Tussilago
Tussilago farfara
Tussilago farfara, commonly known as common coltsfoot, is a traditional medicinal plant used in European and Asian herbal practices for treating coughs. It has been employed in various folk remedies to soothe respiratory issues. Scientific studies have shown that the plant can accumulate cadmium with significant bioconcentration factors, though other metals show weaker accumulation. Additionally, Tussilago farfara has demonstrated potential anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing RIPK1 expression and enhancing glucose uptake through multiple compounds. However, it contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which may pose liver toxicity risks and genotoxic effects, necessitating thorough toxicological assessments. No major safety issues or recorded drug interactions have been noted thus far.
- Traditionally for
- cough
- 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
- cough
What the science says
- TS mitigates sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice by suppressing RIPK1 expression.
- Six compounds enhanced glucose uptake, and twenty-one compounds inhibited NO production in cell assays.
- Tussilago farfara contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause liver damage and genotoxic effects, warranting further toxicological evaluation.
- The study found that common coltsfoot accumulates cadmium, with BCF values above 1, while other metals showed weak to medium accumulation.
- Tussilago farfara was recorded among plants used for respiratory conditions but safety concerns related to pyrrolizidine alkaloids were noted.
Frequently asked questions
What is Tussilago?
Tussilago (Tussilago farfara) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Tussilago traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Tussilago for: cough. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Tussilago?
Tussilago appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional.
What does the scientific evidence say about Tussilago?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Tussilago; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: TS mitigates sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice by suppressing RIPK1 expression.
How strong is the evidence for Tussilago?
The strongest finding for Tussilago carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Tussilago safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Tussilago in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Tussilago interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Tussilago in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Tussilago?
Tussilago is also known as: мать-и-мачеха обыкновенная, Tussilage.
Is Tussilago 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 Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara: full structure elucidation, anti-diabetic and anti-inflammatory signaling pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The Wild Plants from the Family Asteraceae That Are Traditionally Used for Food in Sicily and Bulgaria and Their Health Benefits. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Tussilagone mitigates sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice by suppressing RIPK1 expression. literature abstract metadata
- T2 High cadmium accumulation by common coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.), herbal plant growing and collecting in ruderal habitats. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ethnopharmacobotanical investigation of plants used for respiratory disorders in Transylvania, Romania. literature abstract metadata
- T3 Tussilago CC BY-SA 4.0