alpine Delphinium carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Alpine Delphinium safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Alpine Delphinium in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Alpine Delphinium interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Alpine Delphinium in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Alpine Delphinium?
Alpine Delphinium is also known as: Живокость высокая, Dauphinelle elevee.
Is Alpine Delphinium a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 Evaluation of Steam and Soil Solarization for Meloidogyne arenaria Control in Florida Floriculture Crops. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Four new C19-diterpenoid alkaloids from Delphinium elatum. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Eleven new C19-diterpenoid alkaloids from Delphinium elatum cv. Pacific Giant. literature abstract metadata
- T2 [Chemistry and Biological Activity of Diterpenoid Alkaloids]. literature abstract metadata