Fumaritory

Botanical

What is it

Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis or Fumaria parviflora) is a flowering annual herb used in European and Ayurvedic herbal traditions for digestive and skin complaints.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Biliary / digestive complaints

Mixed Evidence

Traditional and limited modern data suggest a normalizing effect on bile flow; quality of evidence is low.

Eczema and skin conditions

Mixed Evidence

Folk use as an alterative; no rigorous trials.

How it works

Fumitory contains isoquinoline alkaloids (including protopine and fumaricine), flavonoids, and fumaric acid. Traditional use focuses on biliary and digestive support: small studies and older clinical reports suggest the herb may modulate bile flow, with possible amphocholeretic effects (normalizing high or low bile output toward typical levels). Alkaloids may have mild antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle. Human pharmacokinetic and efficacy data is limited compared with well-studied herbs.

Dosage

No established RDA. Traditional doses are 2-4 g of dried herb infused per cup, taken 2-3 times daily. Tincture and extract doses vary.

When and how to take it

Traditionally taken before meals to support digestive function.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Fumitory tea / infusion

Common European herbal preparation.

Traditional.

Tincture

Used in herbal practice.

Alcoholic extract.

Safety

Generally well tolerated short-term. Alkaloids may cause hypotension and bradycardia at high doses. Long-term safety not characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, severe hypotension, bradycardia, and biliary obstruction. Use cautiously with cardiac medications.

Interactions

May potentiate antihypertensive medications. Theoretical interactions with anticholinergic drugs due to alkaloid content.

Frequently asked questions

Is fumitory the same as fumaric acid?⌄

No. Fumitory is the whole herb; fumaric acid is a single compound found in it (and in many other foods).

Can I take fumitory long-term?⌄

Traditional use is short-term. Long-term safety has not been established.

References

Fumaritory on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Fumaritory on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Fumaritory (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: 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.