Latin name: Lomatium dissectum
Standardized common name: Fernleaf Biscuitroot/Lomatium
Other common names: Chocolate-tips, Desert Parsley, Carrotleaf Biscuitroot, Leptotaenia (former genus), Toza root
Family: Apiaceae
Authored by: Lisha Fenimore
Parts used:
The root has the most concentrated medicine so it is the part that is usually used to make herbal preparations. The root contains most of the furanocoumarins which are strongly anti-viral. Although, the leaves were eaten fresh or dried to use as a Parsley replacement which has the more nutritive and preventative medicine. Other Lomatium species contain an edible taproot that is starchy and delicious, but you will not find that to be the case with the dissectum species. (Moore) The leaves would also traditionally be burned and the smoke inhaled to soothe respiratory conditions. (McCutcheon)
Botanical description:
It is a rather large plant that enjoys a dry environment in mid to high elevations and usually grows in solitude. It is a perennial that blooms during the spring. The leaves grow basally and are tripinnately compound and highly dissected like ferns. They are bright green and have a sheathing petiolate attachment to their stems that can reach a length of up to 12 inches. The stems with leaves are separate from the flowering stalks which can reach up to 5 feet and have virtually no leaves. It usually grow in the middle of the plant and much taller than the other stems. The inflorescence is arranged in compound umbels and appear yellow or reddish-purple. The seed splits into two carpels and they are oily and pubescent. The taproot is thick, bulky, highly resinous, and a has a greyish-yellow colored skin that is usually shiny. (Cech) It looks human-like and unusually stubby, sort of like a Ginseng except much more sticky. (Moore) (Elpel) It exudes a yellow, creamy sap in the spring which provides a deep celery-like scent accompanied by a sweet biscuit aroma. (Cech)
Doctrine of Signatures:
The amorphous growth of the root looks ringed and has stubby nubs like the trachea which shows its affinity for the respiratory tract. The sticky resins from the root could represent how it attaches to microbes and flushes them out making it antimicrobial, specifically antiviral due to the furanocoumarin content. Its seed is brown, furry and oily which is a spirit signature of the bear which brings spice, warmth, and comfort. (Steiner) (Wood) Its yellow inflorescence could symbolize phlegm which lends to its expectorant action. Its basal growth could show how it works in the body from the bottom of the respiratory system and up the the top.
1. Actions section:
Antibacterial and antiseptic, inhibiting most gram-positive bacteria and some gram-negative bacteria. (Winston) The antiviral action is very strong and it is what it is mostly used for. (Bruhner) There are expectorant, analgesic, and antitussive effects. (Godfrey) It is immune stimulating (Moore) and inflammation modulating. (Lin) Last but not least, it is a mucus membrane tonic. (Hoffman) 2. Constituents:
A very significant terpene is apiol which is an oleoresin as well as longifolene, but there are many other terpenes that are present in smaller amounts like limonene. (Buhner) The analgesic properties have to do with the oil content and the oleoresins such as apiol which soothe the muscles. It also contains unknown resins and resinoids that attribute to Lomatium’s potent medicine. It also has lactones like tetronic acids that are specifically γ-lactones. (Dazey) (Vanwagenen) An important flavonoid is Luteolin which is inflammation modulating and relaxing. There are also coumarins such as coumarin glycosides like columbianin and luvangetin, as well as furanocoumarins. (Moore)It is important to remember that constituents are varied depending on age of the root, which is not usually taken into consideration when researching them or using them as medicine. (Buhner) 3. Pharmacodynamics:
