FolkKB

Galega officinalis

Galega officinalis

Galega officinalis is a perennial herb used in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied as a diuretic, galactagogue, astringent, diaphoretic, sudorific, vermifuge, and for the management of spasms and diabetes. Scientific research suggests that bioactive compounds from the plant may help mitigate oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function in diabetic rat models. Low certainty evidence also suggests that combinations involving this plant might increase breastmilk production. While no major safety issues or notable drug interactions are currently recorded, caution is warranted as research is ongoing.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diuretic · galactagogue
Traditions
traditional · Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
A
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • galactagogue Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diabetes traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diaphoretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • galactogogue traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • spasms traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sudorific traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • vermifuge traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • AgChNPs from Galega officinalis exhibited strong toxicity against D. suzukii across multiple stages with significant adult emergence reduction and sublethal effects. D PMID
  • The study found that bioactive compounds from Galega officinalis may help mitigate oxidative stress and improve mitochondrial function in diabetic rats. D PMID
  • Galega officinalis-derived silver nanoparticles showed concentration-dependent mortality against four stored product insect species. D PMID
  • Low certainty evidence suggests that Barley malt with lemon balm, silymarin phytosomes with Galega, Pimpinella anisum seed tea, Moringa oleifera leaf capsules, and Latuca sativa may increase breastmilk production. A PMID
  • Galega officinalis leaf extract was used to synthesize chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles with optimized properties for potential agricultural applications. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Galega officinalis?

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

What is Galega officinalis traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Galega officinalis for: diuretic, galactagogue, astringent, diabetes, diaphoretic, galactogogue. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Galega officinalis?

Galega officinalis appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Galega officinalis?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Galega officinalis; the strongest carries evidence grade A. For example: AgChNPs from Galega officinalis exhibited strong toxicity against D. suzukii across multiple stages with significant adult emergence reduction and sublethal effects.

How strong is the evidence for Galega officinalis?

The strongest finding for Galega officinalis carries evidence grade A — strong evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Galega officinalis safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Galega officinalis interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Galega officinalis?

Galega officinalis is also known as: Козлятник лекарственный, Galéga officinal.

Is Galega officinalis 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 Biosynthesized Chitosan-Coated Silver Nanoparticles: Insecticide Activity and Sublethal Effects Against Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae). literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Chitosan-Coated Silver Nanocomposites: Biosynthesis, Mechanical Properties, and Ag+ Release in Liquid and Biofilm Forms. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Herbal galactagogues to improve breastmilk production and lactation in mothers of preterm babies: a systematic review of clinical trials. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Characterization and Insecticidal Efficacy of Green-Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles Against Four Stored Product Insect Species. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Amelioration of oxidative stress and hepatocellular mitochondrial dysfunction by bioactive compounds isolated from Galega officinalis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. literature abstract metadata