Fireweed: Benefits, Dosage, Contraindications
Other name(s)
St. Anthony's Herb, Spike Willowherb
Scientific name(s)
Epilobium angustifolium, Chamaenerion angustifolium
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Myricetin
Quercetin
Tannins
Vitamin C
Beta Carotene
Mucilage
Indications
Rating methodology
EFSA approval.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia ✪✪✪✪✪
Fireweed is traditionally used to improve urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) including prostatitis. Preliminary clinical studies on patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have examined the effect of fireweed. In one study, daily intake of 500 mg of standardized fireweed extract containing at least 15% oenothein B for 6 months reduced post-void residual volume and nighttime urinary frequency, thus improving prostate-specific scores, but without altering prostate volume. Another study examined the efficacy of a supplement containing fireweed and other extracts (Fluxonorm®) on BPH for 30 days, observing an improvement in several symptoms, including maximal urinary flow rate. These results are encouraging and confirm the traditional use.
Posologie
Oral: aerial parts, flowering tops
500 - 2000 mg
infusion, standardized extract
Epilobium angustifolium L. extract with high content in oenothein B on benign prostatic hyperplasia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect against benign prostatic hyperplasia and the active constituents from Epilobium angustifolium L
Protective effects induced by the food supplement Fluxonorm® in the lower urinary tract
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
The main active components of fireweed include polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and other bioactive substances. These compounds provide beneficial effects for the skin, notably by combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. Research suggests that fireweed could be a useful component in cosmetic and dermatological product formulations for treating various skin conditions including acne.
Posologie
Topical, oral: aerial parts, flowering tops
1.5 g
infusion, cream
Properties
Anti-androgenic
Laboratory research suggests that fireweed extracts and components may have beneficial effects on the prostate, possibly by down-regulating androgen production, suppressing NF-kB expression, and mitigating inflammatory and oxidative stress in prostate tissue.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Oenothein B inhibits the activation of inflammatory cells and the production of inflammatory molecules.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Oenothein B inhibits endopeptidase, thus preventing cell proliferation, and triggers apoptosis of tumor cells.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Fireweed extract has antibacterial and antifungal effects in vitro. Oenothein B, its constituent, has shown inhibitory effects against Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as against certain fungi species (Candida albicans). Fireweed extract acts on P.acnes and could therefore be of interest in acne treatment.
Usages associés
Safety dosage
Adult from 18 years: 500 mg - 1500 mg (infusion, dry extract)
In infusion: 1 teaspoon (1 - 2 g) per 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes; to be consumed 3 times a day. Standardized extracts containing 15% oenothein B have also been used at a dosage of 500 mg per day.
Precautions
Pregnant woman: avoid
No reliable information on the use of fireweed in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding woman: avoid
No reliable information on the use of fireweed in breastfeeding women.
