Isoalantolactone

PhytochemicalSesquiterpene lactone

What is it

Isoalantolactone is a sesquiterpene lactone found in Inula helenium (elecampane) and several related Asteraceae plants. It is a recognized chemical marker of these botanicals.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Anti-inflammatory / antimicrobial (preclinical)

Mixed Evidence

Laboratory data are suggestive but no human clinical trials of isolated isoalantolactone support specific uses.

How it works

In vitro and animal studies have shown isoalantolactone has anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and modest cytotoxic activity, in part through inhibition of NF-kB signaling and induction of apoptosis in cancer cell lines. Sesquiterpene lactones broadly are reactive Michael acceptors that can modify cysteine residues on target proteins. Human clinical evidence for isolated isoalantolactone is essentially absent. Exposure in supplements occurs mainly via whole elecampane root preparations.

Dosage

There is no established dose for isolated isoalantolactone. DSLD label data is limited.

When and how to take it

No evidence-based timing guidance.

1 commercial form

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Constituent of elecampane (Inula helenium) extracts

Practical source of exposure.

Lipophilic; absorption with fat-containing food likely improved.

Safety

Sesquiterpene lactones as a class can cause contact dermatitis and allergic reactions, especially in people sensitive to Asteraceae (ragweed, daisies). High-dose toxicology is not well characterized.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to absent data. Asteraceae-allergic individuals should be cautious.

Interactions

No clinically established interactions for isolated isoalantolactone.

Frequently asked questions

Where does isoalantolactone come from?⌄

Mainly from elecampane (Inula helenium) and related Asteraceae plants.

References

Isoalantolactone on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Isoalantolactone (ChEBI:5981) — ChEBI link

Isoalantolactone (PubChem CID 73285) — PubChem link

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

Research on Isoalantolactone (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.