Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) Herbal Monograph

What Is Coltsfoot?

Coltsfoot is a low, creeping perennial of the daisy family, and a long-standing cough remedy in both European and Chinese medicine. Its name Tussilago comes from the Latin for cough ^{47Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →}. The leaves and the flower buds are both used, as a tea, a syrup, or in Chinese medicine as kuan dong hua (款冬花) ^{3,46Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.

Tussilago farfara grows across temperate Eurasia and North Africa, on disturbed, damp and stony ground ^{47,48Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}. Its yellow flower heads open in early spring on scaly stalks, before any leaves appear. The broad, hoof-shaped leaves follow once the flowers have set seed ^{46,48Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}.

The flower buds contain about 175 recorded compounds, among them the sesquiterpene tussilagone, caffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids ^{3Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →}. Research on these has been done in cells and animals, looking at cough, airway inflammation and lung injury ^{5,9,17Reference 5Wu et al. · 2016AnimalAntitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory activities of four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from Tussilago farfara — mouse in vivoView study →Reference 9Choi et al. · 2018In vitroTussilagone suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucin — in vitro airway modelView study →Reference 17Xu et al. · 2022In vitroThe ethanol extract of flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. attenuates cigarette-smoke-induced lung inflammation through NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2, and NF-κB — mouse in vivo / in vitroView study →}.

Coltsfoot also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chiefly senkirkine and senecionine, which can damage the liver. Rats fed the young flowers developed liver tumours ^{43Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →}. Internal use is now restricted in several countries.

Coltsfoot leaves resemble those of butterbur, which is rounder, larger and less deeply toothed ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}. A tea gathered as coltsfoot has also been confused with Adenostyles alliariae, a plant rich in pyrrolizidine alkaloids ^{49Reference 49Sperl et al. · 1995Case reportReversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing herbal tea — case reportView study →}.

How Is Coltsfoot Used?

Leaf and flower tea or decoction — the traditional European cough remedy, often sweetened with honey or liquorice ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.
Syrup — made from the flower stalks and given for chronic bronchitis ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.
Flower buds (kuan dong hua) — the Chinese medicinal part, used for cough, asthma and bronchitis ^{3Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →}.
Herbal tobacco — the dried leaves were smoked for asthma and chest complaints, and formed the base of British herb tobacco ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.
Modern products — where internal use is still permitted, it is generally limited to material certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Traditional Uses

Western Herbal Medicine

Tussilago means “cough dispeller”, and coltsfoot was one of the most popular cough remedies in European herbal medicine. It was classed as demulcent, expectorant and tonic, and usually given alongside other chest herbs such as horehound, marshmallow and ground ivy ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.

Both leaf and flower were used. The leaves were gathered in June and early July, and the flower stalks in February ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}. A decoction of the leaves sweetened with honey or liquorice was taken for colds and asthma, and a syrup of the flower stalks for chronic bronchitis ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}. Coltsfoot rock was a long-standing domestic cough sweet ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.

Its indications were respiratory: dry irritable cough, bronchitis, asthma, sore throat and hoarseness.

Coltsfoot was also smoked. Dioscorides, Galen and Pliny all recommended smoking the leaves for a cough, and Pliny described drawing the smoke into the mouth through a reed ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}. Linnaeus recorded that the Swedes of his day smoked it, and the leaves were the main ingredient of British herb tobacco, taken for asthma and the breathlessness of old bronchitis ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.

Traditional Chinese Medicine

The dried flower bud is kuan dong hua (款冬花), used for cough, asthma and acute or chronic bronchitis ^{3Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →}.

It is classified as acrid and warm, entering the Lung channel. It moistens the Lung and directs Lung Qi downward, which is how Chinese medicine frames a cough: Qi rising when it should descend.

It is given for chronic coughs, wheezing, and coughs producing blood or copious phlegm. As a warming herb it suits cold patterns. The flower bud is usually honey-fried before use, which increases its moistening action.

Indications

Dry, irritable cough [leaf and flower; Western herbal use]
Chronic cough and wheezing [flower bud; TCM]
Bronchitis [leaf and flower; Western herbal use, TCM]
Asthma [leaf and flower; Western herbal use, TCM]
Sore throat and hoarseness [leaf and flower; Western herbal use]

Botany

Coltsfoot is a low perennial in the daisy family, Asteraceae, and the only species in its genus ^{47Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →}. It spreads by long, creeping underground rhizomes and forms extensive colonies ^{47,48Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}. Buried rhizomes stay alive for a long time, so the plant often springs up where ground has been disturbed ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.

