FolkKB

Lovage

Levisticum officinale

Levisticum officinale is a perennial herb belonging to the Apiaceae family. In various traditional systems, it is utilized as a carminative, diuretic, expectorant, and stomachic, with additional applications for fever, infections, and as a nervine or stimulant. Scientific data regarding its therapeutic efficacy remains limited, though some studies suggest its dichloromethane extract may exhibit cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects on specific colon cancer cell lines. Research also indicates that members of the Lamiaceae family, which include this plant, may possess higher phenolic content and antioxidant activity than those in the Apiaceae family. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
carminative · diaphoretic
Traditions
traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • The study identified Angelica sinensis radix adulterations using molecular matrix characteristics with a matching credibility of ≥78%. D PMID
  • The dichloromethane extract of Levisticum officinale showed significant cytotoxic and anti-inflammatory effects on colon cancer cell lines without affecting non-cancerous cells. D PMID
  • The study found that extracts from Rosmarinus officinalis, Salvia officinalis, and Pinus sylvestris showed high antioxidant activities in cosmetic emulsions. D PMID
  • The study found that plants from the Lamiaceae family, including Levisticum officinale, had higher phenolic compound content and stronger antioxidant activity compared to those from the Apiaceae family. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Lovage?

Lovage (Levisticum officinale) 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: carminative, diaphoretic, diuretic, expectorant, fever, infections. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Lovage?

Lovage appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Lovage?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Lovage; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified Angelica sinensis radix adulterations using molecular matrix characteristics with a matching credibility of ≥78%.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Antioxidant Activity of Medicinal Herbs and Spices from Plants of the Lamiaceae, Apiaceae and Asteraceae Families: Chemometric Interpretation of the Data. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Antioxidant Activities of Ethanolic Extracts Obtained from α-Pinene-Containing Plants and Their Use in Cosmetic Emulsions. literature abstract metadata
  4. 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
  5. T2 Adulteration Identification of Angelica Sinensis Radix Based on Molecular Matrix Characteristics. literature abstract metadata