Pilosella: benefits, dosage, contraindications

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Pilosella is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family, like the dandelion, with star-shaped or woolly hairs and yellow flowers, which prefers the dry soils of temperate regions. It secretes toxic substances that prevent the growth of other plants nearby. Its name refers to the hairs that cover its leaves. The aerial parts or the whole plant are used in herbal medicine. Pilosella is traditionally used for its diuretic and choleretic properties. It is used for disorders related to the respiratory system (asthma, cough, bronchitis), fluid retention, and to promote sweating.

Other name(s) 

Hawkweed, mouse-ear

Scientific name(s)

Hieracium pilosella

Family or group: 

Plants

Active ingredients:

Coumarins

Caffeic acid

Umbelliferone

Inulin


Indications

Scoring methodology

EFSA approval.

Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with consistently positive conclusions for the indication.
Several randomized, double-blind, controlled clinical trials (> 2), including a significant number of patients (>100), with positive conclusions for the indication.
One or more randomized studies, or several cohorts or epidemiological studies, with positive conclusions for the indication.
Clinical studies exist but are uncontrolled, with conclusions that may be positive or conflicting.
No clinical studies to date that can demonstrate the indication.


Urinary disorders
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The EMA recognizes Pilosella as a traditional herbal medicinal product used to increase urine output and as an adjunct in minor urinary tract complaints.nn

Posologie

posologieOral use: aerial parts

posologie280 - 520 mg

formulationpowder


Gout
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Its diuretic action, promoting urinary excretion of chlorides and urea, may be beneficial in the treatment of gout.nn

Posologie

posologieOral use: aerial parts

posologie280 - 520 mg

formulationpowder


Renal insufficiency
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Increasing vasodilation of the renal parenchyma will improve glomerular filtration rate. This property may be of interest in cases of early renal insufficiency.nn

Posologie

posologieOral use: aerial parts

posologie280 - 520 mg

formulationpowder


Diarrhea
✪✪✪✪

Because of its astringent properties attributed to tannins, Pilosella is anti-diarrheal and promotes intestinal healing.nn

Posologie

posologieOral use: aerial parts

posologie280 - 520 mg

formulationpowder


Detoxification
✪✪✪✪

The presence of flavonoids promotes the elimination of urea, uric acid, and chlorides, which is why it has been traditionally used as a detoxifying agent.

Posologie

posologieBy mouth: aerial parts

posologie280 - 520 mg

formulationpowder


Water retention
✪✪✪✪

Pilosella can treat problems of water retention, related to its diuretic and uricosuric activities. It is particularly useful for edema of the lower limbs or mild hypertension due to excessive dietary salt intake.

Posologie

posologieBy mouth: aerial parts

posologie280 - 520 mg

formulationpowder


Properties


Diuretic

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The presence of flavonoids promotes the elimination of urea, uric acid, and chlorides.

Usages associés

Urinary disorders, detoxification, water retention

Choleretic

full-leaffull-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

Umbelliferone, a component of pilosella, promotes bile production by the liver, but not directly its discharge into the intestine. This property, combined with the action of phenolic acids present in pilosella, helps improve bile quality, which may help reduce cholesterol levels in the body.


Astringent

full-leaffull-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

Property derived from traditional use: pilosella helps reduce mucus, sometimes throughout the entire respiratory tract. Tannins appear to be responsible for this property.

Usages associés

Diarrhea

Uricosuric effect

full-leaffull-leafempty-leafempty-leaf

The presence of flavonoids promotes the elimination of urea, uric acid, and chlorides.

Usages associés

Gout, detoxification, water retention

Antibacterial

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Umbelliferone (a coumarin-family compound found in Pilosella) is capable of inhibiting bacterial colonies such as Brucella (abortus and melitensis) as well as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. nn


Safe dosage

Adults (18 years and older): 280 mg - 520 mg

- As a tea: 2-4 g of the crushed herb - Plant material in powder form: single dose of 280-520 mg, daily dose: 1300 mg.


Precautions

Breastfeeding women: avoid

Insufficient data.

Pregnant women: avoid

Insufficient data.

Children up to 18 years: avoid

Insufficient data.