Glechoma hederacea

Other Names

AlehoffsAlehoofCalamintha hederaceaCat's footCat's-pawCatsfootChamaecissos hederaceusChamaeclema hederaceaCreeping CharlieCreeping jennyField balmGewöhnlicher GundermannGill-go-by-the-hedgeGill-go-over-the-groundGill-on-the-groundGill-over-the-groundGill-over-the-hillGlechoma borealisGlechoma bulgaricaGlechoma hederacea f. fazekasianaGlechoma hederacea f. roseaGlechoma hederacea f. verticillataGlechoma hederacea subsp. brevipetiolatumGlechoma hederacea subsp. glabriusculaGlechoma hederacea subsp. hederaceaGlechoma hederacea subsp. microcalyxGlechoma hederacea subsp. serbicaGlechoma hederacea subsp. variegataGlechoma hederacea subsp. villosaGlechoma hederacea var. brevifloraGlechoma hederacea var. glabriusculaGlechoma hederacea var. grandifloraGlechoma hederacea var. grandifoliaGlechoma hederacea var. hederaceaGlechoma hederacea var. heterophyllaGlechoma hederacea var. hirsutaGlechoma hederacea var. magnaGlechoma hederacea var. micranthaGlechoma hederacea var. parvifloraGlechoma heterophyllaGlechoma intermediaGlechoma lobulataGlechoma longicaulisGlechoma magnaGlechoma micranthaGlechoma repensGlechoma rigidaGlechoma rotundifoliaGlechoma serbicaGlechonion hederaceumGround ivyHay maidsHaymaidsHedera terrestrisHedgemaidsLizzy-run-up-the-hedgeNepeta glechomaNepeta glechoma var. hirsutaNepeta hederaceaNepeta hederacea f. albovariegataNepeta rigidaRobin-run-in-the-hedgeRun-away-robinRunaway RobinTunhoofTurnhoof

Synopsis

Glechoma hederacea (Ground Ivy): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity, Taxonomy, and Common Forms

1.1 Botanical Identity

Glechoma hederacea L. is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. The Glechoma L. genus belongs to the Lamiaceae family and includes eight perennial species distributed across Europe and Asia, with the center of diversity in China. Glechoma hederacea L. is the most widespread species of the genus.

The genus name Glechoma derives from the Greek glechon, which is the Greek name for pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium L.), possibly due to its resemblance to ground ivy. The species epithet hederacea refers to the leaves, which are very similar to the foliage of ivy (Latin hederaceus = ivy-like).

It is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin. In Traditional Chinese Medicine contexts, the herb is designated as Glechomae Herba (abbreviated GH or GLK), and the Chinese name translates loosely as "jin qian cao."

1.2 Distribution and Ecology

Ground-ivy is a medicinal plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family, is native to Eurasia, and is widely distributed throughout temperate regions, growing in forests, shrubs, and roadsides. Native distribution of the species extends from Europe to Siberia and Xinjiang; it is widely distributed and naturalized across North America, growing primarily in the temperate biome. European settlers carried it around the world, and it has become a well-established introduced and naturalized plant in a wide variety of localities. It is also considered an aggressive invasive weed of woodlands and lawns in some parts of North America.

In Central Europe, it often grows in hedgerows, along walls, in damp meadows, sparse forests, and at the edges of woodlands and thickets up to altitudes of 1500 meters.

1.3 Plant Part Used and Common Preparations

The aerial parts — leaves, stems, and flowering tops — are the portions used medicinally. Ground ivy has been used for generations as a traditional herbal preparation — dried leaves in infusions to treat respiratory diseases such as asthma, bronchitis, colds, coughs, and sore throats; drinks made from the fresh plant for digestive problems; and decoctions externally to treat skin irritations.

Common dosage forms include:

Dried herb / infusion (tea): Dry herb at 2–4 g three times daily or 1.5–3 g per day, according to various herbal references.
Liquid extract: Liquid extract at 2–4 mL three times daily (1:1 in 25% ethanol), or 20–40 mL per week as a 1:2 preparation.
Tincture: Tincture (1:5, 25% ethanol) at 5–10 mL three times per day.
Tea (German DAC preparation): Pour 150 mL of boiling water over 2 to 4 g of finely chopped ground ivy herb; drink 1 cup of freshly prepared tea, warm, 2 to 4 times a day.
Essential oil: Obtained by steam distillation of aerial parts, used in research contexts and aromatherapy.
Standardized extracts: The commercial standardized preparation Hitrechol® has been in use for the treatment of cholesterol gallstone disease since the 1970s.

