Lovage
Levisticum
Levisticum officinale is a perennial herb used within various traditional medicine systems. It is traditionally applied to address digestive complaints, serve as a diuretic, and treat ear pain. Scientific evidence regarding its efficacy is limited, though some studies suggest its dichloromethane extract may exhibit cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects on specific colorectal cancer cell lines. Additionally, ethanolic extracts have demonstrated antioxidant activities in cosmetic applications, and a small case series suggests potential relief for musculoskeletal symptoms in breast cancer patients, though larger studies are required for confirmation. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded.
- Traditionally for
- digestive complaints · diuretic
- Traditions
- 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
- digestive complaints
- diuretic
- ear pain
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 is Lovage traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Lovage for: digestive complaints, diuretic, ear pain. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Lovage?
Lovage appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy.
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
- T3 Levisticum CC BY-SA 4.0