Marrube blanc (Marrubium vulgare): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does white horehound work as an expectorant?

White horehound contains marrubiin, a bitter diterpene lactone that acts as the primary active compound responsible for its expectorant effects. When ingested, marrubiin stimulates the gastric mucosa, triggering a reflex that increases bronchial secretions and helps loosen mucus in the respiratory tract. The herb also contains marrubenol and tannins that contribute to its therapeutic action. This mechanism has been recognized since ancient Egyptian medicine, though modern clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence Level B).

Is white horehound safe during pregnancy?

White horehound is contraindicated during pregnancy and considered unsafe. The herb contains compounds that stimulate uterine contractions, potentially causing miscarriage or premature labor. Historically, it was used to induce menstruation, further supporting its uterine-stimulating properties. Pregnant women and those attempting to conceive should avoid all forms of white horehound, including teas, tinctures, and supplements. Breastfeeding women should also avoid use due to insufficient safety data.

What is the recommended dosage for white horehound?

The standard adult dosage for white horehound is 1-2 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea, taken three times daily. Alternatively, 3ml of tincture three times daily may be used. For respiratory conditions, the tea form is often preferred as the warm liquid provides additional soothing benefits. Dosage should not exceed recommended amounts, as higher doses may cause cardiac arrhythmias. Evidence for these dosages is rated Level B, based on traditional use and pharmacological studies.

Does white horehound interact with diabetes medications?

Yes, white horehound may interact with diabetes medications. The herb has demonstrated hypoglycemic effects, meaning it can lower blood sugar levels. When combined with antidiabetic drugs such as insulin or oral hypoglycemics, this may cause additive effects leading to dangerously low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Patients taking diabetes medications should consult a healthcare provider before using white horehound and monitor blood glucose levels closely if use is approved.

What is white horehound used for medicinally?

White horehound (Marrubium vulgare) is primarily used as a respiratory remedy and digestive bitter tonic. For respiratory conditions, it treats coughs, catarrh, and bronchitis by acting as an expectorant to loosen and expel mucus. As a digestive aid, it stimulates bile production, improves appetite, and supports liver function. The herb has ancient origins, mentioned in Egyptian papyri and traditionally used as one of the bitter herbs of Passover. Evidence for these applications is rated Level B, supported by pharmacological studies and extensive traditional use.

Can white horehound cause heart problems?

White horehound may cause cardiac arrhythmias at high doses due to its marrubiin content, which can affect heart rhythm. Individuals with existing cardiac arrhythmias or heart conditions should avoid this herb entirely. Normal therapeutic doses are generally considered safe for those without pre-existing heart conditions, but exceeding recommended dosages significantly increases cardiac risk. Anyone experiencing palpitations, irregular heartbeat, or dizziness while using white horehound should discontinue use immediately and seek medical attention.

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

Marrubium vulgare, known as white horehound, is a medicinal plant with significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties [PMID:32599693, PMID:38931446].

Contexte

Marrubium vulgare (Lamiaceae) is a grey-leaved perennial herb distributed across Eurasia and northern Africa [PMID:31614551]. It is a cosmopolitan medicinal plant used in various pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries [PMID:33806732, PMID:37599619].

Usages traditionnels

Ethnopharmacological uses include treating respiratory diseases such as acute or chronic bronchitis, colds, and asthma, as well as dyspepsia, lack of appetite, type II diabetes, and antihypertensive therapy [PMID:27271209]. It is also used as a traditional remedy in Tunisia [PMID:34829146].

Composés actifs

The characteristic chemotaxonomic marker is marrubiin, a labdane diterpene [PMID:32599693, PMID:30687967]. Other components include polyphenols, flavonoids, phenolic acids (such as ferulic, protocatechuic, and syringic acids), and tannins [PMID:38931446]. Essential oils contain sesquiterpene hydrocarbons, primarily E-caryophyllene, germacrene D, and beta-bisabolene [PMID:38931446, PMID:33806732, PMID:35270084].

Mécanisme d'action

The herb acts as an antioxidant agent [PMID:32599693]. It exhibits acetylcholinesterase inhibitory (AChEI) activity and neuromodulatory properties that may impact short-term memory [PMID:38489175, PMID:38927306]. It also inhibits the contractile responses of the rat aorta to noradrenaline and KCl [PMID:11349824].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DHepatotoxicity (Cyclophosphamide-induced)

Aqueous extract showed hepatoprotective activity against cyclophosphamide toxicity in male rats [PMID:26886858]

Preuve DCognitive Impairment (Scopolamine-induced)

Extract improved spatial working memory and reduced oxidative stress damage in rats [PMID:38489175, PMID:38927306]

Preuve DLung Fibrosis (Bleomycin-induced)

Aqueous extract significantly improved damage by reducing the inflammatory index and fibrosis score in rats [PMID:36003317]

Preuve DHypertension

Water extract lowered systolic blood pressure in spontaneously hypertensive rats [PMID:11349824]

Preuve DPain/Nociception

Aqueous extract demonstrated antinociceptive effects in animal models [PMID:38613448]

Sécurité et effets indésirables

Acute oral toxicity assessments in male Swiss mice indicated the safety of the aqueous extract [PMID:38613448]. However, silver nanoparticles synthesized from the extract reduced the viability of human gingival fibroblasts in a concentration-dependent manner [PMID:38786851].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), demonstrating strong antioxidant and protective potential, though human clinical trials are lacking in the provided data.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 26886858 (2016) — Hepatoprotective activity of white horehound (Marrubium vulgare) extract against cyclophosphamide toxicity in male rats. · Canadian journal of physiology and pharmacology
2.PMID: 32599693 (2020) — Marrubium vulgare L.: A Phytochemical and Pharmacological Overview. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 30687967 (2019) — The use of a microwave-assisted solvent extraction coupled with HPLC-UV/PAD to assess the quality of Marrubium vulgare L. (white horehound) herbal raw material. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
4.PMID: 38931446 (2024) — Biological Activity of Horehound (Marrubium vulgare L.) Herb Grown in Poland and Its Phytochemical Composition. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 27271209 (2016) — An Insight into a Blockbuster Phytomedicine; Marrubium vulgare L. Herb. More of a Myth than a Reality?

Marrube blanc

Sources et citations

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