Boneset
Eupatorium perfoliatum
Photo credit: SB_Johnny
Safety information
Safety information
Toxicity: Contains dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, intermedine and derivatives; 0.0002-0.07% w/w; concentrated in tinctures and hot infusions) — potential hepatotoxicity with chronic use.
Contraindications: Pregnancy, lactation, liver disease, long-term use.
Interactions: Avoid with other hepatotoxic agents/PA-containing herbs.
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.
Evidence level
Supported by laboratory or animal studies; not yet confirmed in humans.
Preparations
hot infusion/decoction, tincture (described) · aerial parts
Part used: aerial parts
Traditional use: 'break' fevers, influenza, colds, 'breakbone fever' (dengue-like aches)
Proposed mechanism: sesquiterpene lactones/flavonoids — immunomodulatory/antiviral in vitro; dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (lycopsamine, intermedine) concentrated in tinctures and hot infusions
Dosage note (descriptive only): short-term use only; NO chronic-use how-to
Associated conditions
Nutritional notes
n/a
Healing traditions
Sources (3)
- Drugs.com NPP
- HerbalReality
- Avula/Khan et al., Phytochemistry 2018 (PubMed 29968391)