Lovage
Levisticum
Levisticum officinale, commonly known as lovage, is a traditional plant with roots tracing back to various European and Mediterranean herbal practices. It has been used in folk medicine for its purported diuretic properties and as an aid in digestive issues, though specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific evidence suggests that the dichloromethane extract of Levisticum officinale exhibits significant cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects on colorectal cancer cell lines without affecting non-cancerous cells. Additionally, molecular matrix characteristics have been used to identify adulterations in Angelica sinensis radix using extracts from Levisticum. Extracts from related plants like Rosmarinus officinalis and Salvia officinalis also showed high antioxidant activities when incorporated into cosmetic emulsions. A case series suggests that Arnica/Levisticum 6x comp. may alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms associated with endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients, though larger studies are needed to confirm these findings. No major safety issues or drug interactions have been recorded for Levisticum officinale.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The dichloromethane extract of Levisticum officinale showed significant cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects on colorectal cancer cell lines without affecting non-cancerous cells.
- The study identified Angelica sinensis radix adulterations using molecular matrix characteristics with a matching credibility of ≥78.0%.
- The study found that ethanolic extracts from certain plants, including Levisticum officinale, showed antioxidant activities and were incorporated into stable cosmetic emulsions.
- This case series suggests Arnica/Levisticum 6x comp. may alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms associated with endocrine therapy in breast cancer patients, though larger studies are needed.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lovage?
Lovage (Levisticum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Lovage?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Lovage; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The dichloromethane extract of Levisticum officinale showed significant cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects on colorectal cancer cell lines without affecting non-cancerous cells.
How strong is the evidence for Lovage?
The strongest finding for Lovage carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Lovage safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Lovage in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Lovage interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Lovage in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Lovage?
Lovage is also known as: Любисток, Livèche.
Is Lovage 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
- T2 Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from α-Pinene-Containing Plants and Their Use in Cosmetic Emulsions. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Anti-inflammatory and Apoptotic Effects of Levisticum Officinale Koch Extracts on HT 29 and Caco-2 Human Colorectal Carcinoma Cell Lines. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Adulteration Identification of Angelica Sinensis Radix Based on Molecular Matrix Characteristics. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Arnica/Levisticum 6x comp. can alleviate musculoskeletal symptoms in breast cancer patients undergoing endocrine therapy: a case series. literature abstract metadata