Ashweed
Aegopodium podagraria
Aegopodium podagraria, commonly known as ground elder or bishop's weed, is a traditional plant with origins in Europe and Asia. It has been used historically for culinary purposes but no specific traditional medicinal uses have been recorded. Scientific evidence suggests that the plant contains floral volatiles that attract certain insects initially; however, visual cues become more influential over time. Studies indicate that Aegopodium podagraria possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, with its leaves showing stronger antioxidant activity compared to roots. The essential oils of this plant have been identified, and leaf extracts exhibit notable antioxidant effects. While the average total chlorophyll content is lower than some other species, it remains similar to Urtica dioica during the vegetation period. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported for Aegopodium podagraria.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Aegopodium podagraria's floral volatiles attract Anthrenus verbasci adults, but visual cues eventually become more influential.
- The study summarizes Aegopodium podagraria's chemical composition, bioactivity, and various health-promoting properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- The study identified the composition of essential oils and evaluated antioxidant properties of leaf and root extracts from Aegopodium podagraria, with leaves showing stronger antioxidant activity.
- The study found that Aegopodium podagraria had lower average total chlorophyll content compared to some other species but similar to Urtica dioica during the vegetation period.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ashweed?
Ashweed (Aegopodium podagraria) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Ashweed?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Ashweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Aegopodium podagraria's floral volatiles attract Anthrenus verbasci adults, but visual cues eventually become more influential.
How strong is the evidence for Ashweed?
The strongest finding for Ashweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Ashweed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Ashweed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Ashweed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Ashweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Ashweed?
Ashweed is also known as: Сныть обыкновенная, Égopode podagraire.
Is Ashweed a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.)-An Edible Weed with Health-Promoting Properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of Phenological Stage and Leaf Age on Changes of Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Contents in Some Weeds and Invasive Species. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The interplay of olfaction and vision in host plant selection by Anthrenus verbasci. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Characterization of Steam Volatiles and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Different Extracts from Leaves and Roots of Aegopodium podagraria L. literature abstract metadata