FolkKB

Bedstraw

Galium aparine

Galium aparine is a plant species used in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically employed as a diuretic, alterative, aperient, and astringent, with applications ranging from treating fever and scurvy to managing jaundice, hypertension, and intestinal complaints. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal properties is limited; some studies suggest potential antioxidant, antibiofilm, and antimicrobial activities, while others have observed dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on specific human carcinoma cells in laboratory settings. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

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

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

Traditional use

  • diuretic Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • aperient traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • scurvy Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • aperitif traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hepatoma TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • hypertension traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • intestinal complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • jaundice Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • obesity traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • parasite traditional T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that Galium aparine extracts showed significant antibiofilm and antioxidant activities, with some antimicrobial effects against specific bacteria. D PMID
  • This study developed a versatile virus-based system for elucidating herbicide resistance in Galium aparine, potentially applicable to other weeds. D PMID
  • Galium aparine L. exhibits dose-dependent cytotoxic effects on HNO210 human laryngeal carcinoma cells. D PMID
  • The study found that weed communities, including Galium aparine, changed during the transition from conventional to organic farming, with legume pre-crops having varying effects on weed suppression. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bedstraw?

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

What is Bedstraw traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Bedstraw for: diuretic, alterative, aperient, fever, scurvy, aperitif. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Bedstraw?

Bedstraw appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, Unani, TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Bedstraw?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bedstraw; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Galium aparine extracts showed significant antibiofilm and antioxidant activities, with some antimicrobial effects against specific bacteria.

How strong is the evidence for Bedstraw?

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

Is Bedstraw safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Bedstraw interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Bedstraw?

Bedstraw is also known as: Подмаренник цепкий.

Is Bedstraw 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 Anticancer Effects of Galium aparine L Extract: Dose-Dependent Cytotoxicity in HNO210 Human Laryngeal Carcinoma Cells. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Dynamics of arable weeds communities in spring and winter wheat under different legume pre-crops during organic conversion. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Evaluation of Bioactivity and Biochemical Composition of Galium aparine L. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Establishment of a versatile virus-based system for elucidating herbicide resistance in Galium aparine. literature abstract metadata

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