Viper’s bugloss (raw, organic?)

Viper's bugloss ( Echium spp.) is used in folk medicine in a similar way to comfrey. Due to the pyrrolizidine alkaloids it contains, we advise against consumption ( raw, cooked or processed). Organic?

Use in the kitchen

Echium spp. are herbaceous plants with violet to blue flowers. Is Echium edible? Echium, comfrey, borage, coltsfoot and lungwort have three things in common: they are traditional medicinal plants, former food plants and contain poisonous alkaloids. Occasional consumption of small amounts was once considered harmless, but it is now advised against.

The Federal Institute for Risk Assessment ( BfR) recommends avoiding the consumption of foods containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids or minimizing them as much as possible. ³ For this reason, we do not present a vegan recipe for viper's bugloss.

Purchasing - Storage

Supermarkets (e.g. Coop, Migros, Denner, Volg, Spar, Aldi, Lidl, Rewe, Edeka, Hofer, Billa) and organic supermarkets (e.g. Denn's Biomarkt, Alnatura) do not sell viper's bugloss products (raw or processed). However, you can buy viper's bugloss seeds online or in specialist shops.

In 1992, the Federal Health Office ( BGA) in Berlin strictly regulated the approval and marketing of medicines containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids, which also includes viper's bugloss preparations. Since then, only preparations containing a daily dose of less than 100 µg (external use) or 1 µg of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (internal use) have been approved as medicines. This regulation also applies to viper's bugloss oil. ¹

Echium oil from the seeds of the plantain-leaved viper's bugloss ( Echium plantagineum) is approved as a novel food and must contain a minimum of 10% by weight of total fatty acids in stearidonic acid (belongs to the polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids). The content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids must not be detectable (detection limit of 4 μg/kg). ²

Where can you buy Echium oil? Ready-made preparations or capsules containing Echium oil are sometimes available in pharmacies, although the pharmacist is responsible for only dispensing alkaloid-free preparations. ¹

Found in the wild,

viper's bugloss ( Echium spp.) are annual or perennial herbaceous plants. The genus includes several species. A viper's bugloss species that is common in Central Europe is the common viper's bugloss ( Echium vulgare). The natural distribution area of this species extends from Europe to Xinjiang. It grows mainly in the temperate climate zone. ⁴

The preferred habitats of the common viper's bugloss are dry to semi-dry ruderal sites, stony fields and arable and garden weed communities. It also occurs in sandy locations such as heathlands, on dry silicate grasslands and in coastal regions. ^5,9,10 In Switzerland, Echium vulgare is often found in gravel pits, on roadsides and on rubble heaps. ¹⁴

This perennial species reaches a height of between 30 and 90 cm (sometimes up to 150 cm). The upright stem and leaves have bristly, stiff hairs. Small, dark red spots often appear on the stem. The leaves are narrow-lanceolate, entire and up to 10 cm long. The flowers, arranged in thyrses with simple whorls, are initially pink to violet, later blue and about 2 cm long. The flowering period is from May to October. ^{1,5, 9,10,14}

Storage tips

Well-dried viper's bugloss roots should be stored in glass jars or cardboard boxes lined with kitchen paper. Even a small amount of residual moisture can cause the roots to mold. Plastic or metal containers are not suitable for storing viper's bugloss roots, as they break down the allantoin when they come into contact with metal. ⁶

Ingredients - Nutritional values - Calories

The ingredients of the viper's bugloss include anthocyanins, allantoin, choline, bornesite, alkannins, mucilage and a total content of 0.12% of alkaloids. These also include pyrrolizidine alkaloids. ^{1, 5,7}

The oil of Echium species contains high amounts of polyunsaturated fatty acids such as α-linolenic acid and γ-linolenic acid. ¹

The absolute oil content of the seeds of the common viper's bugloss ( Echium vulgare) is approximately 22%. The fatty acid pattern of the seed oil of Echium plantagineum consists of 28% α-linolenic acid (ALA), 12% stearidonic acid (STA), 18% linoleic acid (LA), 12% γ-linolenic acid (GLA) and 17% oleic acid. ⁸

The complete ingredients of viper's bugloss, the coverage of the daily requirement and comparison values with other ingredients can be found in our nutrient tables. In the article Nutrients explained you will get a detailed insight into the topic.

