Boneset Herb (Eupatorium perfoliatum): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) work to treat influenza?

Boneset contains active compounds such as eupafolin, echinacoside, and polysaccharides that function as immune stimulants. While clinical evidence is limited (Level C), its mechanism is traditionally attributed to immunomodulation rather than direct antiviral effects. The plant is believed to stimulate phagocytosis and help modulate inflammatory responses. Native American tribes utilized it specifically for 'bone-breaking' fever pain, suggesting it possesses analgesic properties that alleviate the deep muscle aches associated with influenza.

Does boneset herb interact with any medications?

Boneset carries a risk of hepatotoxicity and contains trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids, so it should not be combined with hepatotoxic drugs like acetaminophen, statins, or alcohol. Due to its immune-stimulating properties, it may theoretically interfere with immunosuppressive medications, making it contraindicated for patients with autoimmune conditions. Patients on liver-metabolized medications should exercise caution. Always consult a physician regarding potential drug-herb interactions before use.

What is the recommended dosage for boneset herb?

The standard adult dosage for boneset is 3-5 grams of dried herb prepared as a hot tea, taken three times daily. Alternatively, a dosage of 3 ml of tincture three times daily is common. Because the herb is bitter and may induce nausea at higher amounts, it is best taken as a warm infusion. Use should be restricted to acute illness duration rather than long-term supplementation.

Is boneset safe to take during pregnancy?

No, boneset is considered unsafe during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The herb contains trace amounts of pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are hepatotoxic and potentially teratogenic. Furthermore, high doses can act as an emetic, causing nausea and vomiting. Due to these safety concerns and the lack of sufficient safety data, pregnant or nursing women should avoid boneset entirely.

What are the side effects of taking boneset?

The primary side effects of boneset include nausea and vomiting, particularly when consumed in high doses due to its bitter taste. The most significant safety concern is hepatotoxicity (liver damage) resulting from excessive or prolonged intake, attributed to trace pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Individuals with pre-existing liver disease should avoid this herb. Evidence for its efficacy is rated Level C, meaning recommendations rely heavily on traditional use rather than robust clinical trials.

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Eupatorium perfoliatum, commonly known as boneset, is a North American medicinal herb traditionally used to treat fever and infections [PMID:22004891, PMID:34509603].

Background

Eupatorium perfoliatum L. is a common perennial plant originating from North America [PMID:22004891, PMID:34509603].

Traditional uses

It has been used for centuries by native Indians in North America and in Europe as an immunostimulating agent for the treatment of fever, cold, and infections [PMID:22004891, PMID:34509603, PMID:27178637].

Active compounds

The phytochemical composition includes volatile oil, caffeic acid derivatives (such as chlorogenic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and dicaffeoylglucaric acids), flavonoids (eupafolin, hispidulin, patuletin, and kaempferol), sesquiterpene lactones (including guaianolides and germacranolides), tannins, and polysaccharides [PMID:22004891, PMID:19104484, PMID:21329950]. Pheophorbide a has also been identified in petroleum ether extracts [PMID:35131655].

Mechanism of action

Eupafolin may ameliorate cardiomyocyte autophagy via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway [PMID:32128100] and alleviate cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by blocking the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway [PMID:33173992]. Pheophorbide a induces sprouting and tube formation of human primary lymphatic endothelial cells, potentially via a mechanism involving MEK1/2 [PMID:35131655]. In silico studies suggest strong molecular interactions between Eupatorium perfoliatum and TNF-α [PMID:41420797].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BDengue Fever Prevention

Prospective, open-label, community-based cohort studies evaluated the effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30C in preventing dengue fever and acute febrile illness in urban slums of Delhi [PMID:37952513, PMID:39447611].

Evidence DMalaria (Animal Model)

Homeopathic Eupatorium perfoliatum 30 CH showed a significant inhibitory effect (60%) on parasite multiplication in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice [PMID:17015193].

Evidence DInfluenza A Virus (In vitro)

Hydroalcoholic extracts of aerial parts demonstrated antiviral activity against the attachment of influenza A virus in MDCK II cells [PMID:27178637].

Evidence DDengue Virus (In vitro)

Extracts and bioactive components (quercetin, caffeic acid, and eupafolin) showed in vitro antiviral action against DENV-2 infection by modulating mTOR signaling and autophagy [PMID:34509603].

Evidence DCerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion (Animal Model)

Eupafolin administration in rats reduced neurological deficits, encephaledema, and infarct volume [PMID:33173992].

Safety & adverse effects

Eupatorium perfoliatum may contain pro-toxic dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids, which are associated with liver disease in humans [PMID:29968391]. Ethanol extracts of the leaves have demonstrated potent cytotoxicity in vitro [PMID:11054857].

Evidence summary

The evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models, and a few open-label community cohort studies. While there is significant preclinical data on anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties, high-quality clinical trial data (RCTs) are lacking.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 29968391 (2018) — Potentially toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Eupatorium perfoliatum and three related species. Implications for herbal use as boneset. · Phytochemical analysis : PCA
2.PMID: 22004891 (2011) — Eupatorium perfoliatum L.: phytochemistry, traditional use and current applications. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 34509603 (2022) — In-vitro antiviral action of Eupatorium perfoliatum against dengue virus infection: Modulation of mTOR signaling and autophagy. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 35131655 (2022) — Pheophorbide a identified in an Eupatorium perfoliatum extract is a novel lymphatic vascular activator. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
5.PMID: 37952513 (2023) — Effectiveness of Eupatorium perfoliatum 30C in Prevention of Dengue Fever and Acute Febrile Illness during 2017 Dengue Outbreak in Urban Slums of Delhi: A Prospective, Open-Label, Community-Based, Parallel Cohort Study.

Boneset Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Boneset Herb

Ribes nigrum

Origanum Minutiflorum

Samento Amazonian

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Boneset Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Boneset Herb

Related Herbs

Ribes nigrum

Origanum Minutiflorum

Samento Amazonian

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources