Elecampane: a review of the pharmacological effects of active substances in diseases of the bronchopulmonary system

Abstract

Chronic diseases of the bronchopulmonary system have reached epidemic levels worldwide, and the situation is deteriorating as the degree of urbanization increases. Elecampane is called Russian ginseng, because the active ingredients of its roots have a multifaceted effect on the body. In diseases of the bronchopulmonary system, they promote expectoration of sputum, stimulate blood circulation and saturate the blood with oxygen, have an immunomodulatory effect, which helps to fight viral and bacterial infections of the lungs. Especially relevant is the use of elecampane preparations for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis, mycoplasma respiratory infection and viral infections such as COVID-19, herpesviruses, which can provoke serious lung changes, including pneumatic fibrosis and pneumosclerosis, which are formed within three months or more, and the resulting fibrosis foci are not subject to involution. Meanwhile at the stage of development of the process, fibrous changes can be minimized by both drug and phytotherapy treatment. The antiviral effect of elecampane preparations may play a role in modifying or slowing the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, especially when used at an early stage. In bronchial asthma, elecampane preparations can weaken the immuneinflammatory response.