Indian Elecampane

BotanicalBest with a meal

What is it

Indian elecampane (Inula racemosa), called pushkarmool in Ayurveda, is a perennial herb whose root has traditional uses in respiratory complaints and as a cardiac tonic.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Respiratory / cardiac support (traditional)

Mixed Evidence

Animal studies and traditional use support these uses; rigorous human clinical trials specifically on Inula racemosa are limited.

How it works

The root contains sesquiterpene lactones (alantolactone, isoalantolactone) and flavonoids. Preclinical studies report anti-inflammatory, expectorant, and cardioprotective effects, with some animal data suggesting beta-blocking-like activity. Human clinical evidence is limited, with a few small studies on chronic stable angina and respiratory complaints, mostly within multi-herb Ayurvedic formulas.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Traditional doses are roughly 1-6 g of dried root or equivalent extract per day. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Traditional preparations are taken in divided doses with meals to improve tolerability.

1 commercial form

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

Inula racemosa root extract / powder

Used as a single herb and in classical Ayurvedic formulas.

Sesquiterpene lactone content varies by extraction.

Safety

Generally well tolerated at traditional doses. Sesquiterpene lactones can cause contact dermatitis (topical) and possibly allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae plants.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Caution in Asteraceae/Compositae allergy and in patients on cardiac or asthma medications.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with cardiovascular medications (e.g., beta-blockers) and bronchodilators based on preclinical activity. Clinical interaction data are limited.

Frequently asked questions

Is Indian elecampane the same as European elecampane?⌄

Both are Inula species (I. racemosa vs. I. helenium) used similarly in their respective traditions, with overlapping but distinct constituent profiles.

Can it treat asthma?⌄

Traditional respiratory use exists, but it is not a substitute for evidence-based asthma management.

References

Indian Elecampane on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Indian Elecampane (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.