Health Effects

Echium oil is rich in omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. It can improve plasma concentrations of human eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosapentaenoic acid (DPA) and di-homo-γ-linolenic acid (DGLA). The high content of γ-linolenic acid and stearidonic acid has anti-inflammatory effects and has been shown to lower triglyceride levels, which may lead to improved cardiovascular health. ¹⁵

The long-chain, polyunsaturated omega-3 fatty acids found in Echium oil may have beneficial effects on inflammatory and autoimmune diseases such as atherosclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, asthma and Alzheimer's disease. At the same time, Echium oil has many potential uses in the pharmaceutical industry - it can be used to treat eczema, acne and other skin conditions. Studies have also shown that the combination of borage seed oil ( Borago officinalis) and Echium plantagineum seed oil with bambuterol has therapeutic effects that can reduce the severity of asthma and improve asthma control. ¹⁵

Echium honey has antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antidiabetic, anti-hyperlipidemia and stomach ulcer effects, scavenges free radicals and has a wound-healing effect. ¹⁵ But be careful: this honey also contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids that are harmful to health (see chapter "Danger - Intolerances - Side effects").

The alkanins contained in the product have an antimicrobial effect. Allantoin helps with wound healing and helps flush out germs and bacterial toxins by promoting the drainage of fluid from the wound surface. Choline promotes blood circulation, particularly increased blood flow to the injured tissue. The active ingredient reduces the leakage of tissue fluid and thus the formation of edema and allows hematomas (bruises) to disappear more quickly. ^10,17

Secondary plant substances

Many of the health effects of viper's bugloss can be attributed to the secondary plant substances it contains. Our article on secondary plant substances provides an overview of the classification of substance groups, their occurrence in foods and possible effects on humans. Viper's bugloss contains the following secondary plant substances, among others: ^1,5,15

• Isoprenoids: Saponins
• Alkaloids: Pyrrolizidine alkaloids such as echimidine
• Polyphenols: phenolic acids (e.g. caffeic acid, cinnamic acid, ferulic acid, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, rosmarinic acid), flavonoids (e.g. kaempferol, quercetin, rutin, anthocyanins), tannins, lignans
• Other organic compounds: Naphthoquinones

However, it should be noted that the composition of secondary plant substances in viper's bugloss can vary depending on the variety, time of harvest and growing conditions. Therefore, quantities are only of limited use and should only be understood roughly.

Viper's bugloss ( Echium vulgare and Echium plantagineum) are rich in antioxidants such as phenolic acids, allantoin, organic acids (e.g. citric acid, fumaric acid, malic acid, succinic acid), lignans, tannin, uridine and saponin. ¹⁵

The alkaloids in Echium have some medicinal potential. Echimidine can inhibit the breakdown of acetylcholine and thus represents a potential treatment for Alzheimer's disease. It may also be beneficial for people with the autoimmune disease myasthenia gravis. In addition, echimidine and echihumilin alkaloids exhibit anti-inflammatory, analgesic, local anesthetic, ganglion-blocking properties and anti-Plasmodium activity. ¹⁵

The content of naphthoquinones and alkaloids increases gradually as the Viper's Bugloss plant matures and varies in different seasons and regions, often being higher in warm and dry regions. The accumulation of alkaloids in plant parts depends on various ecological factors, such as light intensity, water deficit, high temperature, low relative humidity, increase of nitrogen and calcium in the soil, salinization and heavy metal pollution of the soil. ¹⁵

