Mullein
Research reviewed: To review
Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a dietary supplement with 4 published peer-reviewed studies involving 0 participants, researched for Respiratory health, Anti-bacterial.
Evidence at a Glance
Strength is scored by study design, sample size, study type, and outcomes
Respiratory health
WeakAnti-bacterial
ModerateResearch Visualised
Visual breakdown of the clinical data.
Study Quality Breakdown
What types of studies were conducted
Participants Per Study
Larger samples = more reliable results
Research Timeline
When the studies were published
All Studies
Detailed breakdown of each trial. Click to expand.
Respiratory health
To review the chemical composition of the 10 Verbascum (Mullein) species and their benefits.
Study Type
In-silico study (computer-stimulated)
Purpose
To review the chemical composition of the 10 Verbascum (Mullein) species and their benefits.
Results
Existing evidence has shown that ursolic acid, a natural compound in mullein, has been found to have antimicrobial and antiviral properties. In this study, researchers found that ursolic acid in mullein binds to inflammatory markers like IL-2 and TNF-α, which are involved in respiratory diseases and COVID-19. This interaction may help regulate the “cytokine storm,” an excessive immune response causing severe inflammation in COVID-19 cases, and reduce the severity of the disease. Overall, findings suggest that mullein may be a promising compound for preventing and treating COVID-19.
Anti-bacterial
To investigate the antibacterial potential of mullein leaves (Verbascum thapsus) against pathogens causing urinary tract infections.
Study Type
Cellular study
Purpose
To investigate the antibacterial potential of mullein leaves (Verbascum thapsus) against pathogens causing urinary tract infections.
Results
The mullein extracts showed strong antibacterial effects against certain bacteria and yeast commonly causing urinary tract infections (UTIs), including Escherichia coli, Enterococcus faecalis, and Candida albicans. This suggests natural extracts could serve as effective alternatives or supplements to traditional antibiotics, especially with the rising resistance. The findings imply plant-based treatments for UTIs and other microbial infections.
To assess the biological activity of Mullein extracts Dosage: 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 mg/l of mullein extract or control
Study Type
Cellular study
Purpose
To assess the biological activity of Mullein extracts Dosage: 10, 100, 1000, or 10000 mg/l of mullein extract or control
Results
The study found that Common Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) extracts possess antibacterial properties, effectively targeting bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae and Staphylococcus aureus. The extracts also showed potential in inhibiting tumour growth in a plant-based test. However, at high concentrations, the extracts proved toxic, harming small organisms like brine shrimp and affecting plant growth. Among the different extracts tested, water-based extracts demonstrated the strongest antibacterial activity. These findings indicate that while Mullein shows promise as a medicinal agent, its potential toxicity at higher doses warrants caution.
To investigate the effects of mullein in parasitic worms
Study Type
In-vivo study (worm study)
Purpose
To investigate the effects of mullein in parasitic worms
Dose
10, 20 and 40 mg/ml of mullein extract or control (distilled water)
Results
The study found that Verbascum thapsus (common mullein) was effective in paralysing and killing roundworms and tape worms, working faster at higher doses and performing better than a common antiparasitic drug. It also showed the ability to relax muscle contractions, similar to standard muscle-relaxing medicines. These results suggest Mullein may be useful for treating parasitic infections.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Mullein research
There are currently 4 peer-reviewed studies on Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), involving 0 total participants. Research covers Respiratory health, Anti-bacterial. The overall evidence strength is rated as Moderate.
The evidence is currently rated as "Moderate Evidence". This rating is based on study design quality (randomisation, blinding, placebo controls), sample sizes, study types (3 human studies, 1 animal study), and reported outcomes.
Mullein has been researched for: Respiratory health, Anti-bacterial. Each area has its own body of evidence which you can explore in the study breakdowns above.
Yes, 3 out of 4 studies are human trials. The remaining 1 is an animal study. Human trials carry more weight in our evidence scoring system.
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