The tetronic acids are γ-lactones that are antiviral, but their exact mechanism is unknown. The furanocoumarins are able to go through the viral membrane and inhibit ribonucleoprotein-complex-associated-activity such as the M2 ion channel very strongly. (Buhner) The current speculation is that it is a viral protease inhibitor. (Abdou) It is also antibacterial and antiseptic by inhibiting most gram-positive bacteria. The terpene aromatics limit the surface area of infected mucous membranes which cause the infection to be cured quicker. (Moore) Its immune stimulating properties arise from the coumarin glycosides which are polysaccharides that increase the rate of phagocytosis in leukocytes. (Moore) There is also a high vitamin C content (22-28%) which also lends to the immune stimulating action. (Godfrey) The coumarin glycosides Columbianin and Luvangetin work as inflammation modulators which could possibly be acting through the cytokine C-X-C motif chemokine 10 (CXCL10) which promotes inflammation during virus infections. Lomatium inhibits the cytokine which reduces the inflammation and speed up tissue recovery. (Coffman) Apiol is an oleoresin which is a calcium antagonist. This means that it stops calcium from being released into the muscle which causes spasms, so this is the mechanism behind the antispasmodic action. The resin and resinoid content as well as the saponins cause an expectorant effect by irritating the mucous membranes. (Dazey) The flavonoid luteolin is significant because it modulates inflammatory response by inhibiting kinases and acting as an antioxidant to minimize free radicals. (Lin) 4. Pharmacokinetics:
Lomatium has not been researched that much, especially not in vivo, so its pharmacokinetics are still unknown. Although there are constituents it has that are present among many plants that have been researched, the synergy created by the other present chemicals alter the way they travel through the body ie: the Lomatium rash. 5. Indications and Effects:
It is indicated for acute and chronic microbial infections, especially viruses. Examples of microbes it has been effective against are HIV, HPV, pneumonia, influenza, tuberculosis, strep, bronchitis, and the common cold. (Godfrey) It is also indicated to suppress inflammation signaling in inflammatory diseases to speed up healing and reduce pain. Topically it kills microbes that cause infection and lowers inflammation, but it should only be used short-term because it could slow down tissue repair. It has an affinity for the lower respiratory area to help expel excess moisture which causes deep and damp coughs. Its tannin content acts as an astringent to the mucus membranes and the saponins and resins cause irritation so that the moisture is able to be coughed up more easily. Also, the antispasmodic aspect allows relaxation of the smooth muscle to aid in the excretion of built-up mucus. It is also indicated to use for Lyme Disease because of its immune stimulating properties and in Traditional Chinese Medicine it decreases blood heat which is known to be a condition that attracts Lyme Disease. (Winston) 6. Safety/Contraindications:
There is not enough information to know if it is safe during pregnancy; although the antispasmodic action may cause smooth muscle relaxation of the uterus. Until further research is conducted, it is considered unsafe during Pregnancy. (Hobbs) The furanocoumarins could cause photosensitivity under UV light, especially as a simple rather than in a formula with other herbs. (Brinker) The Lomatium rash is mostly a mystery, but it is likely from an excess of cytokine production and nitrogenous waste products from phagocytosis. It seems to vary from person to person rather than within a specific dosage range, but it usually only happens when it is taken alone rather than in formula especially when the fresh root is used. (Moore) Dandelion root tea or capsules may speed up the clearance of the rash. (Winston) There are no known adverse herb/drug or herb/herb reactions. No known toxicities from prolonged use. (Buhner) Mills and Bone had no information on Lomatium, most likely from the lack of research.
