By Leen Randell
Updated: Jul 20, 2024
10 Medicinal Constituents Of Tussilago Farfara (Coltsfoot)
Tussilago farfara has active constituents such as flavonoids, saponins, and mucilages.
These constituents are responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and expectorant properties. The flavonoids and saponins can help reduce inflammation and alleviate coughs, while the mucilages provide soothing and protective effects on the respiratory tract.
By relieving coughs and congestion, coltsfoot may improve the quality of life for individuals with bronchitis, asthma, and other respiratory conditions.
This article explains in details the 10 best active constituents of Tussilago farfara.
1. Taraxasterol
Tussilago farfara taraxasterol is a type of triterpenoid saponin extracted from the leaves and flowers of the plant.
It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat various respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and coughs. Taraxasterol has anti-inflammatory properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria and fungi, making it a potential candidate for the development of new antibiotics.
Its bioactive compounds have also been found to have antioxidant and anticancer activities.
2. Quercetin
Tussilago farfara quercetin is a bioflavonoid compound found in the flowers of the plant.
It has been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory properties. Quercetin has been shown to inhibit the release of histamine, reducing symptoms like congestion and coughing.
Additionally, it exhibits antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it a valuable natural remedy for various health concerns.
3. Kaempferol
Tussilago farfara kaempferol is a flavonoid compound extracted from its flowers.
It has been traditionally used in herbal medicine to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis and asthma due to its anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.
Kaempferol has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain cancer cells and may also possess antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, making it a promising compound for further research and potential therapeutic applications.
4. Saponins
Tussilago farfara saponins is a type of bioactive compound found in its leaves and flowers.
These saponins have been reported to possess various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties.
They are believed to be responsible for the plant's traditional use in herbal medicine for treating respiratory disorders, such as bronchitis and asthma, as well as other health conditions.
5. Phenolic acids
Tussilago farfara phenolic acids is a group of bioactive compounds present in its leaves and flowers.
These phenolic acids have been found to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them potential therapeutic agents for various diseases.
The major phenolic acids identified in Tussilago farfara include ferulic acid, caffeic acid, and sinapic acid, which contribute to its traditional use in folk medicine for treating respiratory disorders.
6. Flavonoids
Tussilago farfara flavonoids is a class of bioactive compounds found in its leaves and flowers.
These flavonoids have been shown to exhibit various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties.
They have also been reported to possess cytotoxic effects on certain cancer cell lines, making them a potential natural source for the development of new therapeutic agents.
7. Terpenoids
Tussilago farfara terpenoids is a class of natural compounds found in its leaves and flowers.
These terpenoids have been shown to exhibit various biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
Specifically, Tussilago farfara contains sesquiterpenes and diterpenes, which are responsible for its medicinal properties, making it a potential candidate for the treatment of respiratory diseases such as bronchitis and asthma.
8. Coumarins
Tussilago farfara coumarins is a group of furanocoumarin compounds that are found in various parts of the plant.
These bioactive molecules have been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial properties, making them of interest for potential therapeutic applications.
Coumarins from Tussilago farfara have also been demonstrated to exhibit anticancer, antiviral, and antibacterial activities, suggesting a broad spectrum of biological activity.
9. Lignans
Tussilago farfara lignans is a type of chemical compound found in its leaves and flowers.
These lignans are known for their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, making them useful for various health applications.
They have been traditionally used to treat respiratory issues such as bronchitis, asthma, and allergies, as well as skin conditions like eczema and dermatitis.
10. Sterols
Tussilago farfara sterols is a type of plant sterol that is derived from the leaves and flowers of the coltsfoot plant.
These sterols have been found to exhibit various bioactive properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities.
Research has shown that Tussilago farfara sterols may also possess cardio-protective effects by inhibiting the production of cholesterol in the liver and improving lipid profiles.