Labrador-tea (Rhododendron tomentosum) as a tool for helping with Inflammation (general)

Rhododendron tomentosum is traditionally used for rheumatic complaints, making it a candidate for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) treatment. Essential oils of defined chemotypes were tested on peripheral blood lymphocytes and RA synoviocytes; the oils dose-dependently inhibited lymphocyte proliferation and increased apoptosis/necrosis of RA synovial fibroblasts, supporting anti-arthritic activity.

This retrospective study assessed topical Arnica montana and Rhododendron tomentosum (Ledum palustre) hydrogel pads for reducing postoperative ecchymosis (bruising) and edema (swelling) after oculofacial surgery in 27 patients. Patients using Arnica/Ledum showed significantly more frequent markedly accelerated healing than expected, with no adverse effects, suggesting the combination may reduce postoperative bruising and swelling.

Rhododendron subsect. Ledum comprises eight evergreen species collectively known as Labrador tea, including Rhododendron tomentosum. This review summarises their phytochemical constituents (flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids) and biological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antitumor, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective and cardioprotective effects.

The anti-inflammatory activity of supercritical-CO2 and hydrodistilled essential oils from the aerial parts of Ledum palustre (Rhododendron tomentosum) was evaluated. Both oils, dominated by ledol and ascaridole, significantly inhibited carrageenan-induced hind-paw oedema in rats (50-80%), comparable to the reference drugs piroxicam and ketoprofen, demonstrating the anti-inflammatory activity of the plant's essential oil.