The quality of ground ivy herb (Glechomae herba) is specified in the German Drug Codex (DAC). Ground ivy herb has not been formally evaluated by the European Medicines Agency's Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) or the ESCOP at the time of available records.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

2.1 European Antiquity and Medieval Europe

G. hederacea has been used in the traditional medicine of Europe going back thousands of years; Galen recommends the plant to treat inflammation of the eyes. John Gerard, the English herbalist, recommended it to treat tinnitus, and as a "diuretic, astringent, tonic, and gentle stimulant." It has also been used as a "lung herb," and its presence as an invasive weed in North America is the result of the value placed on it by European settlers as a medicinal herb and ale preservative; the species was imported and widely cultivated in herb and kitchen gardens. Its other traditional uses include as an expectorant or astringent, and to treat bronchitis.

In European folk traditions, a simple tea of the leaves is prepared for coughs, hoarseness, and bronchial irritation; whole aerial parts are used in Central Europe for teas or compresses applied to bruises and sprains.

In medieval times, it was a key ingredient in "alehoof" beer brewing, believed to improve clarity and flavor. Folklore also attributed protective qualities to the plant. Before the discovery of hops, ground ivy was used in brewing beer.

Historical herbalists, including those of the Welsh Physicians of Myddfai tradition, applied the herb externally to fresh wounds; the herb's use on fresh wounds is extended in historical texts to cover all inward wounds as well, including ulcerated lungs. In parts of Italy, old ulcers were washed out with the juice of ground ivy, then the powdered herb was sprinkled on the wound.

2.2 Traditional Austrian Medicine

G. hederacea L. has been traditionally used both in Asia and Europe to treat gastritis, bronchitis, tinnitus, diarrhoea, cholelithiasis, and liver diseases.

2.3 Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)

Glechomae Herba is a Chinese herb that has been used in China for thousands of years, mainly for the treatment of nephrolithiasis (kidney stones). Clinically in China, it is used for urination disorders, bladder calculi, kidney stones, ureteral calculi, nephritis edema, jaundice with heat and humidity, cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, and burns. In traditional oriental and Chinese medicine, Glechoma hederacea is frequently prescribed to patients with cholelithiasis, dropsy, abscess, diabetes, inflammation, and jaundice.

According to ancient Chinese prescriptions, G. hederacea was used in treating abscess, arthritis, asthma, cold, cough, diabetes, gastric diseases, headache, hypochondria, inflammation, jaundice, and scurvy.

G. longituba (Nakai) Kuprian is valued in Traditional Chinese Medicine as an effective agent against influenza, chronic pneumonia, haematuria, abnormal menstruation, various uterine diseases, leucorrhea, epilepsy, and rheumatoid arthritis.

2.4 Traditional Korean and Japanese Use

The plant is widely distributed in Korea, Japan, and China, and has been used as Korean traditional medicine for treating asthma, bronchitis, cholelithiasis, colds, and inflammation. In South Korea, the plant is known as "Keumheoncho."

2.5 Other Ethnobotanical Records

Among the Mapuche of southern Chile, an infusion of the leaves and flower stalks is taken for colds and respiratory congestion and sometimes as a mild diuretic.

3. Phytochemistry: Key Constituents and Active Compounds

3.1 Overview

More than 190 chemical components have been isolated and identified from Glechomae Herba, including organic acids and their esters, volatile oils, flavonoids and their glycosides, terpenes, and other chemical components. G. hederacea contains a variety of secondary metabolites, including terpenoids, flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and essential oils, which lead to its pharmacological effects. The study of the species' phytochemistry has intensified considerably in the 21st century, revealing a chemically complex plant with numerous bioactive compound classes.

3.2 Phenolic Acids

Phytochemical analysis of the aerial parts of G. hederacea shows they are rich in both phenolic acids — particularly rosmarinic acid, neochlorogenic acid, and chlorogenic acid — and flavonoids, mainly rutin and glycoside derivatives of apigenin, quercetin, and luteolin.

