Mother Tincture
An alcoholic tincture made from the whole flowering plant, used at traditional drop dosages.
Whole Plant · Liquid
French Pharmacopoeia · List A
Biological Overview
Fumitory is a common annual herb of waste ground and field margins, with glaucous green, finely divided foliage and small violet-pink flowers. Its bitter, alkaloid-rich sap gave rise to its name and its long history as a remedy for jaundice and sluggish bile flow.
Life CycleAnnual
HabitatPaths, waste ground
Alkaloid Content~1% (isoquinoline)
Fruit TypeIndehiscent silicle
Botanical Classification
Taxonomy & Identification
- Latin Name
- Fumaria officinalis L.
- Family
- Papaveraceae (formerly Fumariaceae, per APG III)
- Common Names
- Fumitory, Earth Smoke, Herb of Jaundice
- Parts Used
- Flowering aerial parts
- Habitat
- Paths and uncultivated/waste ground
- Flowers
- Violet-pink, irregular, spurred
- Foliage
- Glaucous green, bi- to tripinnatisect
Ethnobotany & Traditional Use
History & Tradition
Fumitory was known to physicians of antiquity, who called it the "herb of jaundice" for its traditional use in liver and bile complaints.
Its common name traces to its bitter sap, said to "make one weep like smoke" — a folk etymology reflected in the French fumeterre ("smoke of the earth").
In parts of Central Asia, fumitory has also been documented as a traditional remedy for asthma, a use later connected to its antihistaminic properties.
⚠ Species Identification
The research summarized here concerns Fumaria officinalis specifically. Other Fumaria species used in traditional medicine elsewhere, such as Fumaria indica, have distinct alkaloid profiles and should not be assumed interchangeable.
The Key Molecule
Protopine — Deep Dive
Fumitory's principal isoquinoline alkaloid, also known as fumarine, drives much of its documented pharmacology.
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GABA-ergic & Serotonergic Activity
Protopine increases the binding of GABA to its central receptors and shows serotonergic activity, mechanisms consistent with the plant's sedative and antispasmodic effects.
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Antihistaminic Action
Protopine contributes antihistaminic activity, linked to fumitory's traditional use in asthma and allergic conditions.
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Hepatic Enzyme Modulation
Protopine, together with allocryptopine, moderately induces CYP1A1/CYP1A2 enzymes in human hepatocytes — relevant to potential drug interactions.[21]
⚠ Standardization Matters
Protopine content varies by preparation type.
Total alkaloid content runs around 1% of the dried herb. Look for products that specify the extract type and standardization — for example, an aqueous dry extract of the flowering aerial parts — rather than an unspecified "fumitory powder."
Pharmaceutical Preparations
Parts Used & Available Forms
Only the flowering aerial parts of fumitory are used medicinally, prepared in several galenic forms.
Standardized Fresh-Plant Extract (EPS)
A standardized extract of the fresh whole plant, intended to preserve a closer alkaloid profile to the raw herb.
Fresh Plant · Standardized
Dry & Fluid Extracts
Dry extracts (e.g., an aqueous dry extract of flowering aerial parts at 250 mg/tablet) and fluid extracts are also available.
Dry Extract · Fluid Extract
Clinical Dosimetry
Dosages
Traditional dosing range, alongside dosing for a standardized commercial extract.
Phytochemistry
Composition
Fumitory's chemistry centers on a complex mixture of isoquinoline alkaloids alongside flavonoids and organic acids.
Isoquinoline Alkaloids (~1%)
Protopine (Fumarine)Principal alkaloid; cholagogue, GABA-ergic, antihistaminic
Major
AllocryptopineCo-occurring alkaloid; CYP1A induction
Minor
ProtoberberinesAlkaloid class; structurally related to berberine
Class
Indeno-benzazepinesIncludes fumaritrine, fumarofine
Class
Fumaranine & FumarostrejdineLinked to acetylcholinesterase inhibition
Trace
Other minor alkaloidsFumaricine, sinactine, cryptopine, corydaline
Trace
Other Constituents
FlavonoidsHeteroside flavonoids documented in the aerial parts
Present
Mucilage & CholinePolysaccharide and choline content
Present
Cinnamic & Caffeic Acid EstersPhenolic acid derivatives
Present
Fumaric AcidAcid-alcohol compound; relevant to dermatological use
Present
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Cholagogue & Amphocholeretic
Stimulates bile secretion and reduces pathological hypersecretion; spasmolytic on the sphincter of Oddi.[1][2][3][4]
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Antibacterial
Demonstrated antibacterial activity in a screening of Italian medicinal plants.[5]
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GABA-ergic & Serotonergic
Increases binding of GABA to central receptors and shows serotonergic activity, via protopine.