The flowering stems appear first, in early spring. Each is 5–10 cm tall, woolly, and clothed in small, purplish, scale-like leaves ^{48Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}. It carries a single yellow flower head 2.5–3 cm across, which nods before and after flowering and closes at night ^{47,48Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}.

The large basal leaves come up after flowering. They are round to heart-shaped, 3–12 cm long on stalks 5–15 cm long, with unevenly toothed margins ^{48Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}. The underside is densely white and woolly ^{47,48Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}. Because the flower comes before the leaf, an old name for the plant was filius ante patrem, “the son before the father” ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}.

The seeds carry a tuft of white hairs 1–1.5 cm long ^{48Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}.

Distribution

Coltsfoot grows across temperate Europe and Asia, south to North Africa and the Himalaya, including India, Nepal, Pakistan and much of China ^{48Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}. In China it grows in wet places, forest understoreys and valleys at 600–3,400 m ^{48Reference 48ChenL., & Nordenstam, BView study →}.

It has been introduced to North America, where it grows on disturbed ground, sandy or rocky soils and chalky sites. It is now found in eastern Canada and much of the eastern United States, west to British Columbia and Washington, and is becoming an invasive weed in some areas ^{47Reference 47BarkleyBarkley, T. M. Tussilago Linnaeus and Tussilago farfara Linnaeus — genus and species description, habitat and distribution — flora. In Flora of North America Editorial Committee (eds.), Flora of North America North of Mexico, Vol. 20 (Asteraceae, family treatment by T. M. Barkley, L. Brouillet & J. L. Strother). http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=200024610View study →}.

Growing Conditions

Cultivation snapshot for Coltsfoot

LifeperennialZoneUSDA 3–8

Very cold-hardy rhizomatous perennial (roughly USDA zones 3–8); full sun to part shade; favors moist, open, disturbed ground and neutral-to-alkaline soils.

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Pharmacology & Research

Research on coltsfoot is preclinical: cell studies and rodent models, with no clinical trial of the herb for any indication ^{1,3,4Reference 1Chen et al. · 2021ReviewA review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot) — reviewView study →Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →Reference 4Ahmad I et al. · 2025ReviewColtsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.; Asteraceae): modern methods of extraction, phytochemistry, nanoparticles synthesis, ethnopharmacology, and biological activities — reviewView study →}. About 175 compounds have been recorded from the flower bud ^{3Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →}.

The most replicated finding is anti-inflammatory activity. The sesquiterpene tussilagone and the caffeoylquinic acids suppress NF-κB and induce the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway ^{10,11,23Reference 10Hwangbo et al. · 2009In vitroThe anti-inflammatory effect of tussilagone, from Tussilago farfara, is mediated by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in murine macrophages — in vitroView study →Reference 11Cheon et al. · 2018AnimalTussilagone ameliorates inflammatory responses in dextran-sulphate-sodium-induced murine colitis — mouse in vivoView study →Reference 23Lee et al. · 2017In vitroTussilagonone-induced Nrf2 pathway activation protects HepG2 cells from oxidative injury — in vitroView study →}. The traditional respiratory use has support from mouse models of cough and phlegm, from work on airway mucin, and from lung-inflammation studies ^{5,9,17Reference 5Wu et al. · 2016AnimalAntitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory activities of four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from Tussilago farfara — mouse in vivoView study →Reference 9Choi et al. · 2018In vitroTussilagone suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucin — in vitro airway modelView study →Reference 17Xu et al. · 2022In vitroThe ethanol extract of flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. attenuates cigarette-smoke-induced lung inflammation through NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2, and NF-κB — mouse in vivo / in vitroView study →}.

The plant also contains the pyrrolizidine alkaloids senkirkine and senecionine. Rats fed the young flowers for up to 600 days developed liver tumours ^{43Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →}.

