FolkKB

Chickweed

Stellaria media

Stellaria media, commonly known as chickweed, is a traditional plant that has not been extensively used in any specific medicinal traditions. The scientific evidence for its use remains limited; however, a study indicated that compounds from Leptosphaeria sp. showed inhibitory activity against root elongation in Stellaria media with LC50 values of 40.2 and 44.7 µg/mL for compounds 1 and 4 respectively. Another study found that among tested plants, purple nutsedge was most susceptible to root-knot nematode infection, followed by Digitaria sanguinalis, while Stellaria media supported minimal development. In a separate analysis using microfluidics, ultradeformable liposomes were optimized for enhanced permeation of Stellaria media extract through skin membranes. Safety concerns are currently not well-documented, and no major issues have been reported. Similarly, there is no recorded evidence of drug interactions with Stellaria media.

At a glance
Traditionally for
expectorant · eye complaints
Traditions
Western phytotherapy · traditional · Unani
Best evidence
D
Cautions
—

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

Traditional use

  • expectorant Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • eye complaints traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • hemorrhoids traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • skin complaints Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • debility traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • demulcent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • eczema traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • erysipelas traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • fever Unani T3 DRDUKE
  • fracture traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • inflammation traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • mucus traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • refrigerant traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • sores traditional T3 DRDUKE

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. D PMID
  • 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. D PMID
  • Optimal conditions using microfluidics yielded ultradeformable liposomes with enhanced permeation of Stellaria media extract through skin membranes. D PMID
  • Pareucalanus attenuatus showed a striking dietary contribution from terrestrial plants, specifically Stellaria media, ranking second in relative read abundance. D PMID

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 is Chickweed traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Chickweed for: expectorant, eye complaints, hemorrhoids, skin complaints, debility, demulcent. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Chickweed?

Chickweed appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, Unani.

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

  1. T3 Dr. Duke's Ethnobotanical Database public domain (USDA ARS — attribute Dr. Duke's)
  2. T2 Microfluidic Design of Ultradeformable Liposomes for Advanced Skin Delivery of Stellaria media Phytocomplex. literature abstract metadata
  3. 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
  4. T2 The pathogen-weed complex: a new perspective on the role of alternative hosts in Meloidogyne graminicola epidemiology. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Three resorcylic acid lactones from an endophyte, Leptosphaeria sp. literature abstract metadata

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