The Great Mullein

🌿 Medicinal Research on Mullein (Verbascum thapsus)

The Eighth Leaf Project is advancing clinical and botanical research on Great Mullein (Verbascum thapsus), an ancient plant with modern healing potential. From our fields at Happy Place Farm to research labs across the globe, these studies reveal mullein’s powerful role in respiratory support, wound healing, antimicrobial defense, and beyond.

We believe healing grows from the earth — and through careful science, mullein can take its place in both traditional wisdom and modern medicine.

🫁 Respiratory Support & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

✅ Biological Activity of Common Mullein, a Medicinal Plant
Turker, A.U. & Camper, N.D. | Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002
This foundational lab study evaluated mullein extracts for respiratory relief and anti-inflammatory effects, demonstrating bronchodilatory and antibacterial activity against common respiratory pathogens in vitro.
🔗 Read on PubMed

✅ Safety and Use of Verbascum thapsus in Pediatric Conditions
Naturopathic Pediatrics Team | Naturopathic Pediatrics, 2024
A clinical review assessing mullein's safety and efficacy for treating earaches, coughs, and chest congestion in children, with dosing guidelines and safety considerations.
🔗 Read Article

✅ Verbascum thapsus Nanofiber Wound Dressing Study
Khan, M.M., et al. | Heliyon, 2024
A lab-based study creating a nanofiber dressing infused with mullein, showing anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and wound-healing improvements in tissue models.
🔗 PMID: 39183880 – Read on PubMed

🛡️ Antimicrobial & Antiviral Activity

✅ The Untargeted Phytochemical Profile of Verbascum thapsus L.
Abdallah S. M., Hassan S. M., et al. | Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023
A comprehensive phytochemical analysis showing mullein flower and leaf extracts have potent antiviral effects (HCoV‑229E, HSV‑II, HBV), alongside antibacterial and anticancer activity.
🔗 Read on ScienceDirect

✅ Antimicrobial Effects of Verbascum thapsus Leaf Extracts
Khan, W., et al. | Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 2020
Lab tests using methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane extracts found ethyl acetate most effective against Klebsiella pneumoniae and methanol effective against fungal pathogens.
🔗 Read Article

✅ Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity and Bioactive Compound Analysis
Saudi Journal of Biological Sciences, 2024
Modern screening confirmed mullein’s activity against both gram-positive and gram-negative bacterial strains.
🔗 [Link to Study – Coming Soon]

✅ Ultrasound-Assisted Extraction of Mullein Roots
Dose Response, 2022
An ultrasonic-assisted extraction revealed strong antimicrobial effects of root extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Fusarium solani.
🔗 PMID: 35529303 – Read on PubMed

✅ Antioxidant, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Properties of Mullein
Mahdavi, S., et al. | Medicinal Chemistry, 2020
Demonstrated mullein leaf extracts have broad antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and radical-scavenging properties.
🔗 PMID: 31456524 – Read on PubMed

💧 Diuretic & Detoxification

✅ Pharmacological Properties of Verbascum thapsus — A Review
Panchal, M.A., Murti, K., Lambole, V. | International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 2010
A review article confirming traditional mullein use as a mild diuretic, highlighting its role in urinary tract flushing via flavonoids and saponins.
🔗 Read Review

✅ Ethnobotanical Use in Salt Range Flora
Islam, M.S., et al. | Scientific Reports, 2025
Field research documenting mullein’s occasional use for urinary and liver health among traditional healers in Pakistan's Salt Range.
🔗 Read Study on Nature.com

✅ Diuretic and Urinary Tract Support of Verbascum thapsus Extracts
Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2013
Animal model study showing aqueous mullein extracts promote increased urination, supporting renal health.
🔗 Read on ScienceDirect

🧬 Antioxidant & Cellular Defense

✅ Antioxidant Activity of Verbascum thapsus Extracts
Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2010
Lab assays highlight high polyphenol and flavonoid content in leaf and flower extracts, with strong free-radical neutralization.
🔗 Read Review

✅ Free-Radical Scavenging & DNA Protection by Mullein Infusions
International Journal of Biological Sciences, 2014
Mullein infusions protected cellular DNA from oxidative damage induced by hydrogen peroxide and UV exposure.
🔗 Search on PubMed

🧠 Neuroprotective & Nervous System Support

✅ Ethnobotanical Insights into Mullein for Sleep and Nervous Disorders
Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2015
Reports on the traditional use of mullein for insomnia, anxiety, and nervous tension, supporting its calming and sedative reputation.
🔗 Read on ScienceDirect

✅ Neuroprotective Effects of Verbascum Compounds
Phytomedicine, 2018
Describes how iridoid glycosides from mullein protect neurons from oxidative stress in cell culture models.
🔗 Read on ScienceDirect

🧴 Wound Healing & Skin Health

✅ Topical Use of Mullein Extracts for Wound Healing
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2011
Lab-based research showed accelerated wound closure, collagen formation, and reduced infection markers using mullein extracts.
🔗 Read on PubMed

✅ Verbascum thapsus Ointment for Skin Irritations
International Journal of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 2012
A small clinical study where mullein-based ointment improved burns, rashes, and eczema without adverse effects.
🔗 Search on PubMed

🌾 Traditional, Anthelmintic & Folk Uses

✅ Traditional Uses and Biological Activities of Verbascum Species
ResearchGate, 2015
Comprehensive historical review of mullein’s use for coughs, inflammation, wounds, and more, grounding modern applications in folk traditions.
🔗 Read on ResearchGate

✅ Anthelmintic & Antispasmodic Effects of Mullein
BMC Complementary Medicine, 2012
Animal model showed mullein extract caused paralysis and death in parasitic worms and relaxed gut contractions.
🔗 PMID: 22463730 – Read on PubMed

⚠️ Disclaimer

The content provided by The Eighth Leaf Project is for educational and research purposes only. Medicinal plants like mullein have a long tradition of use, but results can vary. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new herbal treatment, especially during pregnancy, while breastfeeding, or if you are on medication.