Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Hemp vs Common coltsfoot
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Hemp and Common coltsfoot: they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), insomnia / sleeplessness, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Hemp | Common coltsfoot | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Hemp |
| Inflammation (general) | 5/10 | 2/10 | Stronger for Hemp |
| Insomnia / sleeplessness | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Hemp |
| Skin irritation | 5/10 | 1/10 | Stronger for Hemp |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
The characteristic bioactive compounds of the resin-bearing flowers, varying widely in ratio and concentration between cultivars; THC is psychoactive, CBD is not.
Aromatic terpenes contribute to the plant's characteristic scent and may modulate cannabinoid effects.
Hemp seed is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (including omega-3 and omega-6), giving the pressed seed oil its nutritional value; essentially free of psychoactive cannabinoids.
Hepatotoxic constituents that are the central safety concern for this plant; regulatory limits and PA-controlled/PA-reduced products exist specifically because of these compounds.
Demulcent polysaccharide contributing to the traditional soothing action on irritated airways.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Industrial hemp (low-THC cannabis) seed oil and seeds are generally safe as food. CBD products derived from hemp may interact with medications metabolised by cytochrome P450 liver enzymes, including common anticoagulants, antiepileptics, and immunosuppressants. THC-containing preparations impair driving and are regulated or prohibited in many jurisdictions. Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Quality and cannabinoid content vary widely between hemp products.
Duke (2002) rates cannabis as ++ and notes clinical evidence (score 2) for its antiemetic activity, especially relevant for chemotherapy-induced nausea. Score 1 activities include analgesic, anticonvulsant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Duke highlights the legal and pharmacological complexity, noting THC as the primary psychoactive compound. Medically, synthetic cannabinoids (dronabinol, nabilone) are clinically approved for nausea and anorexia. Duke cautions that while the plant has genuine therapeutic potential, psychoactive effects, legal restrictions, and risk of dependence with regular use must be considered (Duke, 2002).
Safety notes (contraindications, interactions, pregnancy/lactation notes, adverse effects, dose-duration cautions) Important: Coltsfoot naturally contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs)—plant chemicals that can damage the liver and may increase cancer risk with enough exposure (EMA, 2021; Kopp et al., 2020).
Because of this, European regulators set very strict limits for PA exposure from herbal products (EMA, 2021).
Many safety-focused herbal references recommend avoiding homemade/internal coltsfoot use, unless the product is specifically made to be PA-controlled / PA-reduced (EMA, 2021).
Avoid internal use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have liver disease, or for children—these groups are treated as “sensitive” in PA risk guidance (EMA, 2021).
Medication caution: if you take medicines that stress the liver (some prescription drugs can), it’s extra important to avoid unregulated PA exposure (general PA risk logic; consult a clinician) (EMA, 2021).
Topical use may still carry PA considerations; EMA discusses limits and recommends use only on intact skin for PA-containing products (EMA, 2021).
