Pushkarmool

Names and identification

Language	Name
English	Pushkarmool
Latin/Botanical	Inula racemosa Hook. f.

Key Phytochemical Constituents

• Alantolactone (sesquiterpene lactone)
• Isoalantolactone
• Inulin (10.1%)
• Roylene
• Dihydroisoalantolactone
• Beta-sitosterol
• Daucosterol
• Inulicin

How does it work?

• Cardioprotective: Alantolactone inhibits HMG-CoA reductase, reduces serum cholesterol, and protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through Nrf2/HO-1 pathway activation
• Anti-asthmatic: Sesquiterpene lactones relax bronchial smooth muscle, inhibit histamine release, and suppress Th2-mediated airway inflammation
• Anticancer: Alantolactone induces apoptosis via STAT3 inhibition and ROS generation; activates p53-dependent mitochondrial apoptotic pathway

Which traditional uses are supported by research?

• Cardioprotective use (Hridya) validated through HMG-CoA reductase inhibition and myocardial ischemia protection in animal models
• Anti-asthmatic and bronchodilatory use (Shwasahara) confirmed by bronchial smooth muscle relaxation and anti-histaminic activity
• Angina treatment use supported by coronary vasodilatory effect and reduction of myocardial oxygen demand in preclinical studies

What do recent clinical trials show?

• Rathore S, Raj Y, Debnath P and others 2022. Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, agrotechnology, and conservation of Inula racemosa Hook f. - A critically endangered medicinal plant of the western Himalaya. Journal of ethnopharmacology. PMID 34600078 · doi:10.1016/j.jep.2021.114613
  Documented critically endangered status and proposed agrotechnology protocols; confirmed broad spectrum of anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and hepatoprotective activities.

2 further claims previously listed here could not be traced to a published paper and have been removed. An absence here means we could not identify the source, not that no work exists.

Recent safety updates

• Critically endangered species (IUCN); sustainable sourcing is a major concern; cultivation programs needed to prevent wild over-harvesting
• Sesquiterpene lactones may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals; high doses may cause gastrointestinal irritation; limited human safety data available

What is it made of?

Key Active Markers

• Alantolactone
• Isoalantolactone
• Inulin
• Sitosterol
• Daucosterol
• Roylene
• Dihydroisoalantolactone
• Beta-
• Inulicin

Analytical Methods: HPLC fingerprinting, TLC (identity), LC-MS/MS (marker quantification)

Dosage forms and preparation

Dosage Forms: Churna (root powder), Kwatha (decoction), Capsule, Tablet, Avaleha (confection), Vati

Standard Dosage: 1-3 g root powder daily; 15-20 mL decoction twice daily; 500 mg standardized extract twice daily

Bioavailability: Inulin (storage carbohydrate) from Inula racemosa root acts as prebiotic rather than being absorbed systemically. Alantolactone and isoalantolactone (sesquiterpene lactones) have moderate oral bioavailability (25-40%) with rapid absorption. These lactones are reactive electrophiles that interact with biological thiols; bioavailability may be reduced by glutathione conjugation. Inulin content provides beneficial prebiotic effects locally in the colon.

Optimal Timing: After meals for cardiac and respiratory conditions. Avaleha: 1-2 teaspoons with warm water/milk, morning and evening.

Standardized Extract: Pushkarmool root extract (6:1) standardized to alantolactone >3%, isoalantolactone >2%, total sesquiterpene lactones >6%. Inulin-rich fraction (>80% inulin) for prebiotic applications.

Shelf Life: Dried root: 18-24 months; Root powder: 18-24 months; Extract: 24 months; Capsules: 24-36 months; Avaleha: 18-24 months

Storage: Dried root: cool, dry, pest-proof containers, below 25 deg C. Powder and extracts: airtight, amber containers, below 25 deg C, RH <55%, protected from light. Avaleha: clean, dry glass or food-grade containers.

Marker Compounds: Alantolactone, Isoalantolactone, Dihydroisoalantolactone, Inulin, Friedelin, Beta-sitosterol, Daucosterol, Germacranolide

Extraction Methods

• Hydroalcoholic extraction (60-70% ethanol) for sesquiterpene lactones
• Aqueous decoction for polar constituents and inulin
• Steam distillation for essential oil
• Methanol extraction for comprehensive profiling
• Supercritical CO2 for alantolactone enrichment
• Hot water extraction followed by ethanol precipitation for inulin isolation

Synergistic Combinations

• Pippali (respiratory and cardiac combination - Pushkaramooladi Churna)
• Arjuna (cardioprotective synergy)
• Vasa (bronchodilator and expectorant)
• Kantakari (respiratory and anti-asthmatic)
• Guggulu (anti-inflammatory and lipid-lowering)