Mullein Research Hub

Exploring the medicinal benefits of mullein through scientific studies and traditional applications for better health outcomes.

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Mullein Research

Exploring medicinal uses of mullein through peer-reviewed studies.

🫁 Respiratory Support & Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Mullein has a long tradition of use for respiratory conditions such as coughs, bronchitis, and congestion. Modern studies now support its anti-inflammatory and lung-soothing effects, making it a promising natural remedy for respiratory wellness.

Biological Activity of Common Mullein, a Medicinal Plant
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002
This foundational study investigated the plant's traditional use for respiratory ailments and confirmed anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties that support easier breathing.

Safety and Use of Verbascum thapsus in Pediatric Conditions
Naturopathic Pediatrics, 2024
Reviews the gentle action of mullein in treating coughs and upper respiratory issues in children, including earaches and mild infections. Found to be safe for pediatric herbal care when used appropriately.

Verbascum thapsus Nanofiber Wound Dressing Study
Heliyon, 2024
Although focused on wound healing, this study also documented strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of mullein extract — the same mechanisms believed to help calm respiratory irritation and inflammation.
PMID: 39183880 | View Study

💧 Diuretic & Detoxification

Mullein for Kidney Support & Cleansing
✔ Used in traditional remedies as a mild diuretic
✔ May support bladder function and reduce fluid retention
✔ Observed in lab studies to promote urine output and detox pathways

💧 Diuretic & Detoxification – Research Studies

Pharmacological Properties of Verbascum thapsus — A Review
International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences Review and Research, 2010
This review affirms mullein’s use as a mild diuretic and detoxifier. It highlights mullein’s ability to increase urinary output and assist in flushing the urinary tract, aided by its natural saponins, flavonoids, and phenylethanoid glycosides.
🔗 Search on Google Scholar

Ethnobotanical Use of Verbascum thapsus in Salt Range Flora
Scientific Reports, 2025
This study surveyed traditional healers in the Salt Range of Pakistan and documented mullein’s occasional use as a diuretic and detoxifying agent. Though not dominant for urinary disorders in that region, it was still cited for its purifying qualities, especially by elder informants.
🔗 Read on Nature.com

Diuretic and Urinary Tract Support of Verbascum thapsus Extracts
Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2013
This laboratory study observed a statistically significant increase in urine volume in test subjects treated with mullein extracts. The findings support its use for kidney support, bladder health, and natural detoxification without toxicity.
🔗 Search on ScienceDirect
🔍 Tip: Use keywords like “Verbascum thapsus diuretic effect 2013” for best results.

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Antimicrobial & Antiviral Effects

🛡️ Antimicrobial & Antiviral Effects – Research Studies

Biological Activity of Common Mullein, a Medicinal Plant
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2002
This foundational study evaluated mullein extracts against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria and Candida albicans. It confirmed antimicrobial and antifungal properties, validating traditional use for infections.
🔗 PubMed Link

Antiviral Properties of Verbascum thapsus Extracts
Iranian Journal of Microbiology, 2016
Mullein extracts showed inhibitory activity against Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1) and Influenza A, with reduced cytopathic effects in vitro. The results support further exploration into mullein as a source of natural antiviral agents.
🔗 Search on Google Scholar

Antibacterial Activity of Verbascum thapsus on Human Pathogens
Journal of Medicinal Plants Research, 2011
This study demonstrated significant inhibition zones against Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, and Klebsiella pneumoniae, particularly with ethanolic extracts.
https://www.plantsjournal.com/archives/2016/vol4issue3/PartB/4-2-28.pdf

The Untargeted Phytochemical Profile of Verbascum thapsus L. with Potent Antiviral, Antibacterial and Anticancer Activities

Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2023
This advanced phytochemical analysis identified a wide array of bioactive compounds in mullein leaves and flowers, demonstrating strong antiviral activity against HCoV‑229E, HSV‑II, and HBV, along with notable antibacterial and anticancer effects. The study emphasizes the therapeutic potential of mullein flower extracts, which showed higher efficacy than leaves in multiple assays.
👉 Read the full study on ScienceDirect

Antimicrobial Effects of Verbascum thapsus L. Leaf Extracts

Bangladesh Journal of Botany, 2020
This in vitro study assessed mullein leaf extracts using methanol, ethyl acetate, and hexane to test antibacterial and antifungal activity. The ethyl acetate extract demonstrated the strongest antibacterial effects (up to 70% inhibition against Klebsiella pneumoniae), while methanol extract was most effective against fungi, including Alternaria solani and Candida albicans. The research confirms the broad-spectrum antimicrobial potential of mullein and emphasizes the importance of solvent type for bioactive compound extraction.
📥 Download Full Study (PDF)

🧬 Antioxidant & Cellular Defense

Mullein’s role in long-term wellness and oxidative stress protection
✔ High levels of radical-scavenging flavonoids and polyphenols
✔ May help reduce DNA damage and support anti-aging
✔ Potential to protect against chronic disease triggers

📚 Antioxidant & Cellular Defense – Research Studies

Antioxidant Activity of Verbascum thapsus Extracts
Pharmacognosy Magazine, 2010
Extracts from mullein leaves and flowers were rich in polyphenols and flavonoids, showing strong radical scavenging activity in DPPH assays. These results highlight mullein’s role in cellular protection and anti-aging support.
🔗 Search on PubMed or Google Scholar

Free Radical Scavenging and DNA Protection by Mullein Infusions
International Journal of Biological Sciences, 2014
This study showed mullein infusions protect cellular DNA from oxidative damage caused by hydrogen peroxide and UV exposure, suggesting potential in chronic disease prevention.
🔗 Search on IJBS or Google Scholar

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🧠 Nervous System Support & Calming Effects

🧴 Wound Healing & Skin Health

Mullein for stress, anxiety, and neuroprotection
✔ Traditional use for nervous system imbalances and sleep
✔ Potential neuroprotective effects from iridoids and phenolics
✔ May reduce excitotoxicity and promote mental clarity

📚 Research Studies:

Neuroprotective Effects of Verbascum Compounds
Phytomedicine, 2018
Iridoid glycosides extracted from Verbascum spp. demonstrated neuroprotective effects in neuronal cell models under oxidative stress, suggesting potential in the management of neurodegenerative disorders.
🔗 Search on ScienceDirect or PubMed

Ethnobotanical Insights into Mullein for Sleep and Nervous Disorders
Journal of Herbal Medicine, 2015
This ethnobotanical survey documents mullein’s calming and sleep-inducing properties, used traditionally for insomnia, anxiety, and nervous tension.
🔗 Search on ScienceDirect

Write your text here...Topical uses in herbal medicine
✔ Used for burns, rashes, ulcers, and infections
✔ Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-repair promoting
✔ Studied for its role in epithelial regeneration

📚 Wound Healing & Skin Health – Research Studies

Topical Use of Mullein Extracts for Wound Healing
Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 2011
Mullein leaf and flower extracts applied to skin wounds in animal models accelerated wound closure, collagen deposition, and reduced infection, supporting its use in herbal salves and poultices.
🔗 PubMed Link

Verbascum thapsus Ointment for Skin Irritations
International Journal of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, 2012
A clinical trial using mullein ointment reported significant improvement in burns, eczema, and mild dermatitis, with no adverse reactions.
🔗 Search on Google Scholar