Ballota: benefits, dosage, contraindications

Updated on 18 March 2025

Ballota is a perennial plant widespread in France, Western Asia, and North Africa, thriving in places like rubble, hedges, and paths. It can grow up to 1 meter in height. It has hairy stems and oval or oblong leaves. The flowering tops, recognizable by their purple and fragrant flowers, are harvested during flowering and used therapeutically. Ballota contains diterpenes such as ballotenone and ballotenol, flavonoids including apigenin-7-glucoside and luteolin, as well as phenylpropanoid glycosides like verbascoside. It also presents a low concentration of essential oils, with components such as beta-caryophyllene. Traditionally, Ballota is used for its sedative virtues, particularly against hysteria and hypochondria, and for its spasmolytic properties helping to relieve cramps and gastric disorders. It is also appreciated for its beneficial effects on mild nervous disorders, insomnia, and anxious-depressive states.

Other name(s)

Black horehound

Scientific name(s)

Ballota nigra

Family or group:

Plants

Active ingredients:

Verbascoside

Indications

Rating methodology

EFSA approval.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, including a significant number of patients (>100) with consistently positive outcomes for the indication.

Several clinical trials (> 2) randomized controlled with double blind, and including a significant number of patients (>100) with positive outcomes for the indication.

One or more randomized studies or multiple cohorts or epidemiological studies with positive outcomes for the indication.

Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or contradictory.

Lack of clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.

Nervousness, Sleep disorders
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In an open clinical study, 28 patients suffering from generalized anxiety disorders, in accordance with the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM III-R), including depression and sleep disorders, were treated daily for 90 days with 3 doses of 5 ml of a liquid Ballota nigra preparation, corresponding to 3 x 0.5 g of plant. Response rates after 60 and 90 days were 65% and 73% respectively. Patients with sleep disorders showed particularly notable improvement. Out of 10 patients using benzodiazepines prior to the study, 3 stopped their treatment and 4 reduced their dose by half. Ballota nigra is recognized for its effectiveness in treating mild nervous states, insomnia, and accompanying anxious-depressive states. ESCOP confirms these indications, specifying that Ballota nigra helps relieve tension, agitation, and irritability, with difficulties in falling asleep.

Posologie

By oral route: flowering tops

1.5 - 5 g

3 - months

infusion

E/S/C/O/P: 2nd Edition of the ESCOP Monographs

Properties

Sedative

The sedative effect of Ballota could be attributed to phenylpropanoid glycosides such as verbascoside and forsythoside B, which interact with benzodiazepine and dopaminergic receptors, mimicking the action of neuroleptics. These compounds could also reduce locomotor activity and slow down electroencephalographic activity due to their powerful antioxidant action. Studies indicate that these phenylpropanoids, by neutralizing free radicals and reducing oxidants, contribute to neuroprotection and the sedative effect, thus offering therapeutic potential against stress and nervous disorders.

Usages associés

Nervousness

Neurosedative and antioxidant activities of phenylpropanoids from ballota nigra

Antibacterial

Ballota exhibits antimicrobial activity, acting against various pathogens such as Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella typhi. Extracts from different parts of the plant, notably the root, stem, and leaves, have demonstrated significant efficacy.

Pharmacological Activities of Ballota nigra (L.) Benth: A Mini Review

Safety dosage

Adult from 12 years old:

- infusion: 1.5-4 g per infusion, 3 times a day. - fluid extract: 1-3 mL (1:1, alcoholic at 25%), 3 times a day. - tincture: 1-2 mL (1:10 alcoholic at 45%), 3 times a day.

Child from 3 to 12 years old:

The use of Ballota in children aged 3 to 12 years should only be carried out under medical supervision. The recommended dosage for children is proportional to the adult dose based on their body weight. It is preferable to use non-alcoholic preparations to administer Ballota to children.

Interactions

Médicaments

Dopamine agonist: moderate interaction

The interaction between Ballota and dopaminergic agonists may have theoretical additive effects. Certain substances present in Ballota bind to dopaminergic D2 receptors in vitro, but this has not yet been reported in humans. Dopaminergic agonists include bromocriptine (Parlodel), levodopa (Dopar, component of Sinemet), pramipexole (Mirapex), ropinirole (Requip), among others.

Precautions

Pregnant woman: avoid

Ballota is supposed to have an effect on the menstrual cycle, although this has not been scientifically demonstrated. Therefore, its use is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding woman: avoid