Common Motherwort
Leonurus cardiaca
Leonurus cardiaca, commonly known as motherwort, is a botanical species utilized within various traditional medicine systems. Historically, it has been applied to address conditions such as heart complaints, palpitations, spasms, asthma, and various issues related to the generative organs or gallbladder. Scientific evidence regarding its efficacy remains limited, with much of the current data derived from preclinical studies or traditional use rather than robust clinical trials. While some research suggests potential cardioprotective effects and the presence of certain inhibitors, further clinical validation is required. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- diuretic · spasms
- Traditions
- traditional · Western phytotherapy · Russian / post-Soviet
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- diuretic
- spasms
- analgesic
- hysteria
- nervine
- palpitation
- asthma
- astringent
- debility
- expectorant
- gall bladder
- generative organs
- heart complaints
- rabies
- sedative
What the science says
- The review finds limited robust clinical evidence for Leonurus cardiaca's efficacy in anxiety and depression, with most evidence coming from preclinical studies or traditional use.
- Leonurus cardiaca, like other selected botanicals, shows potential cardioprotective effects through various mechanisms but requires further clinical validation.
- The study identified potential natural product inhibitors from Leonurus cardiaca and other plants for further investigation against Cardiobacterium valvarum.
- The study found that water infusions of motherwort contain varying levels of chlorogenic acid and phenols, with minimal impact on overall antioxidant properties.
- The study evaluated antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of eight herbal teas, finding varying results with Melissa officinalis showing the highest antioxidant capacity.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Motherwort?
Common Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Common Motherwort traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Common Motherwort for: diuretic, spasms, analgesic, hysteria, nervine, palpitation. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Common Motherwort?
Common Motherwort appears in these traditions in our sources: traditional, Western phytotherapy, Russian / post-Soviet.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Motherwort?
5 sourced findings are recorded for Common Motherwort; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The review finds limited robust clinical evidence for Leonurus cardiaca's efficacy in anxiety and depression, with most evidence coming from preclinical studies or traditional use.
How strong is the evidence for Common Motherwort?
The strongest finding for Common Motherwort carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Motherwort safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Motherwort in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Motherwort interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Motherwort in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Motherwort?
Common Motherwort is also known as: пустырник сердечный, Agripaume.
Is Common Motherwort 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 Antioxidant properties and antibacterial activity of selected herbal teas. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Medicinal Plants and Phytochemicals in Cardioprotection-Mechanistic Pathways and Translational Roadmap. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Molecular Mimicry Inference, Therapeutic Target Identification, and Natural Product Inhibition Study in Cardiobacterium valvarum through Bioinformatics Approach. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Wild Flora Species from Romania with Anxiolytic and Antidepressant Potential: A Global Perspective-Narrative Review. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Water Infusions of Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) as a Source of Chlorogenic Acid and Antioxidant Properties. literature abstract metadata