Cistus Ladanifer Herb (Cistus ladanifer): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Cistus ladanifer work as an antimicrobial?

Cistus ladanifer exerts its antimicrobial effects primarily through its volatile compounds, such as alpha-pinene and camphene, found in the labdanum resin. These terpenes disrupt microbial cell membranes and inhibit bacterial growth. While Evidence Level C supports these antimicrobial properties, the exact clinical mechanism in human physiology requires further study. The plant's high polyphenol content also contributes to its mechanism by neutralizing free radicals.

Is Cistus ladanifer safe to use during pregnancy?

No, Cistus ladanifer is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The resin, labdanum, has stimulating properties that could potentially affect uterine contractions or menstrual flow. Due to a lack of safety data and the potential for the resin to stimulate the uterus, pregnant women are advised to avoid this herb. It is also recommended to avoid use while breastfeeding unless directed by a healthcare professional.

Does Cistus ladanifer interact with any medications?

There are currently no well-documented severe drug interactions for Cistus ladanifer in standard herbal references. However, because the essential oil contains compounds metabolized by liver enzymes, there is a theoretical risk of interaction with drugs processed by the cytochrome P450 system. Patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Additionally, it should not be combined with other agents that cause skin sensitization.

What is the recommended dosage for Cistus ladanifer?

There is no standardized clinical dosage for Cistus ladanifer due to limited human trials (Evidence Level C). For adults, traditional use involves topical application of the resin to the skin or diluted essential oil in aromatherapy. For topical use, a low dilution is recommended to assess skin tolerance. Internal dosing is not standard and should only be done under the supervision of a qualified medical herbalist.

What is Cistus ladanifer used for in herbal medicine?

Cistus ladanifer, specifically its labdanum resin, is used for skin conditions and respiratory support. Traditionally, it was employed in fumigation for respiratory ailments and as a wound dressing (Traditional evidence). Modern herbalism values it for antimicrobial and antioxidant applications. It is often used in natural skincare for its potential to soothe irritated skin, though users must be cautious of sensitization.

What are the side effects of Cistus ladanifer?

The most common side effect of Cistus ladanifer is skin sensitization or allergic contact dermatitis, particularly in individuals with known fragrance allergies. The essential oil and resin are potent and can cause irritation if applied undiluted. Evidence Level C suggests that while generally safe when diluted, improper use leads to skin reactions. It should be patch-tested before widespread topical application.

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

Cistus ladanifer, commonly known as gum rockrose, is a Mediterranean shrub valued for its essential oils and labdanum resin, which exhibit antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:41302483, PMID:35684251].

Contexte

Cistus ladanifer is a dominant perennial shrub endemic to the western Mediterranean region [PMID:29218421, PMID:30232598]. It is well-adapted to Mediterranean climates and is noted for its resistance to pests, diseases, and extreme environmental factors [PMID:30232598].

Usages traditionnels

In folk medicine, it is traditionally used for wounds, ulcers, and skin ailments such as psoriasis and eczema [PMID:36243295]. Ethnobotanical reports also describe its use in managing hyperglycemia and mental illnesses [PMID:38792084], and it is employed in Moroccan traditional medicine [PMID:39791951].

Composés actifs

Major constituents include essential oils containing α-pinene, viridiflorol, and camphene [PMID:41302483, PMID:33049951]. Labdanum resin contains labdane-type diterpenoids, methylated flavonoids, and phenylpropanoids [PMID:35684251, PMID:38792084]. Other identified compounds include 2,2,6-trimethylcyclohexanone (proposed as a taxonomic marker) [PMID:29218421], condensed tannins [PMID:31627117], and phenolic compounds such as p-cresol, 2-phenylethanol, and 3-phenyl-1-propanol [PMID:34205022].

Mécanisme d'action

The herb's essential oils and resin demonstrate antioxidant, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:41302483, PMID:35684251]. Labdanum resin has shown potential for inhibiting α-glucosidase (anti-diabetic activity) [PMID:38792084]. In animal models, it has been observed to increase α-tocopherol concentration in muscle, which protects against lipid oxidation [PMID:32172003].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DBacterial and Fungal Infections

Essential oils showed powerful antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Acinetobacter baumannii, as well as inhibitory effects on yeasts and molds [PMID:34685879, PMID:36767025].

Preuve DPain (Analgesia)

Ethanolic extract of Moroccan C. ladanifer demonstrated analgesic power in mice using formalin-induced paw-licking and acetic acid-provoked writhing models [PMID:37488755].

Preuve DSkin Care (Cosmeceutical)

Labdanum absolute showed UV-protection, antioxidant, anti-elastase, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial activities in vitro [PMID:35684251].

Preuve DHyperglycemia

Labdanum resin demonstrated potential antidiabetic activity via inhibition of α-glucosidase [PMID:38792084].

Preuve DViral Infections

In vitro and in silico analysis identified potential antiviral activity against Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and SARS-CoV-2 (Delta and Omicron variants) [PMID:39791951].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Acute toxicity studies in mice using ethanolic extract showed no mortality or clinical symptoms at doses up to 5,000 mg/kg BW [PMID:37488755]. However, a case of contact dermatitis has been reported [PMID:11683839].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and chemical profiling (Level D). There are no human clinical trials or systematic reviews provided to establish clinical efficacy in humans.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 29218421 (2018) — Cistus ladanifer (Cistaceae): a natural resource in Mediterranean-type ecosystems. · Planta
2.PMID: 41302483 (2025) — Cistus ladanifer L.: Essential Oils, Volatiles, By-Products, and Their Biological Properties. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 30232598 (2018) — Neglected Mediterranean plant species are valuable resources: the example of Cistus ladanifer. · Planta
4.PMID: 36767025 (2023) — Antimicrobial Properties of Essential Oils Obtained from Autochthonous Aromatic Plants. · International journal of environmental research and public health
5.PMID: 35684251 (2022) — Labdanum Resin from Cistus ladanifer L.: A Natural and Sustainable Ingredient for Skin Care Cosmetics with Relevant Cosmeceutical Bioactivities. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)

Cistus Ladanifer Herb

Sources et citations

Calculer une dose sûre de Cistus Ladanifer Herb