# Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) **Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/lungwort **Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia **Updated:** 2026-03-19 **Evidence Score:** 4 / 10 **Category:** European **Also Known As:** Pulmonaria officinalis, Jerusalem Cowslip, Spotted Dog, Soldiers and Sailors, Mary's Tears, Jerusalem Sage, Bethlehem Sage, Common Lungwort ## Overview Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) contains phenolic acids and mucilage compounds that provide [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and expectorant properties. The herb's phenolic acid fractions demonstrate radical-scavenging activity while mucilage compounds help soothe respiratory tract [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). ## Health Benefits • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) demonstrated in vitro through phenolic acid fractions showing radical-scavenging properties (preliminary evidence only) • Traditional respiratory support as an expectorant for coughs and bronchitis (traditional use evidence only) • [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects claimed in traditional medicine (no clinical evidence) • Emollient properties for soothing irritated tissues (traditional use only) • Potential lung health support based on historical doctrine of signatures (no scientific validation) ## Mechanism of Action Lungwort's phenolic acid compounds, including caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid, neutralize free radicals through electron donation and metal chelation pathways. The herb's mucilage polysaccharides coat and soothe irritated respiratory mucosa while potentially modulating [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production. These mechanisms support both [antioxidant protection](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and respiratory tract comfort. ## Clinical Summary Current evidence for lungwort consists primarily of in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies demonstrating radical-scavenging activity of phenolic acid fractions, though specific sample sizes and quantified outcomes are limited in available literature. Traditional use evidence supports respiratory applications, but controlled human clinical trials are lacking. Most available research focuses on phytochemical analysis rather than therapeutic efficacy. The evidence strength remains preliminary and requires further investigation through randomized controlled trials. ## Nutritional Profile Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) is a medicinal herb consumed primarily as a tea or tincture rather than a food source, so macronutrient content is of limited practical relevance. Dried herb material contains approximately 10-15% moisture, with the dry weight comprising roughly 8-12% protein, 3-5% lipids, and 40-55% carbohydrates including structural polysaccharides. Crude fiber content is estimated at 15-20% of dry weight. Key bioactive compounds include: phenolic acids dominated by rosmarinic acid (reported at approximately 0.5-2.0% dry weight), chlorogenic acid, and caffeic acid derivatives, which account for the demonstrated radical-scavenging activity. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) including intermedine and lycopsamine have been detected at low levels (reported in the range of 0.01-0.1% dry weight depending on plant part and harvest time), representing a safety concern with prolonged use. Tannins are present at approximately 5-10% dry weight, contributing astringent properties. Mucilaginous polysaccharides (estimated 3-8% dry weight) are responsible for the emollient and expectorant traditional uses. Allantoin has been identified at trace levels. Mineral content includes silica, potassium, and calcium at modest concentrations typical of leafy herbs. Vitamin C has been reported in fresh leaf material at low concentrations (approximately 20-40 mg per 100g fresh weight). Bioavailability of phenolic acids from aqueous tea preparations is moderate; PA alkaloids are readily absorbed orally, which is the primary safety concern limiting long-term use. ## Dosage & Preparation No clinically studied dosage ranges are available due to the absence of human trials. Topical dry extracts are regulated with ratios of 2:1 to 20:1, equivalent to at least 250 mg per formulation, but without standardization for active compounds. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement. ## Safety & Drug Interactions Lungwort is generally considered safe for short-term traditional use, though comprehensive safety data is limited. No significant drug interactions have been documented, but caution is advised with anticoagulant medications due to potential mucilage effects on drug absorption. Allergic reactions may occur in individuals sensitive to plants in the Boraginaceae family. Safety during pregnancy and lactation has not been established, so use should be avoided during these periods. ## Scientific Research No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses on Pulmonaria officinalis were identified. Research is limited to phytochemical profiling and in vitro [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) studies on extracts, with no published clinical outcomes or PubMed-indexed human studies available. ## Historical & Cultural Context In European traditional medicine, lungwort has been used for centuries as an emollient, expectorant, and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) herb for respiratory conditions like coughs and bronchitis. The herb's use was influenced by the doctrine of signatures due to its lung-like spotted leaves. ## Synergistic Combinations Thyme, Marshmallow root, Mullein, Licorice root, Ivy leaf ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What compounds in lungwort provide antioxidant benefits? Lungwort's antioxidant activity comes primarily from phenolic acid compounds, including caffeic acid and chlorogenic acid. These compounds demonstrate radical-scavenging properties in laboratory studies, though human clinical evidence is still needed. ### How does lungwort work for respiratory support? Lungwort contains mucilage polysaccharides that coat and soothe irritated respiratory tract tissues. Traditional use suggests expectorant properties for coughs and bronchitis, though this is based on historical rather than clinical evidence. ### What is the typical dosage for lungwort supplements? Traditional preparations typically use 1-4 grams of dried herb as tea or 2-4 ml of liquid extract daily. However, standardized dosing recommendations are limited due to lack of clinical trials establishing optimal therapeutic amounts. ### Are there any side effects from taking lungwort? Lungwort is generally well-tolerated with few reported side effects in traditional use. Allergic reactions may occur in people sensitive to Boraginaceae family plants, and gastrointestinal upset is possible with large amounts. ### Can lungwort interact with medications? No significant drug interactions are documented for lungwort, but its mucilage content could theoretically affect absorption of oral medications. It's advisable to separate lungwort intake from other medications by at least 2 hours to avoid potential absorption issues. ### Is lungwort safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding? There is insufficient clinical data on lungwort's safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so it is generally recommended to avoid supplementation during these periods unless advised by a healthcare provider. Traditional use does not guarantee safety in these vulnerable populations, and the herb's compounds have not been adequately studied in pregnant or nursing women. ### What is the strongest form of lungwort supplement — dried leaf, extract, or tea? Standardized extracts typically concentrate the active phenolic compounds more effectively than whole dried leaf, potentially offering greater bioavailability per dose. However, clinical research comparing these forms is limited; tea and dried preparations maintain traditional preparation methods but with variable compound concentrations depending on growing conditions and processing. ### How strong is the scientific evidence supporting lungwort for respiratory health? Most evidence for lungwort is based on traditional use and in vitro studies; well-designed clinical trials in humans are lacking. While preliminary antioxidant and anti-inflammatory data exist, these have not been translated into robust human efficacy studies, meaning claims about respiratory support rely primarily on historical use rather than modern clinical confirmation. --- *Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com* *License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*