Common Fumitory
Fumaria officinalis
Fumaria officinalis is a flowering plant used within various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied for skin complaints, liver issues such as jaundice, and as a diuretic, laxative, or sedative. Scientific evidence suggests the plant contains isoquinoline alkaloids and phenolic compounds that may offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective activities, though extracts have not shown significant clinical benefit for managing IBS symptoms. Some studies indicate potential antibacterial properties against certain Gram-negative bacteria. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- depurative · aperient
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · Unani · traditional · TCM
- Best evidence
- A
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- depurative
- aperient
- cholagogue
- laxative
- stomach complaints
- abscess
- adenopathy
- alterative
- carbuncle
- diuretic
- jaundice
- liver complaints
- liver sclerosis
- sedative
- skin complaints
What the science says
- The study found that Fumaria officinalis contains a complex chemical profile with isoquinoline alkaloids and phenolic compounds, potentially offering anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities.
- Fumaria officinalis extracts have not shown significant clinical benefit in managing IBS symptoms.
- The study optimized extraction conditions for fumaric acid from Fumaria officinalis using response surface methodology, achieving high accuracy and precision in quantification.
- FO extract showed down-regulation of fimH and OprL gene expression in some Gram-negative bacteria isolates.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Fumitory?
Common Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Common Fumitory traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Common Fumitory for: depurative, aperient, cholagogue, laxative, stomach complaints, abscess. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Common Fumitory?
Common Fumitory appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, Unani, traditional, TCM.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Fumitory?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Fumitory; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: The study found that Fumaria officinalis contains a complex chemical profile with isoquinoline alkaloids and phenolic compounds, potentially offering anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant activities.
How strong is the evidence for Common Fumitory?
The strongest finding for Common Fumitory carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Fumitory safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Fumitory in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Fumitory interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Fumitory in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Fumitory?
Common Fumitory is also known as: Дымянка лекарственная, Fumeterre officinale.
Is Common Fumitory 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 Response Surface Methodology-Based Extraction of Fumaric Acid From Fumaria officinalis L. and Quantification by RP-HPLC. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Fumaria officinalis: Phytochemical complexity and its medicinal significance. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Plant-Derived Treatments for IBS: Clinical Outcomes, Mechanistic Insights, and Their Position in International Guidelines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Down-regulation of biofilm formation genes expression on some gram-negative bacteria by Fumaria officinalis extract. literature abstract metadata