In hot water extracts of G. hederacea, rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, genistin, and ferulic acid have been identified as the most abundant phytochemicals. Rosmarinic acid, a constituent of G. hederacea and a common compound in the Lamiaceae family, has demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity in vitro. It is also attributed to some of the astringent activity of the herb.

3.3 Flavonoids

Flavonoids identified in the plant include flavonol and flavone glycosides: quercetin, apigenin, hyperoside, isoquercitrin, rutin, luteolin diglucoside, cosmosyin, cynaroside, and cosmoriin. Among the identified active compounds in Romanian populations, apigenin and caffeic acid were found in the highest concentrations.

3.4 Terpenoids

The aerial parts of the plant are rich in pentacyclic triterpenic acids (ursolic acid, 2-α-hydroxyursolic acid, 2-β-hydroxyursolic acid, asiatic acid) and sesquiterpenoids (glechomanolide, glechomafuran). Identified terpenoids include oleanolic acid, α-ursolic acid, and β-ursolic acid.

Terpenoids are the main chemical constituents of the herb. According to literature reports, terpenes, especially triterpenes, are the material basis of cytotoxic activity, anti-tumor activity, immunomodulatory functions, and promotion of blood circulation.

3.5 Volatile (Essential) Oil

The volatile oil constitutes 0.03–0.06% of the plant and contains various terpenoid components including p-cymene, linalool, limonene, menthone, α-pinene, β-pinene, pinocamphone, glechomafuran (a sesquiterpene), pulegone, and terpineol.

In a gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of steam-distilled essential oil from G. hederacea, the most abundant compound identified was trans-3-pinanone (41.4%), with other major compounds being a benzofuran derivative (10.8%), β-caryophyllene (10.2%), and spathulenol (4.3%). In Lithuanian populations, GC/FID and GC/MS analysis identified among the principal constituents: germacrene D (5.5–15.5%), sabinene (6.3–12.3%), 1,8-cineole (5.1–41.6%), β-caryophyllene together with its oxide (7.3–19.3%), and γ-elemene (9.6%). The exact composition of the essential oil varies significantly depending on geographic origin, season of harvest, and extraction method.

3.6 Bitter Principles, Alkaloids, and Other Constituents

The bitter principle glechomin has been identified in the plant. The bitter taste comes from terpenes (bitter principles), particularly glechomin and marrubiin. The herb also contains amino acids including asparagic acid, glutamic acid, proline, tyrosine, valine, methionine, cysteine, and serine, as well as saponins, fatty acids, marrubiin, rosmarinic acid, and wax.

Compounds belonging to various classes, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, lignans, alkaloids, and terpenoids, have been identified in comprehensive phytochemical reviews. A lectin called gleheda is found in the leaves of G. hederacea during early stages of maturation and is considered a potent insecticide.

4. Pharmacology: Mechanisms of Action and Biological Activities

4.1 Anti-Inflammatory Activity

In a study examining the effect of G. hederacea on interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), IL-12p70, IL-12p40, TNF-α, and IL-6 in mouse peritoneal macrophages, the herb inhibited IFN-γ/LPS-induced NO in a dose-dependent manner. The decrease in NO synthesis was accompanied by a decreased amount of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) protein. The herb also inhibited pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-12p70 and TNF-α production. This was a preclinical (in vitro, mouse macrophage) study, not a human trial.

Rosmarinic acid analogues isolated from G. hederacea var. longituba inhibited NF-κB production and the induction of COX-2 and iNOS mRNA in HepG2 cells in a NF-κB luciferase assay.

Ethanol extract of G. hederacea inhibited NF-κB expression in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophages through the reduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and the downregulation of proinflammatory genes, which may be related to the presence of rosmarinic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rutin, genistin, and ferulic acid.

70% ethanol extracts of G. hederacea possessed potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in LPS-treated bone-marrow-derived macrophages, and flow cytometry showed that extracts from different vegetation periods reduced the conversion of macrophages to the proinflammatory phenotype M1.

4.2 Antioxidant Activity

The main bioactive compounds in ground ivy are polyphenolic compounds known for their potent antioxidant and antimicrobial activities, with high potential as functional ingredients against bacterial infections and chronic diseases associated with oxidative stress.