What the Evidence Supports

Best-supported: anti-inflammatory activity across many models, converging on NF-κB↓ and Nrf2/HO-1↑ ^{10,11,14Reference 10Hwangbo et al. · 2009In vitroThe anti-inflammatory effect of tussilagone, from Tussilago farfara, is mediated by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in murine macrophages — in vitroView study →Reference 11Cheon et al. · 2018AnimalTussilagone ameliorates inflammatory responses in dextran-sulphate-sodium-induced murine colitis — mouse in vivoView study →Reference 14Lee et al. · 2020AnimalTussilagonone ameliorates psoriatic features in keratinocytes and imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation — mouse in vivo. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31877316/View study →}; and antitussive/expectorant action matching the traditional lung use, shown in rodent cough and mucus models ^{5,6,9Reference 5Wu et al. · 2016AnimalAntitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory activities of four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from Tussilago farfara — mouse in vivoView study →Reference 6Discovering the major antitussive et al. · 2020In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32023945/View study →Reference 9Choi et al. · 2018In vitroTussilagone suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucin — in vitro airway modelView study →}.
Emerging, worth watching: Nrf2-mediated antioxidant cytoprotection ^{23,24Reference 23Lee et al. · 2017In vitroTussilagonone-induced Nrf2 pathway activation protects HepG2 cells from oxidative injury — in vitroView study →Reference 24Kim et al. · 2006In vitroAntioxidative effects of quercetin-glycosides isolated from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. — in vitroView study →}, neuroprotection in ischemia and Parkinson’s models ^{27,28Reference 27Lee et al. · 2018In vitroNeuroprotection against 6-OHDA toxicity in PC12 cells and mice through the Nrf2 pathway by a sesquiterpenoid from Tussilago farfara — in vivo / in vitroView study →Reference 28Hwang JH et al. · 2018AnimalEffects of Flower Buds Extract of Tussilago farfara on Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats and Inflammatory Response in BV2 MicrogliaView study →}, and antiproliferative effects in colon and breast cancer lines ^{29,30Reference 29Li et al. · 2014In vitroTussilagone suppresses colon cancer cell proliferation by promoting the degradation of β-catenin — in vitroView study →Reference 30Tussilagone suppresses triple-negative b · 2025In vitroImmunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41029481/View study →}.
Mechanistically thin: anti-allergic, metabolic/anti-diabetic, cardiovascular and antimicrobial signals rest on one or two isolated-compound studies each ^{34,36,38,40Reference 34Tussilagone inhibits allergic responses et al. · 2020In vitroFitoterapia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32058052/View study →Reference 36Identification of aldose reductase inhib · 2025In vitroJournal of Chromatography A. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40117791/View study →Reference 38Zhou et al. · 2020In vitroAntiplatelet activity of tussilagone via inhibition of the GPVI downstream signalling pathway in platelets — in vitro / mouse in vivoView study →Reference 40Chemical composition et al. · 2020In vitroNatural Product Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257572/View study →}.
The caveat: every efficacy finding is preclinical, most use isolated tussilagone by injection rather than the whole-leaf tea, and the herb’s own pyrrolizidine alkaloids are hepatotoxic and carcinogenic ^{43,44Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →Reference 44A systematic review et al. · 2020Systematic reviewFitoterapia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32105669/View study →} — a genuine benefit-risk problem, not a footnote.

Most of the active-compound work uses isolated tussilagone or solvent fractions, often given by injection. The traditional tea or syrup has not been tested in these models, and it also carries the plant’s pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Evidence by IndicationStrength of support

Anti-InflammatoryPromising

68%

Antitussive & ExpectorantPromising

62%

Respiratory / Lung-ProtectivePromising

60%

Antioxidant (Nrf2 Cytoprotection)Promising

56%

NeuroprotectivePromising

52%

Anticancer (Antiproliferative)Promising

46%

Anti-AllergicShaky

44%

Metabolic / Anti-DiabeticShaky

42%

CardiovascularShaky

40%

AntimicrobialShaky

36%

1. Anti-Inflammatory

Tussilagone, isolated from the flower buds, induced heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in mouse macrophages and suppressed their production of NO, TNF-α and PGE2 ^{10Reference 10Hwangbo et al. · 2009In vitroThe anti-inflammatory effect of tussilagone, from Tussilago farfara, is mediated by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in murine macrophages — in vitroView study →}. In mice with chemically induced colitis, it reduced colonic inflammation, lowering NF-κB and raising Nrf2 in the colon ^{11Reference 11Cheon et al. · 2018AnimalTussilagone ameliorates inflammatory responses in dextran-sulphate-sodium-induced murine colitis — mouse in vivoView study →}.

Several other sesquiterpenes from the plant inhibited NO and cytokine release in microglia and macrophages ^{12,13,16Reference 12Lim et al. · 2015In vitroIn vitro neuroprotective activity of sesquiterpenoids from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara — in vitroView study →Reference 13Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara et al. · 2014In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24963619/View study →Reference 16Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara: et al. · 2026In vitroChinese Journal of Natural Medicines. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41781124/View study →}. The related compound tussilagonone reduced psoriasis-like skin inflammation in mice ^{14Reference 14Lee et al. · 2020AnimalTussilagonone ameliorates psoriatic features in keratinocytes and imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation — mouse in vivo. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31877316/View study →}, and a coltsfoot extract reduced paw swelling in rabbits ^{15Reference 15Prunella vulgaris et al. · 2025In vitroJournal of Ethnopharmacology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39442825/View study →}.