Medical effects of naphthoquinones and other substances are highly dose-dependent. High doses of naphthoquinone have been reported to cause gastroenteritis and diarrhea, while lower doses have therapeutic effects. Although pyrrolizidine alkaloids are toxic substances, they have been shown to have weak antiviral and anti-leukemia properties. In addition, some semi-synthetic derivatives of pyrrolizidine alkaloids have antihypertensive, local anesthetic and anticonvulsant effects. However, liver necrosis and cirrhosis have been identified as treatment-limiting side effects. ¹⁵

Dangers - Intolerances - Side effects

Is viper's bugloss poisonous? Viper's bugloss contains potentially harmful pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Of the 660 pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PA) identified to date that generally occur in plants, around 95 are hepatotoxic (liver toxic), pneumotoxic (lung toxic), genotoxic (gene-altering), teratogenic (malformation-causing), mutagenic (gene-altering) and carcinogenic (cancer-causing). Their liver toxicity manifests itself acutely in the blockage of liver veins, and in the long term in the development of liver cirrhosis and liver tumors. The liver is the primary target organ of PA-related damage, but other organs such as the lungs can also be affected. ^11,12,13

Since it is not possible to define a safe intake level for mutagenic and carcinogenic substances, food should contain as few PAs as possible. Even small intake levels can increase the risk of cancer, especially if consumed regularly. Herbs such as comfrey, borage or viper's bugloss, which can themselves form PAs, lead to high exposure. Here, the risk can best be controlled by taking precautionary measures or by avoiding them. ^3,12

In the literature, there are numerous documented cases of poisoning by PA-containing plants or PA-contaminated foods, such as honey, herbal teas, herbs, spices, salad, food supplements and, in third world countries, contaminated grain. While severe poisoning is often fatal, a full recovery is possible in the case of milder poisoning. ^{3, 11,12}

Several studies have shown that bee pollen sold as dietary supplements can also contain PAs and thus pose a potential health risk to consumers. A 2017 study identified Echium vulgare and Echium cannabinum as the main plants responsible for PA contamination of pollen collected from Swiss bees. ¹⁶

Is viper's bugloss poisonous for horses? Viper's bugloss is also poisonous for animals such as horses and rodents due to its content of pyrrolizidine alkaloids and consolidin. ^{3, 7}

Pyrolizidine alkaloids are insoluble in oil and should not be present in Echium seed oil. Tests have shown that alkaloids are either absent or present in very small amounts (<15 ng/g) in Echium seed oil. ¹⁵ Nevertheless, caution is advised.

Risk of confusion

Occasionally, it is confused with the common ox tongue ( Anchusa officinalis), which also belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae) and contains pyrrolizidine alkaloids.

Folk medicine - natural medicine

Viper's bugloss roots are used in a similar way to the roots of comfrey ( Symphytum officinale) - due to the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids, they are only used externally and on intact skin. ⁵ The roots of both viper's bugloss plants contain allantoin, which gives them a similar healing effect. ⁷ In contrast to comfrey, which the Committee for Herbal Medicinal Products ( HMPC) classifies as a traditional medicine, the importance of the viper's bugloss is minimal.

The viper's bugloss also shares some properties with borage, such as a diaphoretic and diuretic effect when used internally. ¹⁰

Ointments or poultices can be made from the roots of the viper's bugloss to relieve injuries to the musculoskeletal system and skin problems (eg boils, carbuncles). ^5,10 In Great Britain, the plant was used externally for swellings and wounds. ¹ However, applications with viper's bugloss roots are no longer common today. ⁷

You can read how to safely use viper's bugloss roots in our article about comfrey (under: "Use as a medicinal plant"). A recommended alternative are comfrey root preparations made from pyrrolizidine alkaloid-free plant hybrids, which you can get from the pharmacy.

