Grass-of-Parnassus

Parnassia palustris

Parnassia palustris, commonly known as bog adder's-tongue, is a plant traditionally found in wet meadows and marshy areas. While its use in traditional medicine has not been extensively documented, it has shown promise in ecological studies. In dune slacks, the plant established itself within six years and peaked after 11 to 16 years before declining under unsuitable conditions. Genetic rescue through pollen transfer from outside populations increased seed set, especially in smaller groups. Additionally, Parnassia palustris has demonstrated potential in reducing Helicobacter pylori infection and protecting gastric mucosa in mice studies, though the effects varied with different treatment combinations. Ecologically, it is associated with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi, contributing to its presence in traditionally managed Norwegian grasslands. No significant safety concerns or known drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.

At a glance
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

  • Liparis loeselii established within 6 years and peaked after 11-16 years in dune slacks, declining as conditions became unsuitable. D PMID
  • Genetic rescue with pollen from outside the metapopulation increased seed set, particularly in smaller populations. D PMID
  • The study reports arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) associations in 74 out of 82 plant species, including Parnassia palustris, in traditionally managed Norwegian grasslands. D PMID
  • Parnassia palustris extract showed potential in reducing H. pylori infection and protecting gastric mucosa in mice, though effects varied with treatment combinations. D PMID
  • Flowers of Parnassia palustris show reduced visitation and contact for dehiscing anthers when anther-anther interference occurs. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Grass-of-Parnassus?

Grass-of-Parnassus (Parnassia palustris) 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 Grass-of-Parnassus?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Grass-of-Parnassus; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Liparis loeselii established within 6 years and peaked after 11-16 years in dune slacks, declining as conditions became unsuitable.

How strong is the evidence for Grass-of-Parnassus?

The strongest finding for Grass-of-Parnassus carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Grass-of-Parnassus safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Grass-of-Parnassus in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Grass-of-Parnassus interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Grass-of-Parnassus in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Grass-of-Parnassus?

Grass-of-Parnassus is also known as: Белозор болотный, Parnassie des marais.

Is Grass-of-Parnassus 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

  1. T2 Mycorrhizal plants of traditionally managed boreal grasslands in Norway. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Genetic rescue in an isolated metapopulation of a naturally fragmented plant species, Parnassia palustris. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Is there 'anther-anther interference' within a flower? Evidences from one-by-one stamen movement in an insect-pollinated plant. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Past and future of the EU-habitat directive species Liparis loeselii in relation to landscape and habitat dynamics in SW-Texel, the Netherlands. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Meihuacao Extract in Eradicating H.pylori: Network Pharmacology Analyses and Experiment Validation. literature abstract metadata