Creeping Charlie
Glechoma hederacea
Glechoma hederacea is a perennial herb used within various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied for a wide range of conditions including arthritis, cough, diabetes, blood disorders, and as a diuretic or astringent. Scientific research suggests the plant possesses antioxidant, antibiofilm, and bactericidal properties, though more clinical studies and animal experiments are needed to confirm these effects. While some studies highlight its phenolic content, evidence regarding its therapeutic efficacy remains limited. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- diuretic · abscess
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · TCM · traditional · Japanese (Kampo)
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- diuretic
- abscess
- alexiteric
- alterative
- anodyne
- arthritis
- astringent
- backache
- blood disorders
- bones
- cardiotonic
- cold
- corns
- cough
- diabetes
What the science says
- The study found that light and nutrient availability significantly influenced D. indica's growth, while competition with G. hederacea reduced its performance.
- GH from higher-altitude areas is rich in phenolics and shows notable antioxidant activity, with apigenin and caffeic acid being the most abundant compounds identified.
- This study identifies various pharmacological activities of G. hederacea but notes the need for more clinical studies and animal experiments.
- Glechoma hederacea exhibited notable antibiofilm and bactericidal abilities along with antioxidant properties among six polyphenol-rich Mediterranean wild edible plants tested.
Frequently asked questions
What is Creeping Charlie?
Creeping Charlie (Glechoma hederacea) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Creeping Charlie traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Creeping Charlie for: diuretic, abscess, alexiteric, alterative, anodyne, arthritis. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Creeping Charlie?
Creeping Charlie appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, TCM, traditional, Japanese (Kampo).
What does the scientific evidence say about Creeping Charlie?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Creeping Charlie; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that light and nutrient availability significantly influenced D. indica's growth, while competition with G. hederacea reduced its performance.
How strong is the evidence for Creeping Charlie?
The strongest finding for Creeping Charlie carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Creeping Charlie safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Creeping Charlie in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Creeping Charlie interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Creeping Charlie in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Creeping Charlie?
Creeping Charlie is also known as: будра плющевидная, lierre terrestre.
Is Creeping Charlie 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 Response of the Invasive Alien Plant Duchesnea indica (Andrews) Teschem. to Different Environmental and Competitive Settings. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Bioprospecting of six polyphenol-rich Mediterranean wild edible plants reveals antioxidant, antibiofilm and bactericidal properties against Methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Comprehensive Pharmacobotanical and Phytochemical Profiling of Glechoma hederacea L. from Bihor County, North-West Romania. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Glechoma hederacea: A Comprehensive Insight into the Botanical Specification, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Pharmacology, and Non-medicinal Applications. literature abstract metadata