Coltsfoot

Scientific Name(s): Tussilago farfara L.
Common Name(s): Folia farfarae, Coltsfoot, Filius ante patrem, Kuan Don Hua, Kuandong Hua

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

Clinical Overview

Use

Information to support traditional uses (eg, antioxidant, antitussive, antimicrobial, pressor effects) is limited to in vitro and animal studies.

Dosing

Clinical trials are lacking to provide dosage recommendations.

Contraindications

Information is lacking. Avoid in pregnancy and in patients with hepatic disease.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Preparations may contain hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids with carcinogenic and mutagenic potential.

Interactions

None well documented. Caution is warranted if used concurrently with anticoagulants (eg, warfarin) or antiplatelet agents (eg, aspirin, clopidogrel, prasugrel).

Adverse Reactions

Clinical trials are lacking. Allergic and hypertensive effects are possible.

Toxicology

Carcinogenicity, mutagenicity, and phototoxicity have been described for various chemical constituents.

Scientific Family

• Asteraceae (daisies)

Botany

Coltsfoot is an invasive, perennial plant growing up to 30 cm tall. Golden flowers that look similar to dandelions appear and die before leaves are produced, hence the name Filius ante patrem (the son before the father). The seeds of the plant are soft, hair-like tufts often used by birds to build nests, and the leaves are broad and hoof-shaped, with hairs on upper and lower surfaces. The leaves and flowering buds are of primary medicinal interest. Although related to Petasites (butterbur), activities of coltsfoot should be regarded separately.USDA.2014, Duke.2002, Shikov 2014 Although sometimes considered synonymous with Petasites Mill., butterbur and coltsfoot are monographed separately (see Butterbur monograph).

History

Coltsfoot has been widely used for multiple indications, including the treatment of bronchitis, lung cancer, emphysema, inflammation, rheumatism, swelling and water retention, and tuberculosis. It is listed in the Chinese and Russian pharmacopoeias as having been used for centuries for coughs.Duke 2002, Kim 2013, Shikov 2014

Chemistry

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids, especially senkirkine, are present; however, the total alkaloid content is lower than in butterbur.Duke 2002, Shikov 2014

Sequiterpenes, including tussilagone, bisabolene, triterpenes, flavonoids, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids, are well described.Li 2012, Liu 2011, Liu 2008, Park 2008 An overview of the chemical constituents in the flowers, leaves, and whole plant is available.Duke 2014

Uses and Pharmacology

Cardiovascular effects

Animal data

In dogs, cats, and rats, an alcoholic extract produced a pressor effect similar to that of dopamine, but without tachyphylaxis. Increased heart rate was observed.Shikov 2014, Li 1988

Clinical data

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of coltsfoot in cardiovascular conditions.

Respiratory effects

Animal data

Antitussive and expectorant effects of coltsfoot flowers have been investigated in mice.<...