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Sedative & Myorelaxant
Shown to have muscle-relaxant activity in experimental animal studies.[6]
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Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitor
Isoquinoline alkaloids inhibit acetylcholinesterase, suggesting potential relevance to Alzheimer's disease research.[7][8]
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Anti-arrhythmic
Total extracts have shown anti-arrhythmic activity in the primary source literature.
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Antihistaminic
Protopine contributes antihistaminic activity, relevant to allergic and respiratory applications.
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Analgesic
Ethanolic extracts demonstrated analgesic activity in experimental animal models.[9]
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Parasiticidal (In Vitro)
Synergistic in vitro trematocidal activity against Schistosoma mansoni, Fasciola hepatica, and Echinostoma caproni when combined with Artemisia annua, A. absinthium, and Asimina triloba.[10]
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Dermatological Benefit
Fumaric acid content is considered beneficial in dermatology, particularly for psoriasis.
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Antiviral & Antifungal
Isoquinoline alkaloids from Fumaria species show antiviral and antimicrobial activity profiles.[11]
Clinical Applications
Clinical Indications
Traditional and clinically studied applications drawn from the primary literature.
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Hepatobiliary Disorders
Bile Flow & Gallbladder
- Biliary dyskinesia: spasms of the bile ducts and gallbladder, including gallstones. [12]
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Migraine
Hepatobiliary Origin
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Respiratory & Dermatological
Allergy & Skin
- Asthma & allergies: attributed to antihistaminic and hepatotropic drainage properties. [20]
- Psoriasis, eczema & other dermatoses: documented traditional indication.
Pharmacodynamics
Mode of Action
Documented and presumed mechanisms underlying fumitory's hepatobiliary and antihistaminic effects.
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Biliary Flow Regulation
Regulates bile flow and acts as an antispasmodic on the sphincter of Oddi, with anticholinergic and parasympatholytic effects.
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Antihistaminic Pathway
Contributes an antihistaminic mode of action, relevant to its traditional use in allergic conditions.
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Fumaric Acid & Psoriasis
Fumaric acid, present in the plant, is documented as a compound used in the management of psoriasis.
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Hepatic Enzyme Modulation
Protopine and allocryptopine moderately induce CYP1A1/CYP1A2 enzymes in human hepatocytes, a mechanism relevant to drug interaction risk.[21]
Clinical Safety
Safety, Interactions & Precautions
Fumitory's alkaloid content requires careful attention to contraindications and drug interactions.
Adverse Effects & Cautions
- Pregnancy: formally contraindicated due to the plant's isoquinoline alkaloid content.
- Hepatobiliary caution: use with care in severe hepatic insufficiency or where gallstones risk obstructing the bile ducts.
Contraindications & Drug Interactions
- CYP3A4 pathway: fumitory's protoberberine-type alkaloids are structurally related to berberine, which is documented to probably inhibit CYP3A4 — a relevant consideration for co-administered drugs metabolized by this enzyme, though this has not been directly tested for fumitory itself.
- CYP1A induction: protopine and allocryptopine moderately induce CYP1A1/CYP1A2 in human hepatocytes. [21]
- Cyclosporine: do not use in patients taking cyclosporine. [22]
Clinical Disclaimer: This monograph is for educational and professional reference only. It does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment guidance. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before initiating any phytotherapeutic regimen, particularly if you are taking prescription medications, are pregnant, or have existing health conditions.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is fumitory used for?
Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) is traditionally used for biliary dyskinesia and gallbladder spasms, digestive spasms and irritable bowel syndrome, migraines of hepatobiliary origin, and as antihistaminic support for asthma and allergic conditions, as well as for psoriasis and other dermatoses.
