Elecampane Root , (Inula helenium) ID: 773-41

Inula root is an herbal supplement used in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Available research shows that it has powerful antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and even possible anti-cancer properties. It can also benefit respiratory health and suppress coughs.

It has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity

It contains active compounds with anti-inflammatory properties, which may help treat respiratory diseases associated with inflammation.

A review of more than 120 studies showed that Inula has antioxidant activity that may help fight oxidative stress and inflammatory diseases, including cancer, of reduced brain function and diabetes

May have anti-cancer properties.

Preliminary studies indicate that compounds from Inula species may exhibit anticancer activity.

Additionally, test tube studies have found that Inula extract can be toxic to some cancer cells and have significant anti-cancer effects. For example, researchers have observed anticancer effects in brain cancer studies.

In addition, a test tube study found that the compound isoalantolactone, isolated from Inula, exhibited potential anticancer effects in the case of pancreatic cancer.

Another test-tube study examined the effects of another isolated elecampane compound—the sesquiterpenoid eudesmane—on leukemia cells. The authors observed its potential to promote the death of cancer cells.

Inula extracts also seem to affect breast cancer cells. A test tube study found that sesquiterpene lactones had promising anticancer activity in breast tumors by inhibiting certain pathways involved in the activation of cancer cells.

Similarly, another test tube study observed the anticancer activity of alantolactone, an isolated sesquiterpene lactone compound in Inula. The compound appeared to promote the death of breast cancer cells.

Improves respiratory health

Inula root has a long history of use in reducing coughs and respiratory-related ailments such as rhinitis, bronchitis and throat infections.

A test-tube study found that alantolactone isolated from Inula suppressed airway inflammation resulting from exposure to cigarette smoke, as well as helping to open airways.

The authors even suggested alantolactone as a potential treatment in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a chronic inflammatory lung disease that often results from smoking and makes breathing difficult.

In addition, test-tube research has observed that Inula can slow the activity of white blood cells and reduce inflammation in respiratory conditions.

One study gave children who had a severe cough a cough suppressant containing Inula for 8 days. The researchers found it was safe and reduced the severity and duration of cough compared to a placebo.

It has antimicrobial properties

Researchers have also studied Inula root extracts for their potential antibacterial and antifungal activity.

Other test tube studies have also observed that Inula root was effective against staph, possibly by damaging the bacterial cell membrane and causing them to die.

Other laboratory research has found that its extracts may fight Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the bacteria that cause the respiratory disease tuberculosis. They can also suppress Candida, a type of yeast that can cause opportunistic yeast infections.

HOW TO USE

Infusion,

SIDE EFFECTS

People taking medication to manage blood pressure or blood sugar, those with a sensitivity to Compositae plants, and people who are pregnant or breastfeeding should consult their doctor before using it.