Clematis vitalba

Clematis vitalba

Clematis vitalba is a traditional European climbing plant commonly known as old man's beard. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has been observed in various ecological studies and preliminary research. Scientific evidence suggests that the plant hosts several fungal species, including new Phyllosticta strains, indicating its role in supporting diverse microbial communities. Additionally, a study found that silver nanoparticles derived from Clematis vitalba showed promising synergistic effects with liver cancer drugs, potentially enhancing treatment outcomes. However, the seed viability of this plant is relatively low, with only about 72% of seeds remaining viable on the mother plant post-dispersal, suggesting mechanisms like physiological and morphological dormancy to prevent immediate germination. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported for Clematis vitalba thus far.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diuretic · vesicant
Traditions
traditional · Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • vesicant Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • blood disorders traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • kidney complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • muscle and joint pain traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • purgative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • scrofula traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sudorific traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • Four new Phyllosticta species, including one from Clematis vitalba, were described based on molecular and morphological data. D PMID
  • The study confirmed widespread FD presence in Tuscany, involving multiple hosts and vectors, with nine identified FDp strains, including novel ones. D PMID
  • CVE AgNPs showed significant synergistic effects with liver cancer drugs, improving HepG2 cell viability reduction. D PMID
  • Less than 72% of Clematis vitalba seeds on the mother plant were viable, and both physiological and morphological dormancy protected seeds from germinating immediately post-dispersal. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Clematis vitalba?

Clematis vitalba (Clematis vitalba) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Clematis vitalba traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Clematis vitalba for: diuretic, vesicant, blood disorders, kidney complaints, muscle and joint pain, purgative. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Clematis vitalba?

Clematis vitalba appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Clematis vitalba?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Clematis vitalba; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Four new Phyllosticta species, including one from Clematis vitalba, were described based on molecular and morphological data.

How strong is the evidence for Clematis vitalba?

The strongest finding for Clematis vitalba carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Clematis vitalba safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Clematis vitalba in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Clematis vitalba interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Clematis vitalba in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Clematis vitalba?

Clematis vitalba is also known as: ломонос виноградолистный, Clematite blanche.

Is Clematis vitalba 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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Viability and dormancy of the Clematis vitalba aerial seed bank. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Investigating a new alarming outbreak of flavescence dorée in Tuscany (Central Italy): molecular characterization and map gene typing elucidate the complex phytoplasma ecology in the vineyard agroecosystem. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Synergistic Effects of Green Nanoparticles on Antitumor Drug Efficacy in Hepatocellular Cancer. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Molecular and morphological characterization of four new Phyllosticta species (Botryosphaeriales, Phyllostictaceae): Genomic insights into evolutionary dynamics and metabolic adaptation. literature abstract metadata