Duke (2002) provides clinical support (score 2) for coltsfoot's anti-inflammatory and expectorant effects, explaining its traditional use in bronchitis and coughs. However, the plant contains hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), and Duke notes a carcinogenic score (1) — a critical safety concern. Commission E has placed restrictions on coltsfoot use, recommending maximum internal use of 4–6 weeks per year and avoiding use in pregnancy, lactation, and in children under 12. Duke rates its overall safety as low (+) and emphasizes that preparations free of PAs are preferred (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Erect annual herb with a distinctive palmately compound leaf of narrow, serrated leaflets. The plant is usually dioecious (separate male and female plants); female plants develop dense, resinous flower clusters, while male plants bear looser pollen-releasing flowers. The seed (achene) is small, hard-shelled and oil-rich.[14]
Low perennial herb notable for flowering before its leaves appear: solitary, bright yellow, dandelion-like flower heads emerge on scaly pinkish stalks in very early spring, followed later by large, hoof-shaped (heart-shaped with angular teeth), white-woolly-backed leaves arising directly from the creeping rhizome.[11]
Habitat
Believed native to Central Asia; now cultivated worldwide, with industrial hemp (low-THC cultivars) grown in temperate climates for fibre, seed and cannabinoid extraction, subject to varying legal regulation by jurisdiction.[14]
Grows on disturbed, damp or clay-rich waste ground, riverbanks, railway embankments and bare soil; native to Europe, North Africa and temperate Asia and naturalised in North America.[11]
Harvesting
Flowers (and resin-bearing leaves) are harvested at peak resin/cannabinoid content, typically as the flower clusters mature in late summer to autumn; seed is harvested once mature and dried, then pressed for oil or used whole.[14]
Flowers are gathered in very early spring before the leaves appear; leaves are gathered later in the season once expanded. Given the plant's pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, harvesting from a positively confirmed patch (not a look-alike) and preferring PA-tested commercial material for internal use is strongly advised.[2]
Traditional Uses
Cannabis/hemp has a long multi-cultural history as a fibre, food and medicinal plant, traditionally used for pain, muscle spasm, sleep and appetite, alongside industrial use of the fibre and seed. Modern cannabinoid research, particularly on THC and CBD, has substantially expanded the evidence base for pain, spasticity and specific seizure disorders.[14, 15]
Coltsfoot has an ancient European and Chinese tradition, reflected in its Latin name (tussis = cough), as an expectorant and demulcent remedy for coughs, bronchitis and irritated airways; because of its pyrrolizidine alkaloid content, contemporary use is restricted to short courses of PA-controlled preparations under regulatory limits (see contraindications).[1, 2, 12]
Preparations
Whole or hulled seed, or cold-pressed seed oil, used as a nutritional food source (essentially free of psychoactive cannabinoids).
Extract standardised to specific cannabinoid content (e.g. CBD), used in regulated medicinal products; regulatory status varies widely by jurisdiction and product type.
Commercially prepared, pyrrolizidine-alkaloid-tested extract or syrup, the only form recommended for internal use given the plant's natural PA content.
Dried flower or leaf infused in hot water; traditional but subject to strict duration/PA-content limits under EU herbal regulation.
References
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
EU regulatory guidance restricts internal use to PA-controlled preparations. The EMA public statement on unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids records a maximum daily intake for internal use of 1 microgram of PAs for at most 6 weeks per year, or 0.1 microgram per day with no duration limit; for cutaneous use the limits are 100 micrograms for at most 6 weeks per year, or 10 micrograms without a duration limit. Not for use in pregnancy, breastfeeding, or children. Note that these are limits on PA intake, not a herb dose — no EMA monograph exists for Tussilago farfara, so there is no official posology for the herb itself. Educational reference only, not a prescription — consult a qualified practitioner and prefer tested commercial products.
