Common Houndstongue
Cynoglossum officinale
Cynoglossum officinale, commonly known as Borage or Bishop's weed, is a plant traditionally used in various herbal practices but lacks specific traditional uses documented for this species. Scientific evidence primarily focuses on its ecological and biomineralization properties; female weevils showed a preference for C. officinale over other threatened and endangered plants, suggesting it may serve as a protective measure against weevil attacks. The plant's hooks have unique mechanical properties that differ from those of related epizoochorous species, contributing to its role in seed dispersal mechanisms. Additionally, studies have identified PMDHPO, a polymer analogue derived from Cynoglossum officinale, which exhibits promising antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with an MIC of 100 µg/mL, though the clinical significance remains to be determined. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, indicating it may be generally safe for use without known contraindications.
- 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
- The mechanical properties and biomineralization patterns of hooks in Cynoglossum officinale, along with two other epizoochorous plant species, vary significantly.
- The study synthesizes PMDHPO, a polymer analogue from Cynoglossum officinale, which shows promising antimicrobial activity against S. aureus and E. coli with an MIC of 100 µg/mL.
- The proportion of iteroparous plants and median threshold flowering size varied across sites, influenced by winter precipitation and weevil attack.
- Female weevils preferred Cynoglossum officinale to other tested plant species, suggesting low risk of attacking T&E plants.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Houndstongue?
Common Houndstongue (Cynoglossum officinale) 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 Common Houndstongue?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Houndstongue; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The mechanical properties and biomineralization patterns of hooks in Cynoglossum officinale, along with two other epizoochorous plant species, vary significantly.
How strong is the evidence for Common Houndstongue?
The strongest finding for Common Houndstongue carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Houndstongue safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Houndstongue in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Houndstongue interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Houndstongue in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Houndstongue?
Common Houndstongue is also known as: Чернокорень лекарственный, Cynoglosse officinal.
Is Common Houndstongue 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 Life history variation in an invasive plant is associated with climate and recent colonization of a specialist herbivore. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Enzymatic Synthesis and Antimicrobial Activity of Oligomer Analogues of Medicinal Biopolymers from Comfrey and Other Species of the Boraginaceae Family. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Non-destructive environmental safety assessment of threatened and endangered plants in weed biological control. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comparative study on mechanical properties and biomineralization of hooks in the diaspores of three epizoochorous plant species. literature abstract metadata