What is the recommended dosage of fumitory?
Traditional phytotherapy references cite 2 to 3 grams of dried herb per day or an equivalent extract. A standardized aqueous dry extract product (250 mg per tablet) has been used at 4 tablets per day. Always confirm dosing with a qualified healthcare provider.
Is fumitory safe during pregnancy?
No. Fumitory is formally contraindicated during pregnancy due to its isoquinoline alkaloid content, including protopine.
Does fumitory interact with medications?
Yes. Fumitory should not be combined with cyclosporine, and its protopine and allocryptopine content can moderately induce CYP1A enzymes in the liver. Its protoberberine-type alkaloids are also structurally related to berberine, which is documented to probably inhibit CYP3A4 — a relevant consideration for concurrent medications metabolized by that pathway.
What is protopine and why does it matter in fumitory?
Protopine (also called fumarine) is the principal isoquinoline alkaloid in fumitory, making up much of its roughly 1% total alkaloid content. It is associated with the plant's cholagogue, amphocholeretic, GABA-ergic, serotonergic, and antihistaminic actions.
Can fumitory help with irritable bowel syndrome?
A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial found a herbal combination containing fumitory and turmeric (curcuma) beneficial for irritable bowel syndrome symptoms, and fumitory is documented for digestive spasms and gastrointestinal disorders more broadly.
Can fumitory help with migraines?
Fumitory has a documented traditional use for migraines, particularly migraine headaches of hepatobiliary origin, attributed to its action on bile flow and smooth-muscle spasm.
What part of the fumitory plant is used medicinally?
The flowering aerial parts of the plant are the part used, prepared as a mother tincture, standardized fresh-plant extract, dry extract, or fluid extract.
Where does the name "fumitory" come from?
The name traces back to the plant's French name "fumeterre" (smoke of the earth), reflecting how its bitter sap was said to make the eyes water as if from smoke. It was known to physicians in antiquity, who called it the "herb of jaundice."
Is fumitory the same as fennel or fumewort?
No. Fumitory (Fumaria officinalis) is unrelated to fennel and is a different genus from fumewort (Corydalis species), though Corydalis is a related alkaloid-producing plant. Other Fumaria species, such as Fumaria indica, are used traditionally elsewhere but have distinct alkaloid profiles and should not be considered interchangeable.
Primary Literature
Bibliography
↑
1.
Boucard M, Laubenheimer B. Action du nébulisat de fumeterre sur le débit biliaire du rat. Therapie. 1966;21:903-911.
↑
2.
Fiegel G. Amphocholeretic effect of Fumaria officinalis. Z Allgemeinmed. 1971;47(34):1819-1820.
PubMed PMID:5134143 →
↑
3.
Salembier Y. Étude de l'action du nébulisat de fumeterre sur la cholérèse chez 33 malades présentant un drainage biliaire externe. Lille Med. 1967;12(9):1134-1137.
↑
4.
Reynier M, Lagrange E, Godard F. Action du nébulisat de Fumeterre officinal sur la musculature lisse. Travaux de la Société de Pharmacie de Montpellier. 1977;37(2):85-102.
↑
5.
Izzo AA, di Carlo G, Biscardi D, et al. Biological screening of Italian medicinal plants for antibacterial activity. Phytother Res. 1995;9(4):281-286.
↑
6.
Sharma UR, Goli D, Bose A. Evaluation of neuropharmacological activity of Fumaria officinalis Linn. by study of muscle relaxants activity on experimental animals. Int J Pharm Eng. 2015;3:543-551.
↑
7.
Chlebek J, Novák Z, Kassemová D, et al. Isoquinoline alkaloids from Fumaria officinalis L. and their biological activities related to Alzheimer's disease. Chem Biodivers. 2016;13(1):91-99.
PubMed PMID:26765356 →
↑
8.
Vrancheva RZ, Ivanov IG, Aneva IY, et al. Alkaloid profiles and acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activities of Fumaria species from Bulgaria. Z Naturforsch C. 2016;71(1-2):9-14.
PubMed PMID:26756091 →
↑
9.
Sharma UR, Sharma S, Goli D, Reddy S. Evaluation of analgesic activity of ethanolic extracts of Fumaria officinalis Linn. in experimental animals. 2014. doi:10.13140/RG.2.2.35541.68329.
