Lomatium dissectum, commonly known as desert parsley or fernleaf biscuitroot, has a history of use in traditional Native American herbal medicine, particularly among tribes in the western United States. During the early 20th century, herbalists and eclectic physicians used Lomatium root preparations as remedies for respiratory infections, including influenza and tuberculosis (TB). The rationale was based on its perceived antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties, not on scientific studies.

The use of Lomatium for tuberculosis is primarily supported by anecdotal reports and ethnobotanical records rather than rigorous clinical trials or laboratory studies. Some early 20th-century practitioners reported using it during the 1918 influenza pandemic and for other infectious diseases, but these accounts are not substantiated by controlled research. Modern scientific evidence supporting Lomatium’s efficacy against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the causative agent of TB) is lacking. There are some in vitro studies suggesting Lomatium extracts may have general antimicrobial activity, but none specifically demonstrate effectiveness against TB or are robust enough to suggest clinical benefit.

In summary, while Lomatium has a traditional history of use in supporting respiratory health, including tuberculosis, there is minimal scientific validation for its efficacy in this context. Its use remains primarily a matter of ethnobotanical tradition rather than evidence-based medicine.