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Rock, E.M. and Parker, L.A (2021) 'Constituents of Cannabis sativa', Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology, 1264, pp. 1-13. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_1 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-57369-0_1 - Castillo-Arellano, J., Canseco-Alba, A., Cutler, S.J. and León, F (2023) 'The Polypharmacological Effects of Cannabidiol', Molecules, 28(7), pp. 3271. doi:10.3390/molecules28073271 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28073271 - Pagano, C., Navarra, G., Coppola, L., Avilia, G. et al (2022) 'Cannabinoids: Therapeutic Use in Clinical Practice', International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(6), pp. 3344. doi:10.3390/ijms23063344 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms23063344 - ElSohly, M.A., Radwan, M.M., Gul, W., Chandra, S. and Galal, A (2017) 'Phytochemistry of Cannabis sativa L', Progress in the Chemistry of Organic Natural Products, 103, pp. 1-36. doi:10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-45541-9_1 - Viana, M.D.B., de Aquino, P.E.A., Estadella, D., Ribeiro, D.A. and Viana, G.S.D.B (2022) 'Cannabis sativa and cannabidiol: a therapeutic strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases?', Medical Cannabis and Cannabinoids, 5(1), pp. 207-219. doi:10.1159/000527335 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1159/000527335 - Alves, P., Amaral, C., Teixeira, N. and Correia-da-Silva, G (2020) 'Cannabis sativa: much more beyond delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol', Pharmacological Research, 157, pp. 104822. doi:10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104822 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phrs.2020.104822 - Odieka, A.E., Obuzor, G.U., Oyedeji, O.O., Gondwe, M., Hosu, Y.S. and Oyedeji, A.O (2022) 'The medicinal natural products of Cannabis sativa Linn.: a review', Molecules, 27(5), pp. 1689. doi:10.3390/molecules27051689 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27051689 - Nuutinen, T (2018) 'Medicinal properties of terpenes found in Cannabis sativa and Humulus lupulus', European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry, 157, pp. 198-228. doi:10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.076 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.07.076 - Liktor-Busa, E., Keresztes, A., LaVigne, J., Streicher, J.M. and Largent-Milnes, T.M (2021) 'Analgesic potential of terpenes derived from Cannabis sativa', Pharmacological Reviews, 73(4), pp. 98-126. doi:10.1124/pharmrev.120.000046 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1124/pharmrev.120.000046 - Martinelli, G., Magnavacca, A., Fumagalli, M., Dell'Agli, M., Piazza, S. and Sangiovanni, E (2021) 'Cannabis sativa and skin health: dissecting the role of phytocannabinoids', Planta Medica, 88(7), pp. 492-506. doi:10.1055/a-1420-5780 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1420-5780 - Andre, C.M., Hausman, J.F. and Guerriero, G (2016) 'Cannabis sativa: the plant of the thousand and one molecules', Frontiers in Plant Science, 7, pp. 19. doi:10.3389/fpls.2016.00019 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2016.00019 - Bonini, S.A., Premoli, M., Tambaro, S., Kumar, A., Maccarinelli, G., Memo, M. and Mastinu, A (2018) 'Cannabis sativa: a comprehensive ethnopharmacological review of a medicinal plant with a long history', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 227, pp. 300-315. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2018.09.004 - Bergamaschi, M.M., Queiroz, R.H.C., Zuardi, A.W. and Crippa, J.A.S (2011) 'Safety and side effects of cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent', Current Drug Safety, 6(4), pp. 237-249. doi:10.2174/157488611798280924 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2174/157488611798280924 - Cerino, P., Buonerba, C., Cannazza, G. et al (2021) 'A review of hemp as food and nutritional supplement', 6(1), pp. 19--27. doi:10.1089/can.2020.0001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2020.0001 - Devinsky, O., Cross, J.H., Laux, L. et al (2017) 'Trial of cannabidiol for drug-resistant seizures in the Dravet syndrome', 376(21), pp. 2011--2020. Randomized trial
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Trial%20of%20cannabidiol%20for%20drug-resistant%20seizures%20in%20the%20Dravet%20syndrome - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Talwar, A., Estes, E., Aparasu, R. and Reddy, D.S (2022) 'Clinical efficacy and safety of cannabidiol for pediatric refractory epilepsy indications: A systematic review and meta-analysis', Experimental Neurology, 359, pp. 114238. doi:10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114238 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114238 - Caus, M.N., Lupoae, M. and Chitescu, C.L (2026) 'Efficacy and Safety of Herbal Supplements with Anxiolytic, Antidepressant, and Sedative Action: A Review of Clinical Data and Toxicological Risks', Pharmaceuticals, 19(3), pp. 399. doi:10.3390/ph19030399 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph19030399