Every study is animal or in vitro, doses and routes vary widely, and no human anti-inflammatory data exists.

2. Antitussive & Expectorant

Four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from the flower bud, chlorogenic acid and three dicaffeoylquinic acids, were given to mice by mouth at 10 and 20 mg/kg for three days. Each reduced ammonia-induced coughing and increased phlegm secretion, and the mixture cut cough frequency by 61.7% ^{5Reference 5Wu et al. · 2016AnimalAntitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory activities of four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from Tussilago farfara — mouse in vivoView study →}.

Water extracts of the leaves and flower buds had strong cough-suppressing and expectorant effects in mice, while the flower stalk did not ^{7,8Reference 7Li et al. · 2012AnimalMetabolomic profiling of the flower bud and rachis of Tussilago farfara with antitussive and expectorant effects — animal model. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22210102/View study →Reference 8Metabolomic profiling of the antitussive et al. · 2013https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23261808/View study →}. Profiling linked the effect to chlorogenic acid, 3,5-dicaffeoylquinic acid and rutin ^{7,8Reference 7Li et al. · 2012AnimalMetabolomic profiling of the flower bud and rachis of Tussilago farfara with antitussive and expectorant effects — animal model. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22210102/View study →Reference 8Metabolomic profiling of the antitussive et al. · 2013https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23261808/View study →}. A separate analysis of raw and processed flower buds identified the main compounds behind each effect ^{6Reference 6Discovering the major antitussive et al. · 2020In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32023945/View study →}.

Tussilagone also reduced production of MUC5AC, a major airway mucin, in human airway cells by blocking NF-κB signalling ^{9Reference 9Choi et al. · 2018In vitroTussilagone suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucin — in vitro airway modelView study →}.

Gap: there is no controlled human cough trial, and the smoked preparation has never been tested.

3. Respiratory / Lung-Protective

An ethanol extract of the flower buds reduced cigarette-smoke-induced lung inflammation in mice, acting on the NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2 and NF-κB ^{17Reference 17Xu et al. · 2022In vitroThe ethanol extract of flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. attenuates cigarette-smoke-induced lung inflammation through NLRP3 inflammasome, Nrf2, and NF-κB — mouse in vivo / in vitroView study →}.

Tussilagone reduced cigarette-smoke lung disease in mice by binding cysteine 434 of KEAP1, which activates Nrf2 ^{18Reference 18Xu LT et al. · 2026Tussilagone attenuated cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome via directly targeting cysteine 434 of KEAP1View study →}. It also protected mice from lung injury caused by fine particulate matter (PM2.5) ^{19Reference 19Tussilagone protects acute lung injury f · 2022In vitroEnvironmental Toxicology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35112795/View study →}, and reduced lung injury and improved survival in sepsis models ^{20,22Reference 20Gu J et al. · 2026AnimalTussilagone mitigates sepsis-induced acute lung injury in mice by suppressing RIPK1 expressionView study →Reference 22Kim YK et al. · 2017AnimalTussilagone Inhibits the Inflammatory Response and Improves Survival in CLP-Induced Septic MiceView study →}.

A metabolomic study linked the flower buds’ protective effect against smoke-induced lung inflammation to changes in lipid and tryptophan metabolism ^{21Reference 21Liu A et al. · 2025Farfarae Flos Mitigates Cigarette Smoking-Induced Lung Inflammation by Regulating the Lysophosphatidylcholine Biosynthesis and Tryptophan MetabolismView study →}.

Gap: the strongest work uses isolated tussilagone, often given by injection. No human respiratory-disease data exists.

4. Antioxidant (Nrf2 Cytoprotection)

The related compound tussilagonone activated Nrf2 and raised the detoxifying enzymes NQO1 and HO-1, protecting human liver cells (HepG2) from oxidative injury ^{23Reference 23Lee et al. · 2017In vitroTussilagonone-induced Nrf2 pathway activation protects HepG2 cells from oxidative injury — in vitroView study →}.

Quercetin glycosides isolated from the flower buds raised cellular glutathione through the Nrf2 pathway ^{24Reference 24Kim et al. · 2006In vitroAntioxidative effects of quercetin-glycosides isolated from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. — in vitroView study →}, and an ethyl-acetate fraction protected nerve cells from oxidative damage ^{25Reference 25Cho et al. · 2005In vitroNeuroprotective and antioxidant effects of the ethyl acetate fraction prepared from Tussilago farfara L. — in vitroView study →}.