In vitro studies using LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages showed that a hot water extract of G. hederacea prevented LPS-induced DNA damage, reduced nitric oxide and malondialdehyde (MDA) content, increased glutathione (GSH) levels, and regulated antioxidant enzymes.

In a study of fractions from G. hederacea, the 85% fraction (at concentrations of 5, 10, and 50 μg/mL) inhibited protein carbonylation, and at 50 μg/mL, the extract and 85% fraction could reduce lipid peroxidation. These are all in vitro findings.

4.3 Hepatoprotective Activity

A preclinical study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of hot water extract of G. hederacea against cholestatic liver injury in rats. Cholestatic liver injury was produced by ligating common bile ducts in Sprague-Dawley rats, and the extract was orally administered. Daily oral administration showed protective effects against cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by improvement in serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, and oxidative stress.

Extract attenuated bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced inflammatory cell infiltration and accumulation, NF-κB and AP-1 activation, and inflammatory cytokine production. Further studies demonstrated an inhibitory effect on the HMGB1/TLR4 intracellular signaling pathways. The hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects appear to be multifactorial. This evidence is limited to animal models.

4.4 Antiurolithic / Anti-Calculus Activity

The herb can address cholecystitis, cholelithiasis, kidney stones, and bladder stones, and is widely used in treatment of calculi in China and Southeast Asia. Pharmacological studies have proven that the antioxidant property of the herb produces its antiurolithic activity.

In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that treatment with Glechoma longituba extract significantly decreased calcium oxalate (CaOx)-induced osteopontin (OPN) expression, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression, and oxidative stress compared with a positive control group (p<0.05). In vivo, rats that received the extract exhibited significantly decreased CaOx deposits and pathological alterations (p<0.05) compared with urolithic rats.

In the Hitrechol® gallstone model study using C57BL/6 mice on a lithogenic diet, three-times-daily treatment dramatically decreased the size and amount of gallstone crystals and total cholesterol level (p<0.05), as well as total bile acid levels (p<0.05). Treatment also significantly decreased frequencies of hepatocyte necrosis and lipid aggregation and increased antioxidant enzyme levels (p<0.05) in the liver. Several clinical studies have shown that extracts of G. hederacea can decrease gallbladder complaints associated with gallstone and reduce the average stone area, though complete details of these clinical studies were not available in the reviewed sources.

4.5 Antimicrobial Activity

Aerial parts of G. hederacea (n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts) were screened in a study for antibacterial and free radical scavenging activity and general toxicity. The volatile oils in ground ivy, particularly the terpineol constituents, are considered responsible for the antiseptic and antimicrobial actions.

4.6 Cytotoxic and Anticancer Activity (Preclinical)

Ursolic acid in G. hederacea has demonstrated significant cytotoxicity to some tumor cell lines and can induce apoptosis in a variety of cancer cells, including acute myelogenous leukemia, breast cancer, prostate cancer, melanoma, and liver cancer cells in vitro. Rosmarinic acid has been shown to inhibit the growth of human uterine carcinoma, human gastric adenocarcinoma, and murine melanoma cells in vitro and to induce apoptosis in Jurkat cells.

The anticancer properties of ground ivy water extract were demonstrated in synergy with cisplatin in human renal cancer cell lines (786-O). Cell cycle analysis showed that the combination of ground ivy extract and cisplatin exerted cytotoxicity by inducing G2/M arrest and apoptosis.

Nine terpenoids isolated from G. hederacea var. longituba were assessed for antineuroinflammatory activities on NO production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells, nerve growth factor (NGF) secretion stimulation activities in C6 glioma cells, and cytotoxic activities. Compounds 2 and 5–7 exhibited inhibitory effects on NO production with IC50 values of 52.21, 47.90, 61.61, and 25.35 μM, respectively.

All cytotoxic and anticancer data are from in vitro cell-line studies or animal models. No human clinical trials on anticancer use have been reported.

