FolkKB

Common Houseleek

Sempervivum tectorum

Sempervivum tectorum is a succulent plant used within various traditional herbal practices. It has been applied traditionally as an astringent, refrigerant, and diuretic, with uses ranging from treating warts and corns to addressing inflammation, fever, and bee stings. Scientific evidence is limited and varied; some studies suggest its leaf extract may possess antibacterial activity against certain bacteria, while other research indicates it might partially mitigate adverse effects of aluminum on reproductive function in rats. There is no recorded data regarding major safety issues or specific drug interactions.

At a glance
Traditionally for
corns · warts
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · Russian / post-Soviet · traditional
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • corns Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • warts Russian / post-Soviet T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • callus traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • refrigerant Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • spasms Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • vermifuge Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • alterative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bee stings Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • bleeding traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • depurative traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • detersive traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inflammation Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • The study found that silver nanoparticles synthesized from Sempervivum tectorum leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. D PMID
  • The study found that Sempervivum tectorum extract partially mitigated the adverse effects of aluminum exposure on reproductive function and trace element levels in male rats. D PMID
  • Sempervivum tectorum employs a quiescent-like strategy involving low oxidative levels and morphological adjustments to maintain offset survival under drought. D PMID
  • The study found that seasonal variations influenced the phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of Sempervivum tectorum, with extraction method also impacting yield. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Common Houseleek?

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

What is Common Houseleek traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Common Houseleek for: corns, warts, astringent, callus, refrigerant, spasms. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Common Houseleek?

Common Houseleek appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, Russian / post-Soviet, traditional.

What does the scientific evidence say about Common Houseleek?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Common Houseleek; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study found that silver nanoparticles synthesized from Sempervivum tectorum leaf extract showed antibacterial activity against canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius.

How strong is the evidence for Common Houseleek?

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

Is Common Houseleek safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Common Houseleek interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Common Houseleek?

Common Houseleek is also known as: Молодило кровельное, Joubarbe des toits.

Is Common Houseleek 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 Effect of Sempervivum tectorum Extract on Some Biomarkers of Reproductive Function and Levels of Some Trace Elements in Male Rats Exposed to Aluminum. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Influence of location and season on phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of Sempervivum tectorum. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 A quiescent-like strategy underlies extreme stress tolerance and clonal offset maintenance during drought in Sempervivum tectorum. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Silver nanoparticles synthesized from Sempervivum tectorum leaf extract show antibacterial activity against canine Staphylococcus pseudintermedius. literature abstract metadata