Tussilago japonica vs Solanum xanthocarpum

Side-by-side comparison of medicinal herbs

Herb

Tussilago japonica

Respiratory

Solanum virginianum

Respiratory

Tussilago japonica

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Solanum xanthocarpum

❌ Not recommended in pregnancy

❌ Not recommended while nursing

Description

TCM warming herb for cold cough; flower buds used specifically for lung warming and cough suppressant.

South Asian thorny nightshade; one of Dashamoola ten roots in Ayurveda; used for cough and asthma.

Active Compounds

tussilagone, tussilagin, opacin, terpene ketones, saponins, inulin

solasonine, solamargine, diosgenin, alkaloids, flavonoids

Traditional Uses

cold cough, asthma, bronchitis, hoarseness

cough, asthma, bronchitis, fever, urinary conditions, Dashamoola herb

Modern Uses

antitussive, antispasmodic, bronchodilator, anti-inflammatory

bronchodilator, expectorant, anti-inflammatory, respiratory tonic

Adult Dosage

5-9g dried flower bud or 300mg extract daily

3-5g dried plant decoction 2x/day; 1-2g powder

Contraindications

pregnancy, liver disease, pyrrolizidine alkaloid content

pregnancy, nightshade sensitivity

Side Effects

hepatotoxicity with pyrrolizidine alkaloids at high doses

GI upset

Drug Interactions

0 known interactions

Reviewed by: HerbAlly Editorial Team, Medical herbalists and healthcare professionals

Sources: WHO Monographs · NCCIH · PubMed · Commission E