Nutritional Supplement

Boneset

Also indexed as: Eupatorium perfoliatum

Parts Used & Where Grown

Boneset belongs to the same botanical family as echinacea and daisy (Asteraceae). It grows primarily in North America. Boneset’s leaves and flowering tops are used medicinally.

How It Works

Boneset contains sesquiterpene lactones, such as euperfolin, euperfolitin, and eufoliatin, as well as polysaccharides and flavonoids. In a test tube study, a particular polysaccharide in boneset was found to stimulate immune cell function.1 This may partially explain its use to treat minor viral infections, such as colds and the flu. Boneset also triggers sweating by raising body temperature, potentially of benefit for colds and flu as well.2

References

1. Woerdenbag HJ, Bos R, Hendriks H. Eupatorium perfoliatum L—the boneset. Z Phytother 1992;13:134-9 [review].

2. Mills SY. Out of the Earth: The Essential Book of Herbal Medicine. New York: Viking Arkana, 1991.

3. Melchart D, Linde K, Worku F, et al. Immunomodulation with echinacea—a systematic review of controlled clinical trials. Phytomedicine 1994;1:245-54 [review].

4. Woerdenbag HJ, Bos R, Hendriks H. Eupatorium perfoliatum L—the boneset. Z Phytother 1992;13:134-9 [review].

5. Beuscher N, Kopanski L. Stimulation of immunity by the contents of Baptisia tinctoria. Planta Med 1985;5:381-4.

6. Castleman M. The Healing Herbs. New York: Bantam Books 1991, 124-8.

7. British Herbal Medicine Association Scientific Committee. British Herbal Pharmacopoeia. West Yorks, UK: British Herbal Medicine Association, 1983.

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The information presented by TraceGains is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires December 2025.