Coltsfoot Leaf (Tussilago farfara): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does coltsfoot work to relieve coughs?

Coltsfoot works primarily through its high mucilage content, which acts as a demulcent to coat and soothe irritated mucous membranes in the throat and respiratory tract. Additionally, it contains tussilagone, a compound with demonstrated antitussive properties that help suppress the cough reflex. This dual mechanism provides a protective barrier while reducing the urge to cough (Evidence level: B, Traditional).

Is coltsfoot safe to take during pregnancy?

No, coltsfoot is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) that can cause liver damage and potential fetal harm. Because these compounds cross the placenta, professional guidelines strictly contraindicate internal use for pregnant women. Women attempting to conceive should also avoid this herb (Evidence level: D).

Does coltsfoot interact with medications?

Coltsfoot carries a risk of herb-drug interactions, particularly with medications metabolized by the liver. Because pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic, combining coltsfoot with drugs that strain the liver, such as acetaminophen or statins, increases the risk of liver injury. It should also be avoided with other hepatotoxic herbs. Consult a physician before use (Evidence level: C).

What is the recommended dosage for coltsfoot tea?

The standard adult dosage for coltsfoot leaf is 1 to 3 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea. Due to the presence of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, internal use must be strictly limited to a maximum duration of two weeks. Long-term consumption is contraindicated to prevent cumulative liver damage. Always adhere to professional guidance (Evidence level: B).

Why is long-term use of coltsfoot dangerous?

Long-term use of coltsfoot is dangerous due to the accumulation of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are hepatotoxic and can cause irreversible liver damage, including veno-occlusive disease. While the plant is effective for acute respiratory issues, the risk of toxicity increases with duration. Therefore, internal use is restricted to short-term applications only (Evidence level: B).

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

Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot) is a medicinal herb from the Asteraceae family traditionally used to treat respiratory, digestive, and circulatory ailments [PMID: 33069788, PMID: 40892112].

Contexte

Coltsfoot is a perennial species of the Asteraceae family indigenous to Eurasia [PMID: 35356793, PMID: 30791295, PMID: 35807614]. It is recognized as a vital folk medicine and is consumed as a vegetable in various parts of the world [PMID: 33069788].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used since ancient times to treat various respiratory disorders [PMID: 33069788], including asthma, coughs, dry throat, and turbid saliva [PMID: 34601084], as well as digestive and circulatory ailments [PMID: 40892112]. It is also used for relieving inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases [PMID: 33069788].

Composés actifs

The phytochemical profile includes sesquiterpenoids (such as tussilagone), alkaloids (including pyrrolizidine alkaloids like senkirkine and senecionine), flavonoids (rutin, isoquercitrin), terpenoids, and phenolic compounds such as chlorogenic acid and rosmarinic acid [PMID: 27867270, PMID: 27673325, PMID: 26246737, PMID: 30058457, PMID: 40892112].

Mécanisme d'action

Tussilagone may suppress triple-negative breast cancer progression by inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB pathway [PMID: 41029481]. Flower bud extracts may attenuate lung inflammation by regulating the NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2, and NF-κB [PMID: 34601084]. Polysaccharides from the plant may reduce the expression of PD-1 (CD279) and PD-L1 (CD274) on lymphocytes [PMID: 32749562].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DLung Inflammation

Ethanol extract of flower buds attenuated cigarette smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice [PMID: 34601084]

Preuve DTriple-Negative Breast Cancer

Tussilagone showed anti-tumor effects on proliferation, EMT, and metastasis in cell lines and in vivo [PMID: 41029481]

Preuve DTuberculosis

n-hexane and ethyl acetate extracts displayed antitubercular activity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv in vitro [PMID: 24955560]

Preuve DBurn Wound Healing

A hydrogel containing T. farfara and ZnO nanoparticles facilitated wound healing and showed antibacterial activity against S. aureus in a rat model [PMID: 41066935]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Safety concerns exist due to the presence of unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) [PMID: 32105669]. In a study using ACI rats, a 32% coltsfoot diet led to the development of hemangioendothelial sarcoma in the liver, likely due to senkirkine [PMID: 1269853].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and reviews (Level C and D). There is a lack of human clinical trials to validate efficacy and safety.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 33069788 (2021) — A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot). · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 35356793 (2022) — The complete chloroplast genome sequence of Tussilago farfara (Asteraceae). · Mitochondrial DNA. Part B, Resources
3.PMID: 40892112 (2025) — Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.; Asteraceae): modern methods of extraction, phytochemistry, nanoparticles synthesis, ethnopharmacology, and biological activities. · Natural product research
4.PMID: 32105669 (2020) — A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale). · Fitoterapia
5.PMID: 27867270 (2016) — Preparation of Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara L. by High-speed Counter-current Chromatography.

Coltsfoot Leaf

Sources et citations

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