Common Gromwell
Lithospermum officinale
Lithospermum officinale is a plant rooted in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically utilized for bladder complaints, urinary stones, gout, fever, and skin conditions such as eruptions, itch, measles, and smallpox. Scientific evidence suggests the plant contains bioactive phytochemicals, including flavonoids exceeding 2% of dry weight. Some studies indicate that shikonin may inhibit thyroid cancer cell migration, while other research suggests potential benefits for reducing acne lesion counts. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.
- Traditionally for
- urinary stones · bladder complaints
- Traditions
- Western phytotherapy · traditional · Unani · TCM
- Best evidence
- B
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
Traditional use
- urinary stones
- bladder complaints
- depurative
- diuretic
- eruption
- itch
- measles
- sedative
- smallpox
- anodyne
- antidote
- antigonadotrophic
- blood disorders
- fever
- gout
What the science says
- Shikonin from Lithospermum officinale inhibited thyroid cancer cell migration and invasion through multiple mechanisms without cross-resistance to other anticancer agents.
- Lithospermum officinale contains various bioactive phytochemicals with potential pharmacological activities.
- Both inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne lesion counts were significantly decreased in the Lithospermum officinale group compared to the vehicle group, without serious adverse events.
- The study developed a method to quantify flavonoids in Lithospermum officinale leaves, finding their content to exceed 2% of the dry weight.
Frequently asked questions
What is Common Gromwell?
Common Gromwell (Lithospermum officinale) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What is Common Gromwell traditionally used for?
Traditional sources record Common Gromwell for: urinary stones, bladder complaints, depurative, diuretic, eruption, itch. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.
Which traditions use Common Gromwell?
Common Gromwell appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, Unani, TCM.
What does the scientific evidence say about Common Gromwell?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Gromwell; the strongest carries evidence grade B. For example: Shikonin from Lithospermum officinale inhibited thyroid cancer cell migration and invasion through multiple mechanisms without cross-resistance to other anticancer agents.
How strong is the evidence for Common Gromwell?
The strongest finding for Common Gromwell carries evidence grade B — moderate evidence. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Common Gromwell safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Common Gromwell in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Common Gromwell interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Common Gromwell in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Common Gromwell?
Common Gromwell is also known as: Воробейник лекарственный.
Is Common Gromwell 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 Clinical efficacy of herbal extracts in treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris: an 8-week, double-blinded, randomized, controlled trial. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Research Progress of the Molecular Mechanism of Antithyroid Cancer Activity of Shikonin. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Development and Validation of a Method to Quantify Flavonoids in Leaves of Lithospermum officinale (Boraginaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring the Pharmacological Potential of Lithospermum officinale L.: A Review of Phytochemicals and Ethnomedicinal Uses. literature abstract metadata