Eupatoire macul?e

Related Terms

5-Acetyl-6-hydroxy-2-(1-oxo-2-acetoxy-ethyl)-benzofuran, 6-hydroxy-3beta-methoxytrematone, agueweed, benzofurans, bitter principle, boneset, cistifolin, crosswort, euparin, euparoire rouge (French), euparone, eupatoire d'eau ? tiges rouges (French), eupatoire pourpre (French), Eupatoriadelphus purpureus, eupatorin, Eupatorium, Eupatorium purpureum, Eupatorium ternifolium, Eupatorium verticillatum, eupurpurin, feverwort, flavonoids, gravelroot, gravelweed, green-stemmed joe-pye-weed, hempweed, herbe ? la gravelle (French), Indian gravelroot, Indian sage, joe-pye, joe-pye weed, jopi weed, kidney root, kidneywort, king-of-the-meadow, maculatum, marsh-milkweed, motherwort, oleoresin, poskonnik purpurnyi (Russian), purple boneset, purple joe-pye-weed, Purpur-Wasserdost (German), queen of the meadow, queen-of-the-meadow root, quillwort, racine ? la gravelle (French), resins, sesquiterpene lactone, slunkweed, sweating plant, sweet joe-pye-weed, tall boneset, tannins, teasel, thoroughwort, trifoliatum, trumpet weed, volatile oil.

Background

Gravel root is native to North America, growing from Canada to Florida and as far west as Texas. There are over 40 species, many of which are used in medicine.
Native Americans are believed to have used gravel root to increase urination and sweating, prevent or treat kidney and bladder stones, or reduce fever. It has also been used to treat bladder inflammation, swelling of the urethra, joint problems, and arthritis.
Use of gravel root is limited today due to a lack of scientific evidence.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
Gravel root has been taken by mouth in the form of 0.5-1 dram of fluid extract, 3-5 grains of eupatorin, 2-4 grams of dried root or decoction, one teaspoon in a cup of water taken three times daily, 1-2 milliliters of tincture taken three times daily, 1-2 milliliters of 1:5 tincture in 40% alcohol, and 2-4 milliliters of 1:1 liquid extract in 25% alcohol.
To treat arthritis, the leaves and flowering stems of gravel root have been taken by mouth in an infusion.
To treat a lack of menstrual periods, a decoction of 2-4 fluid ounces of gravel root has been taken by mouth 3-4 times daily. For chronically absent periods, a dose of 1-30 drops of gravel root tincture has been applied vaginally every 1-4 hours.
To treat colds or the flu, a dose of five drops of gravel root tincture has been taken by mouth. Gravel root has also been taken by mouth in combination with other herbal mixtures containing elderflower and ground ivy.
To treat kidney problems, a dose of 1-2 fluid ounces or 5-15 drops of gravel root tincture has been taken by mouth three times daily. A dose of 5-10 drops of gravel root tincture has been taken with a teaspoon of water every three hours.
To treat liver problems, the leaves and flowering stems of gravel root have been taken by mouth in an infusion.
To manage menstrual or labor pain, a decoction containing 2-4 grams of dried gravel root has been taken by mouth.
To treat urinary incontinence during pregnancy, a dose of 1-2 drops of gravel root tincture has been taken by mouth every 2-3 hours.
To treat urinary infections, a decoction of 2-3 milliliters of gravel root tincture has been taken by mouth three times daily.
To promote uterine health, five drops of gravel root tincture have been taken by mouth three times daily.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Gravel root may interact with drugs passed in the urine, alcohol, diuretics, and laxatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Habtemariam, S. Antiinflammatory activity of the antirheumatic herbal drug, gravel root (Eupatorium purpureum): further biological activities and constituents. Phytother.Res. 2001;15(8):687-690.
Habtemariam, S. Cistifolin, an integrin-dependent cell adhesion blocker from the anti-rheumatic herbal drug, gravel root (rhizome of Eupatorium purpureum). Planta Med. 1998;64(8):683-685.
Tundis R, Loizzo MR, Statti GA, et al. Pyrrolizidine alkaloid profiles of the Senecio cineraria group (Asteraceae). Z.Naturforsch.C. 2007;62(7-8):467-472.