A comparative study found the plant’s antioxidant capacity tracked its phenolic content ^{26Reference 26A comparative analysis of the anatomy et al. · 2022In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35807614/View study →}.

This work is almost entirely cell-based, and the Nrf2-active compounds were tested in isolation.

5. Neuroprotective

An ethyl-acetate fraction protected rat cortical neurons against amyloid-β, glutamate excitotoxicity and oxidative damage ^{25Reference 25Cho et al. · 2005In vitroNeuroprotective and antioxidant effects of the ethyl acetate fraction prepared from Tussilago farfara L. — in vitroView study →}.

Isolated sesquiterpenes reduced the activation of microglia by bacterial lipopolysaccharide and the nerve-cell death that followed ^{12Reference 12Lim et al. · 2015In vitroIn vitro neuroprotective activity of sesquiterpenoids from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara — in vitroView study →}.

A sesquiterpene protected PC12 cells and mice against 6-OHDA, a model of Parkinson’s disease, through Nrf2 ^{27Reference 27Lee et al. · 2018In vitroNeuroprotection against 6-OHDA toxicity in PC12 cells and mice through the Nrf2 pathway by a sesquiterpenoid from Tussilago farfara — in vivo / in vitroView study →}.

A flower-bud extract reduced infarct size and microglial inflammation in a rat stroke model ^{28Reference 28Hwang JH et al. · 2018AnimalEffects of Flower Buds Extract of Tussilago farfara on Focal Cerebral Ischemia in Rats and Inflammatory Response in BV2 MicrogliaView study →}.

Rodent and cell models only, several using isolated compounds, with no human cognitive or neurological data.

6. Anticancer (Antiproliferative)

Tussilagone promoted β-catenin breakdown and slowed the growth of colon-cancer cells ^{29Reference 29Li et al. · 2014In vitroTussilagone suppresses colon cancer cell proliferation by promoting the degradation of β-catenin — in vitroView study →}. It inhibited triple-negative breast-cancer cells through the TLR4/NF-κB pathway ^{30Reference 30Tussilagone suppresses triple-negative b · 2025In vitroImmunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41029481/View study →}, made liver-cancer cells more sensitive to TRAIL-induced cell death ^{31Reference 31Tussilago farfara L · 2014In vitroOncology Reports. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24969837/View study →}, and suppressed new blood-vessel growth through VEGFR2 ^{32Reference 32Tussilagone suppresses angiogenesis by i · 2019In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31333473/View study →}. In a mouse model of colitis-associated colon cancer it reduced tumour burden ^{33Reference 33Nam SH · 2020Tussilagone Reduces Tumorigenesis by Diminishing Inflammation in Experimental Colitis-Associated Colon CancerView study →}.

These findings apply to purified constituents. The plant itself caused liver tumours in rats, through its pyrrolizidine alkaloids ^{43Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →}.

Gap: coltsfoot’s own pyrrolizidine alkaloids are pro-carcinogenic, and feeding the young flowers produced liver tumours in rats ^{43Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →}. No anticancer study has used the whole plant in an animal.

7. Anti-Allergic

Injected tussilagone reduced allergic-rhinitis symptoms and lowered serum histamine, IgE and IL-6 in sensitised guinea pigs, and calmed IgE-stimulated mast cells ^{34Reference 34Tussilagone inhibits allergic responses et al. · 2020In vitroFitoterapia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32058052/View study →}. A 2026 study found it inhibits MRGPRX2-mediated mast-cell degranulation, which drives non-IgE (pseudo-allergic) reactions ^{35Reference 35Tussilagone inhibits MRGPRX2-mediated ma et al. · 2026In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41707990/View study →}.

Two isolated-compound studies in one animal species plus cell lines, with no human allergy data.

8. Metabolic / Anti-Diabetic

A flower extract inhibited aldose reductase, an enzyme linked to diabetic complications. Chlorogenic acid and the isochlorogenic acids were the most active compounds ^{36Reference 36Identification of aldose reductase inhib · 2025In vitroJournal of Chromatography A. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40117791/View study →}.

Tussilagone reduced fatty liver in mice on a high-fat diet ^{37Reference 37Tussilagone ameliorates high-fat-diet-in et al. · 2024In vitroPhytotherapy Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37010930/View study →}, and newly isolated sesquiterpenes improved insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in muscle cells ^{16Reference 16Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara: et al. · 2026In vitroChinese Journal of Natural Medicines. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41781124/View study →}.

In-vitro enzyme and cell assays plus a single fatty-liver mouse model, with no human glycaemic data.

