# Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/boneset
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** Native American
**Also Known As:** Eupatorium perfoliatum, Thoroughwort, Indian Sage, Feverwort, Crosswort, Vegetable Antimony, Agueweed, Sweating Plant

## Overview

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) contains sesquiterpene lactones like eupafolin and polysaccharides that may enhance [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support). The polysaccharides appear to stimulate macrophage activity while sesquiterpene lactones provide [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects.

## Health Benefits

• May provide mild antibacterial activity through polysaccharides that enhance macrophage function (preliminary in vitro evidence only)
• Potentially reduces [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) via sesquiterpene lactone compounds like yupapin (no human studies available)
• Traditional use for fever reduction and respiratory symptoms (no clinical evidence)
• Shows cytotoxic effects against leukemia/lymphoma cells in laboratory studies (not tested in humans)
• Historically used as a diaphoretic to induce sweating during infections (traditional use only, no scientific validation)

## Mechanism of Action

Boneset's polysaccharides activate macrophages through toll-like receptor pathways, enhancing immune surveillance and phagocytic activity. Sesquiterpene lactones like eupafolin and yupapin inhibit nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling, reducing [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production. The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol provide additional antioxidant activity by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for boneset is limited to preliminary in vitro studies examining immune and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects. Cell culture studies have shown polysaccharide fractions can increase macrophage activation markers, but no standardized dosages or human bioavailability data exists. Traditional use spans centuries among Native American tribes for fever and respiratory conditions, but no randomized controlled trials have validated these applications. The lack of human clinical data makes therapeutic efficacy difficult to assess.

## Nutritional Profile

Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a medicinal herb rather than a nutritional food source; macronutrient and caloric content are negligible at typical therapeutic doses (dried herb preparations typically 1-3g per serving). Key bioactive compounds include: sesquiterpene lactones (euperfolitin, eufoliatin, eufoliatorin, and yupapin at approximately 0.1-0.5% dry weight), immunostimulatory polysaccharides (4-O-methylglucuronoarabinoxylans, estimated 3-8% dry weight), flavonoids including quercetin, kaempferol, and astragalin (combined approximately 0.5-1.2% dry weight), caffeic acid derivatives including chlorogenic acid and cynarin (approximately 0.3-0.8% dry weight), diterpenes including dendroidinic acid and hebeclinolide (trace concentrations, <0.1% dry weight), and alkaloids including pyrrolizidine alkaloids (present at low but toxicologically relevant concentrations, estimated <0.1% dry weight — safety concern with prolonged use). Volatile essential oils contribute approximately 0.1-0.2% dry weight including thymol and related monoterpenes. Micronutrient content is not well characterized but dried aerial parts contain modest amounts of potassium and calcium typical of leafy plant material. Bioavailability data is largely absent for humans; sesquiterpene lactones are lipophilic and presumed to absorb via passive diffusion, while polysaccharides likely act primarily within the gastrointestinal tract with limited systemic absorption.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist. Traditional preparations include hot water infusions (steep dried herb 10-30 minutes) or ethanol tinctures (1/3 to 1/2 jar dried herb in alcohol), but these are unstandardized and large doses cause severe diarrhea and vomiting. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Boneset contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause hepatotoxicity with long-term use, though levels vary significantly between preparations. The herb may interact with immunosuppressive medications by potentially enhancing [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support). Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established due to limited toxicology data. Acute side effects may include gastrointestinal upset, and the plant should be avoided by individuals with liver disease.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses have been conducted on boneset. WebMD states there is no good scientific evidence supporting its traditional uses, with only in vitro research showing potential antibacterial and cytotoxic properties comparable to chlorambucil in cell cultures.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Boneset has been used in North American Eclectic and Native American medicine for centuries, documented since colonial times. It was traditionally employed as a febrifuge and diaphoretic for influenza symptoms, particularly the characteristic "bone-deep" aches that gave the plant its name, as well as for bronchitis and respiratory congestion.

## Synergistic Combinations

Echinacea, Elderberry, Ginger, Vitamin C, Zinc

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds in boneset provide immune benefits?

Boneset contains immune-active polysaccharides and sesquiterpene lactones like eupafolin. The polysaccharides enhance macrophage function while sesquiterpene lactones reduce inflammation through NF-κB pathway inhibition.

### Is boneset safe for long-term use?

Boneset contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that may cause liver toxicity with prolonged use. Short-term traditional use appears safer, but individuals with liver conditions should avoid boneset entirely.

### How much boneset should I take for immune support?

No standardized dosage exists due to lack of human clinical trials. Traditional preparations used 1-2 grams of dried herb as tea, but safety and efficacy at this dose remain unverified.

### Can boneset interact with prescription medications?

Boneset may interact with immunosuppressive drugs by potentially enhancing immune function. It may also affect liver metabolism of other medications due to its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content.

### What's the difference between boneset and other Eupatorium species?

Eupatorium perfoliatum (boneset) has distinctive perfoliate leaves and higher concentrations of immune-active polysaccharides. Other Eupatorium species like E. cannabinum have different alkaloid profiles and traditional uses.

### Is boneset safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Boneset is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and its traditional use as a fever-reducing agent, which may not be appropriate during these sensitive periods. Pregnant and nursing individuals should consult a healthcare provider before using boneset supplements. No clinical studies have evaluated boneset's safety in these populations.

### What form of boneset is most effective—dried herb, tea, or extract?

Traditional preparations use dried boneset as an infusion or decoction, though no comparative human studies exist to determine which form is most bioavailable or effective. Standardized extracts may provide more consistent dosing of active compounds like sesquiterpene lactones, but clinical evidence supporting any specific form is lacking. The choice between forms often depends on individual preference and product availability.

### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting boneset's health claims?

Current evidence for boneset is primarily limited to in vitro (laboratory) and traditional use data, with no large-scale human clinical trials published to date. While preliminary research suggests potential antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties through compounds like polysaccharides and yupapin, these findings have not been confirmed in human studies. Any health claims about boneset should be considered preliminary pending rigorous clinical research.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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