Polygonum aviculare

Polygonum aviculare

Polygonum aviculare, commonly known as knotgrass, is a plant featured in various traditional medicinal practices. It has been used traditionally to address a wide range of conditions, including anal complaints, diarrhea, hemorrhoids, fever, infections, rheumatism, and eczema. Scientific evidence regarding its medicinal properties is limited and varied. Some studies suggest that certain components may reduce renal calcium oxalate crystal deposition and improve renal function via microbiota modulation, though research into its efficacy as a vermifuge has shown no significant effect on parasitic nematode larvae. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

At a glance
Traditionally for
diarrhea · diuretic
Traditions
TCM · traditional · Western phytotherapy
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

Traditional use

What the science says

  • Polygonum aviculare can host and multiply Colletotrichum godetiae conidia, potentially contributing to the survival and spread of almond anthracnose. D PMID
  • PAPN1 from Polygonum aviculare reduced renal calcium oxalate crystal deposition and improved renal function through gut microbiota modulation and inflammation suppression. D PMID
  • Polygonum aviculare showed no significant effect on the viability of tested parasitic nematode larvae in this study. D PMID
  • Polygonum aviculare extract contains chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid, which inhibit juvenile hormone activity, potentially serving as eco-friendly alternatives in pest management. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Polygonum aviculare?

Polygonum aviculare (Polygonum aviculare) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What is Polygonum aviculare traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Polygonum aviculare for: diarrhea, diuretic, hemorrhoids, vermifuge, astringent, bleeding. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Polygonum aviculare?

Polygonum aviculare appears in these traditions in our sources: TCM, traditional, Western phytotherapy.

What does the scientific evidence say about Polygonum aviculare?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Polygonum aviculare; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Polygonum aviculare can host and multiply Colletotrichum godetiae conidia, potentially contributing to the survival and spread of almond anthracnose.

How strong is the evidence for Polygonum aviculare?

The strongest finding for Polygonum aviculare carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Polygonum aviculare safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Polygonum aviculare interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Polygonum aviculare in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Polygonum aviculare?

Polygonum aviculare is also known as: горец птичий, Renouée des oiseaux.

Is Polygonum aviculare 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. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Spontaneous Flora as Reservoir for the Survival and Spread of the Almond Anthracnose Pathogen (Colletotrichum godetiae) in Intensive Almond Orchards. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Mechanistic insights into chlorogenic acid and caffeic acid as novel juvenile hormone antagonists. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Anthelmintic Activity of Traditional Medicinal Plants Used in Europe. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Multi-omics analyses reveal a rhamnogalacturonan I (RG-I) from Polygonum aviculare ameliorates nephrolithiasis through regulation of the gut-kidney axis. literature abstract metadata