Labrador Tea
Also known as: Rhododendron tomentosum, Rhododendron groenlandicum, Ledum groenlandicum, Labrador Tea, Northern Labrador Tea, Bog Labrador Tea
Overview
Labrador Tea refers to several species within the Rhododendron genus, primarily *Rhododendron tomentosum* (Northern Labrador Tea) and *Rhododendron groenlandicum* (Bog Labrador Tea). Traditionally used by Indigenous peoples for various ailments, including respiratory issues, rheumatism, and gastrointestinal complaints, it is consumed as a tea or extract. The plant is rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, terpenoids, and ursolic acid, which contribute to its observed anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and potential anticancer properties. While preclinical research shows promising bioactivities, high-quality human clinical trials are limited, and its use as a concentrated supplement requires further safety and efficacy data.
Benefits
Labrador Tea exhibits several potential health benefits, primarily demonstrated in preclinical studies: - **Anti-cancer:** Extracts of *R. tomentosum* have shown significant anti-acute myeloid leukemia (AML) activity in vitro and in vivo, with ursolic acid identified as a key active compound. In mouse models, it significantly improved survival (p=0.0114). The evidence is strong in preclinical settings but lacks human clinical validation. - **Antimicrobial:** Essential oils and extracts demonstrate in vitro antimicrobial activity against oral pathogens like *Fusobacterium nucleatum*, as well as *Staphylococcus aureus* and *Candida albicans*. This suggests potential for combating various infections, though clinical relevance is yet to be established. - **Antioxidant:** Ethanolic extracts possess in vitro antioxidant properties, attributed to phenolic compounds. While promising, a study did not confirm protective effects against ionizing radiation, indicating a need for more targeted research. - **Antidiabetic:** *R. groenlandicum* extracts stimulated adipogenesis and improved glucose homeostasis in high-fat diet mice, leading to reduced blood glucose and insulin levels. This suggests a potential role in managing type 2 diabetes, but human studies are needed. - **Anti-inflammatory:** Methanol extracts have shown anti-inflammatory effects, supporting its traditional use for rheumatic conditions. The evidence is consistent with traditional knowledge but requires further scientific validation.
How it works
Labrador Tea's therapeutic effects are attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile. Its anti-cancer properties likely stem from compounds like flavonoids, phenolic acids, and ursolic acid, which induce apoptosis (programmed cell death) and inhibit cell proliferation in cancer cells. The antimicrobial action is thought to be due to essential oils and terpenoids that disrupt the cell membranes and viability of bacteria and fungi. Antidiabetic effects may involve the modulation of adipogenesis and glucose metabolism pathways, improving insulin sensitivity. Antioxidant activity is primarily mediated by phenolic compounds that scavenge free radicals, reducing oxidative stress. The absorption and bioavailability of these active compounds, such as ursolic acid, are generally moderate, but specific data for Labrador Tea extracts are limited.
Side effects
While Labrador Tea is traditionally consumed as a mild tea, concentrated extracts or large doses are considered likely unsafe due to potential toxicity. At low, traditional doses, common side effects are not well-documented, though mild gastrointestinal effects are possible. However, high doses or concentrated preparations have been associated with severe adverse effects, including vomiting, gastroenteritis, diarrhea, delirium, spasms, paralysis, and even death. Specific risk factors for these severe reactions are not fully elucidated, but individuals should exercise extreme caution with non-traditional preparations. Labrador Tea is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to the risk of abortion and unknown effects on infants. Drug interactions are not well-studied, but given its potential toxicity, caution is advised when combining it with other medications. It is crucial to avoid concentrated forms and adhere to traditional, mild tea preparations, if used at all.
Dosage
There are no established clinical dosing guidelines for Labrador Tea due to insufficient human data and concerns regarding potential toxicity. Traditional use involves consuming weak teas, not concentrated extracts. Experimental studies, such as those investigating anti-AML effects, have used extracts at concentrations like 1 mg/ml in animal drinking water. However, these dosages are not directly translatable to human consumption. Due to the risk of severe side effects, including vomiting, delirium, and paralysis, with high doses or concentrated preparations, it is strongly advised against using concentrated extracts or exceeding very small, traditional tea amounts. There are no defined upper limits or safety thresholds for human consumption of Labrador Tea supplements, underscoring the need for extreme caution and avoidance of self-medication with this plant.
FAQs
Is Labrador Tea safe?
Labrador Tea is considered possibly safe in small, traditional tea doses. However, concentrated extracts or large doses are likely unsafe and can cause severe toxicity, including vomiting, delirium, and paralysis.
Does it treat cancer?
Preclinical studies show promising anti-acute myeloid leukemia (AML) effects in vitro and in animal models. However, there are no human clinical trials, so it cannot be recommended as a cancer treatment.
Can it help diabetes?
Animal studies suggest *R. groenlandicum* extracts may improve glucose homeostasis and stimulate adipogenesis. However, human data are lacking, and more research is needed before making definitive claims.
How should I use it?
Traditionally, it is consumed as a mild tea. Due to potential toxicity, avoid concentrated supplements or high doses until more safety and efficacy data from human clinical trials become available.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7992109/ – This preclinical study investigated *Rhododendron tomentosum* extract's anti-acute myeloid leukemia (AML) activity. It found that the extract significantly reduced AML cell viability in vitro and improved survival in mouse models, suggesting ursolic acid as a key active compound. The research highlights promising anti-cancer potential but is limited to preclinical settings.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/labrador-tea.html – This source provides an overview of Labrador Tea, including its traditional uses, potential benefits, and safety concerns. It emphasizes the lack of sufficient reliable information to rate its effectiveness and highlights significant safety concerns, particularly with concentrated forms and during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10975282/ – This systematic review summarizes the phytochemicals and bioactivity of *Rhododendron groenlandicum* and related species. It discusses the anti-cancer, antidiabetic, and anti-inflammatory potential, primarily based on preclinical data, underscoring the need for further clinical research to validate these effects in humans.
- https://www.rxlist.com/supplements/labrador_tea.htm – This entry details the safety profile of Labrador Tea, stating it is possibly safe in small amounts but likely unsafe in concentrated forms due to severe side effects like vomiting, delirium, and paralysis. It also lists contraindications, such as pregnancy and breastfeeding, due to toxicity risks.
- https://plants.usda.gov/DocumentLibrary/plantguide/pdf/cs_legr.pdf – This USDA plant guide provides botanical information on *Ledum groenlandicum* (now *Rhododendron groenlandicum*), including its habitat, characteristics, and traditional uses. While not a research study, it offers context on the plant's natural history and cultural significance.
- https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Labrador-tea--the-aromatic-beverage-and-spice:-a-of-Dampc-Luczkiewicz/c250830e7434c142be4bb5e3ab7b140355957f38 – This paper reviews Labrador Tea as an aromatic beverage and spice, discussing its chemical composition and traditional uses. It provides insights into the plant's constituents and their potential roles, contributing to the understanding of its bioactivity, though it may not focus on specific clinical outcomes.
- https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-539/bog-labrador-tea – WebMD's entry on Bog Labrador Tea outlines its uses, side effects, and dosage considerations. It reiterates that there isn't enough scientific evidence to support its use for most conditions and warns about significant safety concerns, especially for pregnant or breastfeeding women and in high doses.
