Boneset
Useful mainly for no well-supported modern use.
Quick decision guide
May help most
no well-supported modern use
Common dosing range
not established for evidence-based use
When to expect effects
Unknown
Watch out for
May contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids; avoid prolonged or high-dose use
What is it
Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a North American flowering herb traditionally used by Indigenous peoples and in folk medicine for fevers, colds, and influenza-like illness. Its aerial parts contain sesquiterpene lactones, flavonoids, and polysaccharides, and it also contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids in some preparations. Modern controlled human evidence is essentially absent.
Is it worth it for you?
Use this as a quick fit check, not a diagnosis.
Worth considering if…
Probably skip if…
Evidence at a glance
| Goal | Effect | Best fit | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
cold and influenza-like symptoms Mixed Evidence | Not demonstrated in controlled human trials | none established | Unknown |
cold and influenza-like symptoms
- Effect
- Not demonstrated in controlled human trials
- Best fit
- none established
- Time
- Unknown
Evidence for 1 use
AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.
cold and influenza-like symptoms
Mechanism onlyBoneset has a long traditional reputation for treating fevers and colds, and laboratory studies show immune-modulating and anti-inflammatory activity from its constituents. There are no robust controlled human trials demonstrating benefit for cold or flu, so its use rests on tradition and preclinical data only.
Bottom line: Traditional fever/cold remedy with no credible human trial support.
How to take it
What to track
Safety
Know the common side effects, key cautions, and who should avoid it.
Common side effects
Serious risks
potential liver toxicity from pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Who should avoid it
- pregnant or breastfeeding people
- people with liver disease
- children
Pregnancy & breastfeeding
Avoid; pyrrolizidine alkaloid content makes it unsafe in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Interactions
additive liver risk from pyrrolizidine alkaloids
Choosing a product
What to look for on the label — and what to be skeptical of.
Look for…
Be skeptical of…
References by claim
cold and influenza-like symptoms
Gassinger et al., 1981 — PubMed (1981) link
Track Boneset with Pilora
Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.
Coming to App StoreDisclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.