Mullein

Scientific Name(s): Verbascum densiflorum Bertol., Verbascum thapsus L.
Common Name(s): Aaron's rod, Adam's flannel, American mullein, Candleflower, Candlewick, Denseflower mullein, European or orange mullein, Gordolobo, Higtaper, Lungwort, Mulleine, Wooly mullein

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 22, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Although mullein has been used traditionally, therapeutic applications have not been defined by clinical studies. Animal data has investigated potential antimicrobial, cytotoxic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

Dosing

No recent clinical evidence supports specific dosage of mullein; however, traditional uses of the herb suggest 3 to 4 g of flowers daily and 15 to 30 mL of fresh leaf or 2 to 3 g of dry leaf.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Information is limited. Occupational airborne dermatitis has been reported for both American and European mullein.

Toxicology

Information is limited.

Scientific Family

• Scrophulariaceae (Figwort)

Botany

The common mullein, found throughout the United States, is a woolly-leafed biennial plant. During the first year of growth, the large leaves form a low-lying basal rosette. In the spring of the second year, the plant develops a tall stem that can grow to 1.2 m or more in height. The top portion of the stem develops yellow flowers, each consisting of a five-part corolla. These corollas, along with the stamens, constitute the active ingredient. The flowers bloom from June to September and have a faint, honey-like odor.1 Electron microscopy performed on V. thapsus revealed distinctive pollen grains and trichomes, which may aid in identification.2 Many mullein species exist throughout Asia, Europe, and the United States, with V. densiflorum ("denseflower mullein") associated with European mullein and V. thapsus associated with American mullein products.3, 4, 5

History

Mullein has a long history as a favored herbal remedy used to treat many disorders. Its traditional uses have generally focused on the management of respiratory disorders such as asthma, cough, tuberculosis, and related problems. The plant has also been used in its various forms to treat hemorrhoids, burns, bruises, and gout. Preparations of the plant have been ingested, applied topically, and smoked. The flowers have been used as a source of yellow hair dye. In the Appalachian region of the United States, the plant has been used to treat colds, and the boiled root has been administered for croup. Leaves have been applied topically to soften and protect the skin, and oil derived from the flowers has been used to soothe earaches.4, 6, 7, 8 Saponins, mucilage, and tannins contained in the flowers and leaves may contribute to the soothing topical effects of the plant and its use as an antitussive.9, 10

Chemistry

Chemical constituents have been described for various Verbascum species and include polysaccharides, iridoid and lignin glycosides, flavonoids, saponins, and volatile oils. There has been some focus on the activity of verbascoside (found in most plant parts of many of the species and also in verbena), mucilaginous constituents...