9. Cardiovascular

Tussilagone inhibited platelet activation in mice through the GPVI signalling pathway. It slowed clot formation in a mouse artery model but did not prolong tail bleeding time ^{38Reference 38Zhou et al. · 2020In vitroAntiplatelet activity of tussilagone via inhibition of the GPVI downstream signalling pathway in platelets — in vitro / mouse in vivoView study →}.

It also reduced atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE-deficient mice by suppressing MAPK-driven inflammation in macrophages ^{39Reference 39Shen S et al. · 2023Tussilagone attenuates atherosclerosis through inhibiting MAPKs-mediated inflammation in macrophagesView study →}.

One platelet study and one mouse atherosclerosis model.

10. Antimicrobial

In-vitro screens report modest antibacterial activity for coltsfoot extracts and essential oil ^{40,41Reference 40Chemical composition et al. · 2020In vitroNatural Product Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257572/View study →Reference 41Screening of some Siberian medicinal pla · 2002In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12169406/View study →}. The essential oil was active against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus ^{40Reference 40Chemical composition et al. · 2020In vitroNatural Product Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257572/View study →}. Flower-bud preparations blocked enterovirus 71 replication in cell culture ^{42Reference 42Flos Farfarae inhibits enterovirus 71-in · 2017In vitrohttps://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28231741/View study →}.

Most of this comes from the essential oil, at modest potencies and with no in-vivo infection data.

Mechanisms

Tussilagone and the caffeoylquinic acids have been studied for their effects on inflammatory signalling. Tussilagone suppresses NF-κB and activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, and it lowers production of the airway mucin MUC5AC ^{9,10,18Reference 9Choi et al. · 2018In vitroTussilagone suppressed the production and gene expression of MUC5AC mucin — in vitro airway modelView study →Reference 10Hwangbo et al. · 2009In vitroThe anti-inflammatory effect of tussilagone, from Tussilago farfara, is mediated by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in murine macrophages — in vitroView study →Reference 18Xu LT et al. · 2026Tussilagone attenuated cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease through regulating Nrf2 and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome via directly targeting cysteine 434 of KEAP1View study →}. The caffeoylquinic acids reduced cough and increased phlegm secretion in mice ^{5Reference 5Wu et al. · 2016AnimalAntitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory activities of four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from Tussilago farfara — mouse in vivoView study →}.

The pyrrolizidine alkaloids senkirkine and senecionine are converted in the liver into reactive pyrroles that bind DNA and protein. This is the basis of the plant’s liver toxicity ^{43,45Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →Reference 45Sensitive determination of pyrrolizidine et al. · 2016Journal of Separation Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27673325/View study →}.

Mechanism	Drives	Key compounds
NF-κB ↓, MAPK ↓, Nrf2/HO-1 ↑, KEAP1-Cys434 modification, NO/TNF-α/PGE2 ↓, MUC5AC ↓	anti-inflammatoryrespiratoryantioxidantneuroprotectiveanticancerexpectorant	tussilagone, tussilagonone
Cough-reflex suppression, increased phlegm secretion	antitussiveexpectorant	chlorogenic acid, dicaffeoylquinic acids
Radical scavenging; Nrf2/ARE → glutathione ↑	antioxidantcytoprotective	quercetin, kaempferol, rutin, isoquercitrin
Physical demulcent coating	demulcentsoothing (traditional)	mucilage polysaccharides
Hepatic metabolism to reactive pyrroles → DNA/protein adducts	hepatotoxicitycarcinogenicity (harmnot benefit)	senkirkine, senecionine

Clinical Trials

No registered clinical trial has tested coltsfoot on its own for any indication. On ClinicalTrials.gov it appears only as one ingredient in multi-ingredient products.

Completed	Planned	Terminated	Preclinical
0	0	0	~60–80

Last checked: July 2026.

Phytochemistry

All parts of coltsfoot contain abundant mucilage and a little tannin ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}. About 175 compounds have been isolated from the flower bud, including terpenoids, organic acids, flavonoids, alkaloids, chromones and volatile oils ^{3Reference 3Liu et al. · 2020ReviewFarfarae Flos: a review of botany, traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and toxicology — reviewView study →}.

