Avens
Geum urbanum
Geum urbanum, commonly known as wood avens, is a perennial herb used in various traditional herbal practices. Historically, it has been applied as an astringent, stomachic, and sedative to address conditions such as diarrhea, dysentery, dyspepsia, fever, and malaria. Scientific evidence suggests the plant contains ellagitannins and polyphenols that may potentially benefit lipid profiles. Some studies indicate that extracts from the roots and aerial parts may inhibit biofilm formation in bacteria like MRSA and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in available data.
- Traditionally for
- diarrhea · dysentery
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · Ayurveda · traditional · Unani
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- diarrhea
- dysentery
- fever
- astringent
- constipation
- dyspepsia
- esophagus
- hypochondria
- malaria
- sedative
- stomachic
- ague (malarial fever)
- anodyne
- bleeding
- cachexia
What the science says
- Geum urbanum is a source of ellagitannins and other polyphenols, potentially beneficial for lipid profile.
- Both ethyl acetate root and aerial parts extracts from Geum urbanum inhibited MRSA biofilm formation without significantly affecting bacterial growth.
- The genome sequence of Geum urbanum consists of 1,304.9 megabases and includes 21 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with annotated gene coding sequences.
- EtOAc extracts from roots and aerial parts of Geum urbanum inhibited biofilm formation, pyocyanin synthesis, and motility in Pseudomonas aeruginosa at sub-MIC concentrations.
Frequently asked questions
What is Avens?
Avens (Geum urbanum) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Avens traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Avens for: diarrhea, dysentery, fever, astringent, constipation, dyspepsia. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Avens?
Avens appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, Ayurveda, traditional, Unani.
What does the scientific evidence say about Avens?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Avens; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Geum urbanum is a source of ellagitannins and other polyphenols, potentially beneficial for lipid profile.
How strong is the evidence for Avens?
The strongest finding for Avens carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Avens safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Avens in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Avens interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Avens in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Avens?
Avens is also known as: Гравилат городской, Benoîte commune.
Is Avens 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
- T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
- T2 The genome sequence of wood avens, Geum urbanum L., 1753. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Redox-Modulating Capacity and Effect of Ethyl Acetate Roots and Aerial Parts Extracts from Geum urbanum L. on the Phenotype Inhibition of the Pseudomonas aeruginosa Las/RhI Quorum Sensing System. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Inhibition of the MRSA Biofilm Formation and Skin Antineoplastic Activity of Ethyl Acetate Roots and Aerial Parts Extracts from Geum urbanum L. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Ellagitannins and Other Polyphenols Along with Dietary Components of the Rosaceae Medicinal Plants. literature abstract metadata