American Bugleweed
Lycopus americanus
Lycopus americanus, also known as American bugleweed or American water-horehound, is a plant traditionally associated with North America. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has shown some interesting biological properties and evolutionary characteristics. Scientific studies have found that L. americanus is particularly sensitive to high vanadium concentrations, which could potentially make it useful in certain environmental or agricultural contexts. However, there is limited evidence regarding its medicinal applications across various traditions. The plant's genetic analysis through Hyb-Seq has revealed insights into its evolutionary relationships within the Salvia genus, but no specific traditional uses have been recorded. Safety profiles indicate that Lycopus americanus does not appear to pose significant risks; however, further research is needed to confirm these findings. There are currently no known drug interactions reported for this plant, though comprehensive studies in this area remain limited.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- The study found that Lycopus americanus was more sensitive to high vanadium concentrations compared to crop and grass species.
- Lycopus americanus subsp. laurentianus, a new status for an Eastern Canadian endemic taxon, has been reported in Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont.
- Repeated losses of mature corolla bilateral symmetry in Lamiaceae occur through distinct mechanisms involving changes to symmetry genes.
- The study used Hyb-Seq to resolve evolutionary relationships within subgenus Calosphace of Salvia, supporting previous hypotheses and identifying new section-level relationships.
- Annual haying led to a rapid decline in species richness, while spring burning maintained higher species diversity in wet prairie communities over 23 years.
- Lycopus americanus was found in stratigraphic units 4-13, alongside other montane forest taxa.
Frequently asked questions
What is American Bugleweed?
American Bugleweed (Lycopus americanus) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about American Bugleweed?
6 sourced findings are recorded for American Bugleweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that Lycopus americanus was more sensitive to high vanadium concentrations compared to crop and grass species.
How strong is the evidence for American Bugleweed?
The strongest finding for American Bugleweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is American Bugleweed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for American Bugleweed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does American Bugleweed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for American Bugleweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of American Bugleweed?
American Bugleweed is also known as: Зюзник американский.
Is American Bugleweed 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
- T2 Last interglacial plant macrofossils and climates from Ziegler Reservoir, Snowmass Village, Colorado, USA literature abstract metadata
- T2 Lycopus americanus subsp. Laurentianus (Lamiaceae): An Eastern Canadian Endemic Taxon New to the United States literature abstract metadata
- T2 Vanadium pentoxide phytotoxicity: effects of species selection and nutrient concentration. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Repeated and diverse losses of corolla bilateral symmetry in the Lamiaceae. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Phylogenomics of Salvia L. subgenus Calosphace (Lamiaceae). literature abstract metadata
- T2 Long-term effects of haying and prescribed fire on the composition and diversity of wet prairie plant communities. literature abstract metadata