FolkKB

Common verbena

Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis is a perennial herb used extensively in various traditional medicine systems. It has been historically applied to address conditions such as bronchitis, fever, rheumatism, liver complaints, and edema, while also serving as an astringent or diuretic. Scientific studies suggest potential therapeutic properties, including antibacterial activity in composite materials and anti-inflammatory effects linked to components like beta-carotene and saparenol. Additionally, verbenalin has shown promise in reducing uric acid levels in models of gout. No major safety issues or notable drug interactions have been recorded in the available data.

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

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

Traditional use

  • fever Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • astringent traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • diuretic TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • wounds traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • dropsy (edema) TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • galactagogue traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • liver complaints Western phytotherapy T3 DRDUKE
  • muscle and joint pain traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • rheumatism traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • alexiteric TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • arthritis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • bilious traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • blood clots TCM T3 DRDUKE
  • bronchitis traditional T3 DRDUKE
  • cirrhosis TCM T3 DRDUKE

What the science says

  • KAR1 treatments at 1 μM and 10 μM significantly increased final germination percentage in lavender, comparable to GA₃. D PMID
  • The study found that chitosan/silver nanoparticle/Verbena officinalis extract composite showed superior water absorption, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity compared to the sesame oil composite. D PMID
  • Components like β-carotene and saparenol from Verbena officinalis showed anti-inflammatory effects in mice, potentially involving the MAPK/p38 pathway. D PMID
  • Verbenalin treatment significantly alleviated gout symptoms by reducing uric acid levels and modulating purine metabolism and gut microbiota, though effects on inflammation pathways were also observed. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Common verbena?

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

What is Common verbena traditionally used for?

Traditional sources record Common verbena for: fever, astringent, diuretic, wounds, dropsy (edema), galactagogue. This reflects traditional use, not a proven medical treatment.

Which traditions use Common verbena?

Common verbena appears in these traditions in our sources: Western phytotherapy, traditional, TCM.

What does the scientific evidence say about Common verbena?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Common verbena; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: KAR1 treatments at 1 μM and 10 μM significantly increased final germination percentage in lavender, comparable to GA₃.

How strong is the evidence for Common verbena?

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

Is Common verbena safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Common verbena interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Common verbena?

Common verbena is also known as: Вербена лекарственная, Verveine officinale.

Is Common verbena 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 Smoke water and smoke-derived karrikinolide, KAR1, improved germination in some medicinal and aromatic plants. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Developing chitosan nanocomposite with silver nanoparticle, sesame oil, and Verbena officinalis extract for wound dressing: in vivo and in vitro evaluation. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanism of verbenalin in treating gout via modulating purine metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammatory pathways. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Computer-Aided Active Ingredients Screening and Validation of Dong Medicine for Fever and Cough Exploration. literature abstract metadata