Lomatium's therapeutic uses
Lomatium is a plant traditionally used by Indigenous peoples of North America for its potential therapeutic benefits, particularly for respiratory infections such as pneumonia and tuberculosis. Notably, it was believed to have played a role in protecting the Washoe nation during the 1918 influenza pandemic. The primary proposed use of Lomatium is as an antiviral agent, with claims that it may help with various viral infections, including colds, flu, HIV, and hepatitis. Additionally, it has been suggested for treating acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and herpes, as well as for skin conditions, pain relief, and digestive support.
Despite its historical use and anecdotal support, there is a lack of robust scientific evidence to substantiate these claims. No double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have been conducted to determine Lomatium's effectiveness, and the evidence suggesting its antiviral properties is weak and primarily based on preliminary test-tube studies. Furthermore, the safety of Lomatium has not been thoroughly assessed, with reports of allergic reactions and digestive discomfort associated with its use. As such, while Lomatium is recognized for its traditional uses, further research is needed to validate its therapeutic efficacy and ensure safety for various populations.
Lomatium's therapeutic uses
- DEFINITION: Natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
- PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Antiviral
- OTHER PROPOSED USES: Acute bronchitis, colds and influenza, herpes, human immunodeficiency virus infection support, sinusitis, viral hepatitis, skin conditions, pain relief, digestive support, immune support
Overview
An herb with bright yellow, umbrella-shaped flowers, lomatium was widely used among Indigenous peoples of North America to treat a variety of infections, especially those involving the lungs. Reportedly, the use of this herb protected the Washoe nation of Nevada from suffering any deaths during the 1918/1919 worldwide pandemic of influenza. It was also said to be useful for pneumonia and tuberculosis.
Therapeutic Dosages
Lomatium is typically used as a resin-free extract, taken in 1 to 3 milliliters daily doses.
Therapeutic Uses
Some herbalists regard Lomatium as an effective treatment for many types of viral infection, including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), viral hepatitis, colds and flu, acute bronchitis, sinusitis, and herpes. However, there is no meaningful scientific evidence that lomatium is helpful for these conditions or has any antiviral effects. Its alleged effects in the great influenza pandemic of 1918/1919 cannot be taken as meaningful evidence of benefit; like all other great plagues, the influenza pandemic gave rise to innumerable rumors of cures, none of which have held up to scientific testing.
At most, there is exceedingly weak evidence from a few test-tube studies hinting that Lomatium species might have antiviral properties. However, tens or hundreds of thousands of substances have shown antiviral effects in the test tube; the benefits hypothesized from preliminary test-tube studies rarely hold up when human studies are performed. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can show a treatment effective, and no studies of this type have been performed on lomatium. However, because of lomatium’s perceived antiviral properties, it became mentioned as an alternative treatment during the COVID-10 pandemic of the early 2020s.
Still, lomatium continues to be suggested for various therapeutic uses. Beyond respiratory issues, it is recommended for skin conditions, such as wounds and burns, when applied topically. Lomatium's antimicrobial properties may help treat skin infections such as boils and sores. Lomatium has been suggested as an alternative pain reliever to treat general pain, headaches, and toothaches. Some use lomatium to relieve digestive upset, such as indigestion and diarrhea. Finally, lomatium is believed to have general immune system boosting powers. None of these proposed therapeutic uses can be backed up with scientific evidence, and additional study is necessary.
Safety Issues
Lomatium has not undergone any modern safety testing. Reportedly, lomatium resin frequently causes allergic reactions, leading to a whole-body rash; this is why resin-free products are sold. In addition, lomatium may cause digestive distress. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and persons with severe liver or kidney disease has not been evaluated.
Bibliography
Hasen, Gemmachu. "Repurposing of Herbal Medicine Used for the Treatment of Respiratory Infections to Aid the Control of COVID-19 Pandemic." International Journal of Complementary & Alternative Medicine, vol. 14, no. 3, 2021, pp. 97-98, DOI:10.15406/ijcam.2021.14.00539. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
Lee, T. T., et al. "Suksdorfin: An Anti-HIV Principle from Lomatium suksdorfii, Its Structure-Activity Correlation with Related Coumarins, and Synergistic Effects with Anti-AIDS Nucleosides." Bioorganic and Medicinal Chemistry, vol. 2, 1995, pp. 1051-1056.
"Lomatium – Health Information Library." PeaceHealth, 24 Mar. 2015, www.peacehealth.org/medical-topics/id/hn-2126009. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
Marshall, Kenneth D., and Stephen L. Thornton. "Worse than the Disease? The Rash of Lomatium Dissectum." Kansas Journal of Medicine, vol. 11, no. 2, 2018, pp. 54-55, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5962321. Accessed 3 Oct. 2024.
McCutcheon, A. R., et al. "Antiviral Screening of British Columbian Medicinal Plants." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 49, 1996, pp. 101-110.