The main groups studied for activity are the sesquiterpenes, led by tussilagone and its analogue tussilagonone ^{10,23Reference 10Hwangbo et al. · 2009In vitroThe anti-inflammatory effect of tussilagone, from Tussilago farfara, is mediated by the induction of heme oxygenase-1 in murine macrophages — in vitroView study →Reference 23Lee et al. · 2017In vitroTussilagonone-induced Nrf2 pathway activation protects HepG2 cells from oxidative injury — in vitroView study →}; the caffeoylquinic acids, chlorogenic acid and three dicaffeoylquinic acids ^{5Reference 5Wu et al. · 2016AnimalAntitussive, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory activities of four caffeoylquinic acids isolated from Tussilago farfara — mouse in vivoView study →}; and the flavonoids rutin, isoquercitrin, quercetin and kaempferol ^{7,24Reference 7Li et al. · 2012AnimalMetabolomic profiling of the flower bud and rachis of Tussilago farfara with antitussive and expectorant effects — animal model. (2012). https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22210102/View study →Reference 24Kim et al. · 2006In vitroAntioxidative effects of quercetin-glycosides isolated from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara L. — in vitroView study →}.

The plant contains the pyrrolizidine alkaloids senkirkine and senecionine, which are toxic to the liver ^{2,45Reference 2Adamczak et al. · 2013Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analyticalView study →Reference 45Sensitive determination of pyrrolizidine et al. · 2016Journal of Separation Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27673325/View study →}. In 20 samples of leaves from Polish populations, their combined content ranged from 0.06 to 1.04 µg per gram of dried leaf. A medium-sized leaf held 0.02–0.34 µg ^{2Reference 2Adamczak et al. · 2013Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analyticalView study →}. The content varied far more than that of the flavonoids or mucilage, and the variation was largely genetic ^{2Reference 2Adamczak et al. · 2013Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analyticalView study →}.

Coltsfoot also contains tussilagine, a pyrrolizidine alkaloid first isolated from this plant ^{50Reference 50Röder et al. · 1981Tussilagine — a new pyrrolizidine alkaloid from Tussilago farfara [in German] — analyticalView study →}. Tussilagine is a non-toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid ^{51Reference 51Paßreiter et al. · 1992Tussilagine and isotussilagine: two pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the genus Arnica — analyticalView study →}.

The flower bud, used in Chinese medicine, and the leaf, used in Western practice, differ in their chemistry. The essential oil is a separate material: a Canadian oil was mainly 1-nonene (40.1%) and α-phellandrene (26.0%) ^{40Reference 40Chemical composition et al. · 2020In vitroNatural Product Research. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30257572/View study →}.

Constituent Summary

The main compounds reported from the leaf and flower bud.

Grouped by class · 11 compounds

Mucilage1 compound1 with data

MucilageMucilageAbundant in all parts ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}

Other Alkaloid3 compounds3 with data

Other AlkaloidSenkirkineWith senecionine, 0.06–1.04 µg/g dried leaf ^{2Reference 2Adamczak et al. · 2013Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analyticalView study →}

Other AlkaloidSenecionineWith senkirkine, 0.06–1.04 µg/g dried leaf ^{2Reference 2Adamczak et al. · 2013Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analyticalView study →}

Other AlkaloidTussilagineNo Data; non-toxic pyrrolizidine ^{51Reference 51Paßreiter et al. · 1992Tussilagine and isotussilagine: two pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the genus Arnica — analyticalView study →}

Sesquiterpene1 compoundno data

SesquiterpeneTussilagoneNo data

Phenolic Acid1 compoundno data

Phenolic AcidChlorogenic acidNo data

Flavonoid4 compoundsno data

FlavonoidRutinNo data

FlavonoidIsoquercitrinNo data

FlavonoidQuercetinNo data

FlavonoidKaempferolNo data

Tannin1 compoundno data

TanninTanninsNo data

Dosage

No internal dose is given for coltsfoot.

The plant contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are toxic to the liver, and rats fed the young flowers developed liver tumours ^{43Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →}. Several countries restrict the herb. Where sale is permitted, it is generally on condition that the material is certified free of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and that the daily intake stays within a regulated limit.

That limit is set for each product from the manufacturer’s assay.

Traditional Dosage — Historical Record Only

These preparations predate any knowledge of pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

System	Preparation	Dose
Western herbal (historical)	Leaf decoction: 1 oz (about 28 g) of leaves boiled in a quart of water down to a pint, sweetened with honey or liquorice	A teacupful at a time ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}
Western herbal (historical)	Syrup of the flower stalks, for chronic bronchitis	Not quantified ^{46Reference 46Grieve · 1931A Modern Herbal — Coltsfoot. https://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/c/coltsf88.htmlView study →}

Safety & Pregnancy

Coltsfoot contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that damage the liver and can cause cancer, which makes internal use unsafe. It is restricted in several countries and contraindicated in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease.