7. Classic formulas:
This plant is very specific to the Pacific region, especially the northwest. It was not used very much in classic formulas because it was not well known and not easily grown. It is an unsustainable plant to use regularly such as Osha because it takes a very long time to grow, but it has very specific circumstances where it is indicated. Here are some newer formulas that use Lomatium specifically for its antiviral and immunomodulating actions:
~Woodland Essence “Lomatium formula” for stimulating the immune system in Persistent Lyme Disease Syndrome: Lomatium, Witch Hazel, Elderberry, and Prickly Ash. (Flint)
~Another formula for the same disease is listed and is indicated to be used for 2 weeks and then stopped for 4 weeks repeatedly for the duration of the treatment. The formula is inflammation modulating and antimicrobial. It contains: Teasel root, Boneset aerial parts, Isatis root, and Lomatium root. (Flint)
~Deborah Frances’ Formula for Acute Herpes Virus Outbreaks: Lemon Balm, St. John’s Wort, Licorice, Lomatium, Osha, and Echinacea. This formula acts as and immunomodulator, antiviral, and nerve healer. (Frances)
~Traditional Shigella Formula: Lomatium and Echinacea (Moore) also, Lomatium, Licorice, and Ginger for immune support with Shigella. (Buhner)
~For Streptococcal intestinal infection: Cryptolepis, Berberis, and Lomatium (Buhner)
~For Streptococcal necrotizing fasciitis (topical): Echinacea angustifolia root powder, Berberine plant powder, Juniper berry powder, and Lomatium root powder. Apply topically as a poultice. (Buhner)
~For Wounds: Berberine-containing root, Cryptolepis root, Echinacea root or seed, juniper leaf, Usnea lichen, and Lomatium root. All in powder form and sifted. Can also treat fungal infections like athlete’s foot. (Buhner)
References:
Abdou, M. M., El-Saeed, R. A., Abozeid, M. A., Elattar, K. M., Zaki, E., Barakat, Y., . . . Bondock, S. (2015). Advancements in tetronic acid chemistry. Part 1: Synthesis and reactions. Arabian Journal of Chemistry. doi:10.1016/j.arabjc.2015.11.004
Brinker, F. J. (2010). Herbal Contraindications and Drug Interactions Plus Herbal Adjuncts with Medicines. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications.
Buhner, S. H. (2012). Herbal Antibiotics: Natural Alternatives for Treating Drug-Resistant Bacteria. North Adams, MA: Storey Pub.
Buhner, S. H. (2013). Herbal Antivirals: Natural Remedies for Emerging and Resistant Viral Infections. North Adams, MA: Storey Publishing.
Cech, R. (2002). Growing At-Risk Medicinal Herbs: Cultivation, Conservation, and Ecology. Williams, OR: Horizon Herbs.
Coffman, S., LeMone, K., & House, D. (2014). The Herbal Medic. San Antonio, TX: The Human Path.
Dazey, J. (2017, November 1). Apiaceae Family . Lecture presented at Materia Medica I in Bastyr University , Kenmore.
Elpel, T. J. (2004). Botany in a Day: Thomas J. Elpel's Herbal Field Guide to Plant Families. Pony, MT: HOPS Press.
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Frances, D. (2014). Practical Wisdom in Natural Healing. Chandler, AZ: Polychrest Publishing.
Godfrey, A., & Saunders, P. R. (2010). Principles & Practices of Naturopathic Botanical Medicine. Toronto, Ontario: Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine Press.
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Lin, Y., Shi, R., Wang, X., & Shen, H. (2008). Luteolin, a Flavonoid with Potential for Cancer Prevention and Therapy. Current Cancer Drug Targets, 8(7), 634-646. doi:10.2174/156800908786241050
Mccutcheon, A. (1995). Antiviral screening of British Columbian medicinal plants. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 49(2-1), 101-110. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(95)01312-1
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Vanwagenen, B. C., Huddleston, J., & Cardellina, J. H. (1988). Native American Food and Medicinal Plants, 8. Water-Soluble Constituents of Lomatium dissectum. Journal of Natural Products, 51(1), 136-141. doi:10.1021/np50055a021
Winston, D. (2013). Herbal Therapeutics: Specific Indications for Herbs & Herbal Formulas. Broadway, NJ: Herbal Therapeutics Research Library.
Yarnell, E. (2003). Phytochemistry and Pharmacy for Practitioners of Botanical Medicine. Wenatchee, WA: Healing Mountain.
Zamechek, D. (2010). The Immunomodulatory Effects of Lomatium dissectum on the BEAS-2B Cell Line (Unpublished master's thesis). Bastyr University .
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