Chamerion Angustifolium (Chamerion angustifolium): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Chamerion angustifolium work for prostate health?

Chamerion angustifolium contains ellagitannins, particularly oenothein B, along with flavonoids like quercetin and myricetin. These compounds exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Research suggests oenothein B may inhibit 5-alpha-reductase, an enzyme that converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which is implicated in benign prostatic hyperplasia. This mechanism is similar to some pharmaceutical prostate treatments, though evidence remains preliminary (Level C).

Does fireweed interact with any medications?

Chamerion angustifolium has no clinically documented drug interactions. However, due to its potential anti-androgenic effects, theoretical concerns exist with hormone therapies, prostate cancer medications, and hormone replacement treatments. The herb may also have mild sedative properties that could theoretically enhance CNS depressants. Patients on hormone-related medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C.

What is the recommended dosage for Chamerion angustifolium?

The standard adult dosage is 3-5 grams of dried herb prepared as tea, taken up to three times daily. Alternatively, 300mg of standardized extract may be used. Traditional Ivan Chai preparation involves fermenting the leaves before drying. Start with lower doses to assess individual tolerance. Dosage may vary based on the specific formulation and intended use. Evidence level: Traditional/C.

Is Chamerion angustifolium safe during pregnancy?

Chamerion angustifolium is considered safe during pregnancy at normal dietary levels, such as traditional tea consumption. However, high-dose supplements and concentrated extracts should be avoided due to insufficient safety data. The herb is very well tolerated overall, with only mild sedation reported in some individuals. Breastfeeding women should also exercise caution with concentrated forms. Evidence level: C/Traditional.

What is Chamerion angustifolium used for medicinally?

Chamerion angustifolium, commonly known as fireweed or willowherb, is primarily used for prostate health and benign prostatic hyperplasia support. Traditional uses include digestive conditions, immune support, and as an anti-inflammatory agent. In Russian folk medicine, it serves as the base for Ivan Chai tea. The herb demonstrates antibacterial properties and is very well tolerated. Evidence level: C.

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Chamerion angustifolium (fireweed) is a medicinal plant recognized for its high phenolic content and broad range of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:27215200, PMID:32102409].

Contexte

Also known as rosebay willowherb, Chamerion angustifolium is an ecologically important plant in the northern hemisphere [PMID:31139510, PMID:40851018]. It exists in diploid, tetraploid, and hexaploid cytotypes [PMID:31139510].

Usages traditionnels

It is used by many North American Indigenous people as food and medicine [PMID:40851018] and is used worldwide in traditional medicine for the treatment of various disorders and ailments [PMID:27215200].

Composés actifs

Primary biologically active components include polyphenols, specifically flavonoids (such as quercetin and kaempferol) and ellagitannins (such as oenothein B) [PMID:27215200, PMID:35164271]. Other identified compounds include benzoic acid, pectic polysaccharides, and volatile compounds such as trans-2-hexenal, trans-anethole, and caryophyllenes [PMID:32102409, PMID:34885872, PMID:25725961].

Mécanisme d'action

Hydrolysable tannins in the plant are suggested to provide dual anti-inflammatory and analgesic actions through the polymodal modulation of voltage-gated K+ channels, specifically inhibiting Kv1.3 and activating Kv7.2/7.3 [PMID:39198706].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DColon Cancer

In vitro digested infusions inhibited the growth of HT-29 intestinal cancer cells [PMID:35164271]; aqueous extracts and oenothein B reduced the viability and mitochondrial function of Caco-2 colon cancer cells [PMID:41303794].

Preuve DHIV-1 Infection

Plant extracts decreased HIV-1 release and accelerated apoptosis in HIV-1-infected T cells [PMID:37914356].

Preuve CBacterial/Fungal Infections

Extracts showed activity against Gram-positive (e.g., Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus) and Gram-negative bacteria, as well as antimycotic effects against Microsporum canis and Trichophyton tonsurans [PMID:37895890].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, phytochemical analyses, and literature reviews; there are no human clinical trials provided in the source material.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 27215200 (2016) — Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenols from Epilobium Angustifolium (Fireweed). · Phytotherapy research : PTR
2.PMID: 35164271 (2022) — Biological Activity of an Epilobium angustifolium L. (Fireweed) Infusion after In Vitro Digestion. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 31139510 (2019) — Development of simple sequence repeat markers for Chamerion angustifolium (Onagraceae). · Applications in plant sciences
4.PMID: 32102409 (2020) — Effect of Different Durations of Solid-Phase Fermentation for Fireweed (Chamerion angustifolium (L.) Holub) Leaves on the Content of Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity In Vitro. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 40851018 (2025) — Reduced function in Chamaenerion angustifolium after sublethal glyphosate exposure.

Chamerion Angustifolium

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Chamerion Angustifolium