In the past, the leaves were traditionally used to make a tea that was antitussive, diaphoretic and diuretic. ^5,10 In Great Britain, the infusion of the viper's bugloss leaves was used as a cooling tonic for fever and as a mild sedative. ¹

The German name of the plant, viper's head, indicates its earlier use as a preventative and healing agent for snake bites. ¹⁰

Please note that internal use and use on damaged skin are no longer recommended. ¹⁰

Ecological footprint - animal welfare

The _CO2 footprint is primarily used to assess the climate friendliness of a food. This depends on various aspects, such as cultivation method (conventional/organic), seasonality, country of origin, transport and, if applicable, packaging. We could not find any information on the _CO2 footprint of viper's bugloss.

For detailed explanations of various sustainability indicators (such as ecological footprint, _CO2 footprint, water footprint), see our article: What does the ecological footprint mean?

Animal protection - species protection

The viper's bugloss is an important bee plant. The protruding styles and stamens are an ideal landing place for the flower pollinators. In addition to bees and hoverflies, more than 40 species of butterflies are among the frequent visitors. ¹⁹ The diurnal butterflies that feed on the nectar of the viper's bugloss include various skippers (including Thymelicus), the painted lady ( Vanessa cardui), the large cabbage white ( Pieris brassicae), the swallowtail ( Papilio machaon) and moths such as the medium-sized vine hawk moth ( Deilephila elpenor). ⁹

Worldwide occurrence - cultivation

Both the common viper's bugloss ( Echium vulgare) and the plantain-leaved viper's bugloss ( Echium plantagineum) originate from the Mediterranean region - they were later domesticated in Africa, America, Asia, Europe and Oceania. ¹⁵

Today, the common viper's bugloss is cultivated in Great Britain, continental Europe, North America, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. ¹

Home-grown

Viper's bugloss is a recommended plant for rock gardens and dry stone walls. ¹⁹

Seedlings or seeds are used for cultivation. The seeds are sown in spring or late summer to autumn directly outdoors or as a potted plant in deep tubs. The plant prefers a sunny and dry location. The soil should be well-drained and low in nutrients. As a dark germinator, the seeds are covered with 2 to 3 cm of soil. The optimal temperature for germination is between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius. ¹⁸

Is Viper's Bugloss hardy? The common Viper's Bugloss is hardy. Species from warmer regions are grown in pots so that they can overwinter in a frost-free and bright place. ¹⁸

Tip: Touching the leaves can cause skin irritation. If you have sensitive skin, you should wear gloves when handling the viper's bugloss. ¹⁸

Further information

The plant genus Echium comprises 65 species and belongs to the borage family (Boraginaceae).

In Central Europe, the most common species is the blue-flowering common viper's bugloss or blue viper's bugloss ( Echium vulgare). The plantain-leaved viper's bugloss ( Echium plantagineum) is another well-known species of viper's bugloss.

The most striking difference between the two species is that the flower of E. vulgare is medium-sized (10-20 mm long) and has four prominent stamens and one smaller stamen, while the flower of E. plantagineum is relatively large (18-30 mm long) and has only two prominent stamens and three smaller stamens. ¹⁵

Alternative names

In German-speaking countries, the common viper's bugloss ( Echium vulgare) has numerous alternative names such as Blue Henry, Skybrand, Starrer Hansl, Ironhard, Women's War, Proud Henry, Knohf, Natterkopf, Natterkraut, Wild Ochsenzung, Otterkopf, Quaker's cowl, Soursnout, Snake's head, Stonetongue root, false Wayd, Women's War or Zwongkrokt.

There are a few regional names for the plantain-leaved viper's bugloss ( Echium plantagineum), such as plantain-viper's bugloss or oxmouth.

In English, the common viper's bugloss is called viper's bugloss or blueweed and the plantain-leaved viper's bugloss is called Paterson's curse, Patterson's curse, Salvation Jane or purple viper's bugloss.

Other uses

Echium oil has many potential uses in the cosmetics and personal care products industry. For example, it can reduce skin wrinkles, protect the skin from sun exposure, and moisturize the skin. ¹⁵