4.7 Anti-Melanogenic Activity

Research has evaluated the chemical composition and the antioxidant, anti-melanogenic, and anti-inflammatory properties of G. hederacea essential oil. This area of investigation remains at the preclinical stage.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Respiratory System (Colds, Cough, Bronchitis, Catarrh)

Principal traditional indications in Western herbalism include respiratory catarrh, bronchitis, and problems involving mucous membranes of the ear, nose, throat, and digestive system. The aerial parts of G. hederacea have been used in traditional medicine for centuries to treat colds, asthma, bronchitis, gastric diseases, diabetes, and inflammation.

Evidence strength: No clinical human trials on the respiratory actions of G. hederacea have been conducted. Indications are based on traditional knowledge and use. The in vitro anti-inflammatory data (NF-κB, iNOS, NO inhibition) provide a mechanistic rationale, but direct clinical evidence for respiratory indications is absent.

5.2 Urinary System (Kidney Stones, Urolithiasis, Diuresis)

Glechomae Herba has been widely used in the treatment of urolithiasis, especially kidney stones, in China and Southeast Asia. Pharmacological studies have suggested that the antioxidant property of the herb contributes to its anti-calculus effect.

In animal studies, G. hederacea extract can improve the metabolism and function of renal tissue cells, accelerate urine excretion, promote the discharge of microcalculi from the body, reduce the formation of calculi in renal tissue, and reduce the damage to the kidney.

Evidence strength: Preclinical (in vitro and rodent model) evidence for antiurolithic effects is moderately consistent. Several clinical studies have reportedly shown that extracts of G. hederacea can decrease gallbladder complaints associated with gallstone and reduce average stone area, but the methodology and full results of these studies could not be independently verified in the sources reviewed here. The overall clinical evidence base remains thin.

5.3 Hepatobiliary System (Gallstones, Cholestasis)

A preclinical study using a rat model of cholestasis caused by bile duct ligation demonstrated that daily oral administration of G. hederacea hot water extracts showed protective effects against cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by improvement in serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, and oxidative stress.

In a rodent model study with cholesterol gallstone disease, three-times-daily administration of Hitrechol® (a standardized G. hederacea extract) dramatically decreased size and amount of gallstone crystals and total cholesterol levels (p<0.05). The authors concluded this was the first study to demonstrate the beneficial effect of Hitrechol® against gallstone via litholytic, liver-protective, and antioxidant activities.

In Germany, an alcoholic extract of ground ivy herb (DER 2:1) has been registered as a traditional medicinal product with the indication "to improve the condition in mild biliary complaints such as bloating and flatulence in known gallstones not requiring surgery."

Evidence strength: Predominantly preclinical. The German registration as a traditional medicinal product for mild biliary complaints represents regulatory recognition, but controlled human clinical trials are lacking.

5.4 Gastrointestinal System (Gastritis, Diarrhoea, Indigestion)

Ground ivy has been employed as a remedy for indigestion, gastritis, and mild gastrointestinal discomfort. Historical records from herbalists in the Middle Ages describe its use as a tea or infusion to soothe the stomach and help with "wind and colic." Modern herbal compendia list it as a carminative and mild astringent that may tone mucous membranes of the gut.

Evidence strength: Direct scientific evidence supporting these traditional uses is limited. There are few, if any, controlled clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of Glechoma hederacea for digestive complaints in humans. Most available information comes from ethnobotanical sources and anecdotal reports.

5.5 Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant (General)

Most of the research to date has focused on the use of Glechoma in the treatment of urolithic diseases and inflammatory conditions, while the mechanisms underlying their bioactivities have not been fully elucidated; they are known to involve terpenoids, flavonoids, and polyphenols.

Evidence strength: Mechanistic evidence from multiple in vitro and in vivo animal studies is consistent. However, the chemistry and some pharmacological actions of G. hederacea have been relatively well studied and provide insight for some of the herbal uses, but these studies have not included human trials, and medicinal use is largely based on traditional herbal knowledge.

5.6 Anticancer / Cytotoxic (Preclinical)

Research has determined the biological activity of ground ivy extract on selected human cell lines, including hepatic (HepG2), tongue (CAL 27), gastric (AGS), and colon (Caco-2) cancer cell lines, evaluating cytotoxicity, ROS formation, and genotoxicity. The cytotoxic effect of ground ivy extract may be associated with the antiproliferative properties of rosmarinic acid, the most abundant polyphenolic compound in the extract.

