Quick Summary

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a medicinal plant used traditionally in various health contexts; however, clinical evidence supporting its efficacy or safety in humans is limited and inconclusive based on currently available research.

What is it?

Mullein, scientifically known as Verbascum thapsus, is a biennial herb native to Europe and Asia but naturalized in many other regions. It is known for its tall flowering stalks and soft, hairy leaves. Traditionally, various parts of the plant have been harvested for use in herbal remedies, particularly for respiratory health.

Traditional Uses

  • Used ethnomedicinally for respiratory diseases such as coughs, bronchitis, and congestion.
  • Applied topically in some traditional systems for skin irritation and inflammation.
  • Utilized in folk medicine across different cultures to address inflammatory conditions and infections.

Active Compounds

Mullein contains several bioactive constituents, including saponins, flavonoids, mucilage, and iridoid glycosides. These compounds are thought to contribute to its traditional anti-inflammatory and soothing effects, especially in respiratory tract conditions.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Acute Postviral Rhinosinusitis: Low quality clinical evidence. A randomized controlled trial of a multi-herbal product containing extracts from various plants—including possibly mullein—showed safety and some symptom improvement compared to intranasal corticosteroid treatment. However, effects could not be attributed to mullein alone (Peric et al., 2021).
  • Respiratory Tract Infections in Pediatric Population: Limited and inconsistent evidence. Phytotherapeutic interventions including herbal remedies show some promise for symptom reduction in acute pediatric respiratory infections, but specific data on mullein are insufficient (Bertoni et al., 2025).
  • Traditional Ethnomedicinal Use for Respiratory Diseases: Insufficient clinical evidence. Although widely used traditionally, systematic reviews highlight poor-quality evidence and a lack of conclusive clinical data supporting effectiveness.

Side Effects

No well-documented adverse effects specific to mullein have been reported in the available literature. Mild adverse effects are occasionally associated with herbal products in general but have not been explicitly linked to mullein.

Drug Interactions

There is no specific evidence regarding drug interactions involving mullein. As with many herbal medicines, potential pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions cannot be ruled out, but concrete data for mullein are lacking.

Who Should Avoid It?

  • No specific contraindications for mullein have been reported.
  • Caution is advised for pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of safety data.
  • Individuals on pharmacologic treatments should consult healthcare professionals before use due to unknown interaction potential.

Evidence Limitations

Evidence for mullein primarily stems from traditional use and a limited number of clinical studies involving herbal mixtures rather than mullein alone. Most clinical trials are small, of low methodological quality, or do not isolate mullein’s effects. There is a notable lack of randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, or meta-analyses focused solely on mullein’s efficacy and safety. Therefore, further well-designed clinical studies are needed to better establish its clinical utility and safety profile.

References

  • Peric A, Gacesa D, Barac A, Peric A. A Herbal Formula in the Therapy of Acute Postviral Rhinosinusitis. Turkish Archives of Otorhinolaryngology. 2021; https://doi.org/10.4274/tao.2020.6098
  • Bertoni C, Alberti I, Parri N, et al. Phytotherapeutic, Homeopathic Interventions and Bee Products for Pediatric Infections: A Scoping Review. Nutrients. 2025; https://doi.org/10.3390/nu17193137
  • Rodriguez-Fragoso L, Reyes-Esparza J, Burchiel SW, et al. Risks and benefits of commonly used herbal medicines in Mexico. Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology. 2008; https://doi.org/10.1016/j.taap.2007.10.005

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The safety and effectiveness of mullein have not been established by comprehensive clinical trials. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any herbal supplement, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have underlying health conditions, or are taking other medications.