DOI:10.13140/RG.2.2.35541.68329 →
↑
10.
Ferreira JF, Peaden P, Keiser J. In vitro trematocidal effects of crude alcoholic extracts of Artemisia annua, A. absinthium, Asimina triloba, and Fumaria officinalis. Parasitol Res. 2011;109(6):1585-1592.
PubMed PMID:21562762 →
↑
11.
Orhana I, Ozçelik B, Karaoğlu T, Sener B. Antiviral and antimicrobial profiles of selected isoquinoline alkaloids from Fumaria and Corydalis species. Z Naturforsch C. 2007;62(1-2):19-26.
PubMed PMID:17425100 →
↑
12.
Lagrange E, Aurousseau M. Effect of nebulized Fumaria officinalis on experimental gallbladder calculi in mice. Ann Pharm Fr. 1973;31(5):357-362.
PubMed PMID:4794071 →
↑
13.
Hentschel C, Dressler S, Hahn EG. Fumaria officinalis (fumitory)—clinical applications. Fortschr Med. 1995;113(19):291-292.
PubMed PMID:7672742 →
↑
14.
Brinkhaus B, Hentschel C, von Keudell C, et al. Herbal medicine with curcuma and fumitory in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind clinical trial. Scand J Gastroenterol. 2005;40(8):936-943.
PubMed PMID:16173134 →
↑
15.
Rahimi R, Abdollahi M. Herbal medicines for the management of irritable bowel syndrome: a comprehensive review. World J Gastroenterol. 2012;18(7):589-600.
PubMed PMID:22363129 →
↑
16.
Al-Snafi AE. Constituents and pharmacology of Fumaria officinalis–A review. IOSR J Pharm. 2020;10(1):17-25.
Full text →
↑
17.
Barré Y. Migraine and Fumaria officinalis. Sem Ther. 1967;43(5):307-308.
PubMed PMID:5598644 →
↑
18.
Fablet J, Colin R, Geffroy Y. Action thérapeutique du Fumaria officinalis dans les syndromes hépatobiliaires et les migraines. Gaz Med Fr. 1963;70:3376-3379.
↑
19.
Colson A, Jauneau A. Le traitement des syndromes migraineux et des affections de la vésicule biliaire par un amphocholérétique: le nébulisat de Fumaria officinalis. Rev Int Serv Santé Armées Terre Mer Air. 1967;40:793-798.
↑
20.
Goetz P. Traitement de fond de l'asthme par la phytothérapie. Phytothérapie. 2010;8(5):302-305.
↑
21.
Vrba J, Vrublova E, Modriansky M, Ulrichova J. Protopine and allocryptopine increase mRNA levels of cytochromes P450 1A in human hepatocytes and HepG2 cells independently of AhR. Toxicol Lett. 2011;203(2):135-141.
PubMed PMID:21419197 →
↑
22.
Xin HW, Wu XC, Li Q, Yu AR, Zhong MY, Liu YY. The effects of berberine on the pharmacokinetics of cyclosporin A in healthy volunteers. Methods Find Exp Clin Pharmacol. 2006;28(1):25-29.
PubMed PMID:16541194 →
Additional Reference Literature
Wichtl M, Anton R. Plantes thérapeutiques: Tradition, pratique officinale, science et thérapeutique. Ed. Tec & Doc, Cachan. 1999. p. 205.
Goetz P, Ghedira K, Le Jeune R. Fumaria officinalis L. (Fumariaceae). Phytothérapie. 2009;7(4):221-225.
Torck M, Pinkas M, Bézanger-Beauquesne L. Hétérosides flavoniques de la fumeterre, Fumaria officinalis L., Fumariacées. Ann Pharm Fr. 1971.
Gupta PC, Sharma N, Rao CV. A review on ethnobotany, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Fumaria indica (Fumitory). Asian Pac J Trop Biomed. 2012;2(8):665-669. Full text →
Ayaz F. Fumaria officinalis L. In: Novel Drug Targets With Traditional Herbal Medicines. Springer International Publishing; 2022:301-315. DOI:10.1007/978-3-031-07753-1_20 →