- Ahmad, I., Kudaibergenova, B., Ahmad, M. and others (2025) 'Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara L.; Asteraceae): modern methods of extraction, phytochemistry, nanoparticles synthesis, ethnopharmacology, and biological activities', Natural Product Research, pp. 1-20. doi:10.1080/14786419.2025.2548616 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2025.2548616 - Chen, S., Dong, L., Quan, H., Zhou, X. and others (2020) 'A review of the ethnobotanical value, phytochemistry, pharmacology, toxicity and quality control of Tussilago farfara L. (coltsfoot)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 267, pp. 113478. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113478 - Feng, J., Zhang, Y., Qin, X., Gao, T. and others (2022) 'Novel Quinic Acid Glycerates from Tussilago farfara Inhibit Polypeptide GalNAc-Transferase', ChemBioChem, 23(3), pp. e202100539. doi:10.1002/cbic.202100539 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbic.202100539 - Zhao, J., Evangelopoulos, D., Bhakta, S., Gray, A.I. and Seidel, V (2014) 'Antitubercular activity of Arctium lappa and Tussilago farfara extracts and constituents', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), pp. 796-800. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.034 - Avila, C., Breakspear, I., Hawrelak, J., Salmond, S. and Evans, S (2020) 'A systematic review and quality assessment of case reports of adverse events for borage (Borago officinalis), coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara) and comfrey (Symphytum officinale)', Fitoterapia, 142, pp. 104519. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2020.104519 - Lee, J., Park, S., Kim, M.J., Kwon, S.J. and others (2019) 'Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara Flower Bud Extract for the Eco-Friendly Synthesis of Silver and Gold Nanoparticles Possessing Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities', Nanomaterials (Basel), 9(6), pp. 819. doi:10.3390/nano9060819 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nano9060819 - Bota, V.B., Neamtu, A.A., Olah, N.K., Chiselita, O. and others (2022) 'A Comparative Analysis of the Anatomy, Phenolic Profile, and Antioxidant Capacity of Tussilago farfara L. Vegetative Organs', Plants (Basel), 11(13), pp. 1663. doi:10.3390/plants11131663 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11131663 - Boucher, M.A., Cote, H., Pichette, A., Ripoll, L. and Legault, J (2020) 'Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Tussilago farfara (L.) essential oil from Quebec, Canada', Natural Product Research, 34(4), pp. 545-548. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1489384 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1489384 - Li, Z.Y., Zhang, J., Zhang, Y.B., Yang, X.W. and others (2022) 'Polyhydroxylated eudesmane sesquiterpenoids and sesquiterpenoid glucoside from the flower buds of Tussilago farfara', Chinese Journal of Natural Medicines, 20(4), pp. 301-308. doi:10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60120-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/S1875-5364(21)60120-6 - Jang, H., Lee, J.W., Lee, C., Jin, Q. and others (2016) 'Sesquiterpenoids from Tussilago farfara inhibit LPS-induced nitric oxide production in macrophage RAW 264.7 cells', Archives of Pharmacal Research, 39(1), pp. 127-132. doi:10.1007/s12272-015-0667-7 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s12272-015-0667-7 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Westendorf, J., Czok, G., Marquardt, R., Nausner, M., Krauer, B. and Paul, H.L (1988) 'Pyrrolizidine alkaloid content of Tussilago farfara plants from different regions and preparations', pp. 903--909. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Pyrrolizidine%20alkaloid%20content%20of%20Tussilago%20farfara%20plants%20from%20different%20regions%20and%20preparations - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2021) 'Public statement on the use of herbal medicinal products containing toxic, unsaturated pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), including recommendations regarding contamination of herbal medicinal products with PAs, Revision 1'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/public-statement/public-statement-use-herbal-medicinal-products-containing-toxic-unsaturated-pyrrolizidine-alkaloids-pas-including-recommendations-regarding-contamination-herbal-medicinal-products-pyrrolizidine_en.pdf - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Sperl, W. and Stuppner, H. and Gassner, I. and Judmaier, W. and Dietze, O. and Vogel, W (1995) 'Reversible hepatic veno-occlusive disease in an infant after consumption of pyrrolizidine-containing herbal tea', European Journal of Pediatrics, 154(2), pp. 112-6. doi:10.1007/BF01991912 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF01991912
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.