Chickweed
Stellaria media
Stellaria media, commonly known as chickweed, is a traditional plant with origins in Europe and Asia. Traditionally, it has not been extensively used within any specific medical or folk traditions. Scientific evidence for its medicinal uses is limited; studies have isolated three new compounds from an endophyte of Stellaria media that showed root elongation inhibitory activity, but the findings are preliminary and require further investigation. Additionally, a study found that among tested plants, purple nutsedge was most susceptible to root-knot nematode infection, with chickweed showing minimal suitability in this context. Another study demonstrated the potential for microfluidic production of ultradeformable liposomes encapsulating Stellaria media extract, enhancing its permeation through skin membranes, indicating possible topical applications. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for Stellaria media to date.
- 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
- Compounds 1 and 4 from Leptosphaeria sp. showed root elongation inhibitory activity against Stellaria media with LC50 values of 40.2 and 44.7 µg/mL, respectively.
- The study found that among tested plants, purple nutsedge was most susceptible to root-knot nematode infection, followed by Digitaria sanguinalis, with Stellaria media supporting minimal development.
- Optimal conditions using microfluidics yielded ultradeformable liposomes with enhanced permeation of Stellaria media extract through skin membranes.
- Pareucalanus attenuatus showed a striking dietary contribution from terrestrial plants, specifically Stellaria media, ranking second in relative read abundance.
Frequently asked questions
What is Chickweed?
Chickweed (Stellaria media) 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 Chickweed?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Chickweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Compounds 1 and 4 from Leptosphaeria sp. showed root elongation inhibitory activity against Stellaria media with LC50 values of 40.2 and 44.7 µg/mL, respectively.
How strong is the evidence for Chickweed?
The strongest finding for Chickweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Chickweed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Chickweed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Chickweed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Chickweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Chickweed?
Chickweed is also known as: звездчатка средняя.
Is Chickweed 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 Microfluidic Design of Ultradeformable Liposomes for Advanced Skin Delivery of Stellaria media Phytocomplex. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Potential contribution of terrestrial plants in the marginal sea food web: Evidence from in situ diet of the pelagic copepods in the South China Sea. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The pathogen-weed complex: a new perspective on the role of alternative hosts in Meloidogyne graminicola epidemiology. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Three resorcylic acid lactones from an endophyte, Leptosphaeria sp. literature abstract metadata