Evidence strength: All data are in vitro. There are no human or animal anticancer clinical studies. This remains an early-stage area of investigation.

5.7 Neurodegenerative / Neuroinflammatory Conditions

Bioactive terpenoids of G. hederacea var. longituba with antineurodegenerative effects remain largely unknown. Research has assessed isolated terpenoids for their antineuroinflammatory activity on NO production in LPS-activated BV-2 cells, NGF secretion stimulation in C6 glioma cells, and cytotoxic activities.

Evidence strength: Early-stage, in vitro only. No clinical evidence exists in this area.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with the Herb

Based on the totality of traditional use records and preclinical scientific literature, G. hederacea is associated with the following body systems and health areas:

Respiratory system: Anti-catarrhal (especially for the upper respiratory tract), mild expectorant, and anti-inflammatory actions are attributed to the herb.
Renal / urinary system: Anti-stone (antiurolithic), diuretic, and antibacterial activities are documented in preclinical research.
Hepatobiliary system: Cholagogic effects and hepatoprotective activities supported by preclinical evidence; traditional use for gallstones and jaundice.
Gastrointestinal system: Gastrointestinal disturbances including diarrhoea, gastritis, and hyperacidity represent traditional indications.
Immune/inflammatory system: NF-κB inhibition, NO and cytokine suppression demonstrated in preclinical studies.
Integumentary system: External use as a vulnerary (wound-healing) and for skin irritations recorded in European traditions.
Ear, nose, and throat: Tinnitus and chronic congestive conditions historically addressed.

7. Safety Considerations and Interactions

7.1 General Toxicity

Acute toxicity testing showed that water and ethanol extracts of G. longituba are safe in animal models, with a maximum tolerance of 160 g/kg in mice, suggesting relatively minor adverse effects. Extracts of the dried Glechoma herb were not toxic to normal human cells in in vitro assays, indicating potential for safe use both internally and externally.

The n-hexane, dichloromethane, and methanol extracts of G. hederacea aerial parts showed little toxicity in the brine shrimp lethality assay (maximum concentration of 10 mg/mL), although the methanol extract components hederacine A and B were identified as toxic.

7.2 Pulegone Content and Hepatotoxicity Risk

Pulegone, a constituent of the volatile oil, is an irritant, hepatotoxic, and abortifacient compound, and some caution is required with its use. The concentration of volatile oil in G. hederacea is less than 1/30th that in European pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium), a closely related and much more hepatotoxic species. Like other members of the Lamiaceae, G. hederacea contains bioactive volatile oils, including terpenoids and pulegone; their activity in humans varies depending on many factors, including concentration, quantity of intake, and whether administration is internal or external.

The volatile oil component of G. hederacea contains pulegone, which is known to be hepatotoxic and a gastrointestinal irritant, although it is present in low concentrations. Caution is recommended for use during pregnancy, lactation, and in combination with other herbs containing pulegone.

7.3 Gastrointestinal and Renal Irritation

Constituents in the volatile oils can be irritant to the gastrointestinal tract and kidneys. Topical application may cause skin irritation and itching in some individuals.

7.4 Pregnancy and Lactation

Use is to be avoided in pregnancy and when breastfeeding, due to a lack of safety and toxicity data and the potential cytotoxic activity of ursolic acid. The abortifacient potential of pulegone, even at low concentrations, reinforces this caution.

7.5 Herb–Drug Interactions

Hypothetical interactions have been proposed with oral contraceptives, iron, aspirin, and warfarin, based on the ascorbic acid content of G. hederacea; however, none of these herb–drug interactions have documented clinical cases in the reviewed literature.

In most cases, the pharmacological mechanisms, pharmacokinetics, toxicology, safety, and possible interactions of Glechoma species with other drugs remain to be determined.

7.6 Limitations of the Evidence Base

The effects of Glechoma on humans have been little studied. The chemistry and some pharmacological actions of G. hederacea have been relatively well studied and provide insight and support for some of the herbal uses; however, these studies have not included human trials and medicinal use remains largely based on traditional herbal knowledge. The absence of robust randomized controlled clinical trials across all proposed indications is the principal limitation of the current evidence base.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Glechoma hederacea may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Glechoma hederacea may help support.

No body systems available.