Safety at a Glance

High-riskLiver riskPyrrolizidine alkaloidsCarcinogen

Hepatotoxic and carcinogenic. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (senkirkine, senecionine) are bioactivated to liver-damaging, DNA-adducting pyrroles — a rodent feeding study produced liver tumors.
Veno-occlusive liver disease. Human case reports link coltsfoot ingestion to hepatic veno-occlusive disease, including a fatal infantile case, though mistaken plant identity undermines several of them.
Contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation. PAs cross the placenta; avoid internally in pregnancy, breastfeeding and liver disease, and for prolonged periods.
Legally restricted. PA-containing herbs face strict daily-intake limits (EMA/HMPC and national regulators); given safer cough alternatives, internal use is best avoided.
Asteraceae cross-sensitivity. May trigger reactions in those sensitive to ragweed, chamomile and related daisy-family plants.
Theoretical bleeding interaction. Tussilagone has an antiplatelet effect in mice, which raises a possible interaction with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs (not studied clinically).

Full Safety & Interactions Detail

How the alkaloids cause harm. Coltsfoot contains unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids, chiefly senkirkine and senecionine. The liver converts them into reactive pyrroles that bind DNA and protein, which makes them both toxic to the liver and cancer-causing ^{43,45Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →Reference 45Sensitive determination of pyrrolizidine et al. · 2016Journal of Separation Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27673325/View study →}. Because the damage builds up, repeated low doses still add to the risk.

The animal evidence. Rats were fed the young, pre-flowering flower heads as part of their diet for up to 600 days. At the highest dose, 8 of 12 rats developed a blood-vessel cancer of the liver (hemangioendothelial sarcoma); at a lower dose, 1 of 10 did. The researchers attributed it most probably to senkirkine ^{43Reference 43Hirono et al. · 1976AnimalCarcinogenic activity of coltsfoot, Tussilago farfara L. — rat in vivoView study →}.

The human evidence. Case reports link coltsfoot to hepatic veno-occlusive disease, including a fatal case in an infant. A systematic review of these reports found that mistaken identity or substitution of the plant was a frequent problem, and judged them an unreliable basis for conclusions about coltsfoot itself ^{44Reference 44A systematic review et al. · 2020Systematic reviewFitoterapia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32105669/View study →}. In one documented case, an 18-month-old boy developed veno-occlusive disease from a tea his parents believed contained coltsfoot. The leaves turned out to be Adenostyles alliariae, and he recovered fully ^{49Reference 49Sperl et al. · 1995Case reportReversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing herbal tea — case reportView study →}.

Variable content. The alkaloid content varies widely between plants ^{2,45Reference 2Adamczak et al. · 2013Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analyticalView study →Reference 45Sensitive determination of pyrrolizidine et al. · 2016Journal of Separation Science. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27673325/View study →}. A low average does not guarantee a low dose in any given sample.

Restrictions. Internal use is restricted or discouraged in several countries. Herbal products containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids are held to strict daily-intake limits by the EMA’s herbal committee and national regulators. It should be avoided in pregnancy, breastfeeding, liver disease and for prolonged periods. Given safer alternatives for coughs, internal use of ordinary coltsfoot is best avoided.

Daisy-family allergy. As a member of the Asteraceae, coltsfoot carries the general cross-sensitivity caution for people who react to ragweed, chamomile and related plants.

Interactions. Tussilagone inhibited platelet activation in mice ^{38Reference 38Zhou et al. · 2020In vitroAntiplatelet activity of tussilagone via inhibition of the GPVI downstream signalling pathway in platelets — in vitro / mouse in vivoView study →}, which raises a possible bleeding interaction with anticoagulant or antiplatelet drugs. It did not prolong bleeding time in mice, no clinical interaction study exists, and no CYP450 interaction has been tested.

Pregnancy. The contraindication rests on the transfer of pyrrolizidine alkaloids across the placenta and on case reports of harm, not on a controlled pregnancy study.

Pregnancy & Lactation

Avoid in pregnancy Avoid while breastfeeding

Avoid. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids cross the placenta and are linked to a fatal infantile case of hepatic veno-occlusive disease ^{44Reference 44A systematic review et al. · 2020Systematic reviewFitoterapia. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32105669/View study →}. Coltsfoot should not be used internally during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

This is a precautionary contraindication, not the result of a pregnancy safety trial.

References

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Adamczak, A., Opala, B., Gryszczyńska, A., & Buchwald, W. (2013). Content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids in the leaves of coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.) in Poland — analytical. Acta Societatis Botanicorum Poloniae. https://doi.org/10.5586/asbp.2013.028
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