Herbs and plantsGround ivy — the lawn weed that cleanses the liver and skin?
- Henryk Różański — Bluszczyk kurdybanek – Glechoma hederacea L. raz jeszcze
- Henryk Różański — Bluszczyk kurdybanek – kurdybanek pospolity – Glechoma hederacea Linne w fitoterapii dawnej i współczesnej
- Henryk Różański — Ziołomiody w praktyce
- Henryk Różański — Fructus Mali – owoc jabłoni w fitoterapii. Liść jabłoni – Folium Mali jako źródło flawonoidów i polifenoli.
- Henryk Różański — Drżączka – Briza w praktycznej fitoterapii.
- Glechoma hederacea: A Comprehensive Insight into the Botanical Specification, Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, Nutritional Value, Pharmacology, and Non-medicinal Applications. · Planta Med 2026
- Glechoma hederacea extracts attenuate cholestatic liver injury in a bile duct-ligated rat model. · J Ethnopharmacol 2017
- LC-MS/MS metabolomics profiling of Glechoma hederacea L. methanolic extract; in vitro antimicrobial and in vivo with in silico wound healing studies on Staphylococcus aureus infected rat skin wound. · Nat Prod Res 2023
- Phytochemical profile of hot water extract of Glechoma hederacea and its antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. · Life Sci 2019
- Anti-melanogenesis effect of Glechoma hederacea L. extract on B16 murine melanoma cells. · Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2012
- Wild-Grown and Cultivated Glechoma hederacea L.: Chemical Composition and Potential for Cultivation in Organic Farming Conditions. · Plants (Basel) 2022
- Glechoma hederacea inhibits inflammatory mediator release in IFN-gamma and LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. · J Ethnopharmacol 2006
- Glechoma hederacea Suppresses RANKL-mediated Osteoclastogenesis. · J Dent Res 2014
- New Aspect of Composition and Biological Properties of Glechoma hederacea L. Herb: Detailed Phytochemical Analysis and Evaluation of Antioxidant, Anticoagulant Activity and Toxicity in Selected Human Cells and Plasma In Vitro. · Nutrients 2023
- Therapeutic Potential and Mechanisms of Rosmarinic Acid and the Extracts of Lamiaceae Plants for the Treatment of Fibrosis of Various Organs. · Antioxidants (Basel) 2024
Henryk Różański attributes to ground ivy a supportive effect in coughs, respiratory catarrh, indigestion, and constipation.
- He also mentions support for liver function and the removal of harmful substances from the body.
- He describes its use for inflammatory skin conditions, acne, eczema, and wounds that are slow to heal.
- He also mentions the traditional use of the infusion for urinary tract inflammation.
What the authors write
Ground ivy is said to help loosen mucus, widen the airways, and support treatment for coughs and respiratory catarrh.
Ground ivy is said to support bile secretion, liver cleansing and protection, and the digestion and absorption of food.
Ground ivy is said to regulate metabolism and support the removal of harmful and unnecessary metabolic products; it also has a diuretic effect.
The infusion and tincture are described as remedies for inflammatory skin conditions associated with eczema and acne.
The tincture is said to reduce excessive oiliness and pus-filled lesions, and to inhibit the growth of yeasts and bacteria on the skin.
Fresh, crushed herb and the fresh-herb extract are said to support the healing of wounds and eczema.
Hair rinsed with the infusion or rubbed with the tincture is said to become stronger and have less dandruff caused by yeasts.
In the past, ground ivy infusion was recommended for urinary tract inflammation.
Ground ivy was described as a diuretic plant that stimulates digestion and speeds up metabolism.
Ground ivy preparations were recommended for poisoning and to protect the liver and stimulate bile secretion.
In the past, ground ivy was used for wounds, ulcers, and lichen, and in the 19th century also as an expectorant and to loosen mucus in the respiratory tract.
The author describes using ground ivy infusion for respiratory catarrh and colds, and syrup for a runny nose and cough.
Ground ivy in the form of herb-infused honey was listed among preparations that support metabolism, the removal of harmful substances, and increased urine output.
Herb-infused honeys, including ground ivy honey, were described as being used for chronic skin and hair conditions, poisoning, metabolic disorders, swelling, and weakness.
Ground ivy was listed among herbs used in a cleansing treatment for the gastrointestinal tract and to stimulate metabolism.
Ground ivy was described as an ingredient in cosmetics and skincare for acne-prone, dry, sensitive skin, and skin prone to wrinkles and spots.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 10 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 34.
The review describes the traditional use of ground ivy for digestive, liver and biliary, respiratory, and skin complaints, and points to promising anti-inflammatory and protective effects.
Aim of the study: Glechoma hederacea (ground ivy) is an aromatic perennial plant extensively utilized in traditional medicine. Its therapeutic properties have been recorded in Europe since antiquity.
Results: Although there is a rich literature on secondary metabolites detected in G. hederacea, it seems right to fill in which compounds are determinants of a given activity. Finally, research on using G. hederacea as a natural pesticide, which could lead to its implementation, warrants further investigation.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a rat study, the extract reduced liver damage associated with bile stasis.
Aim of the study: This study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of hot water extract of Glechoma hederacea against cholestatic liver injury in rats.
Results: Using a rat model of cholestasis caused by bile duct ligation (BDL), daily oral administration of Glechoma hederacea hot water extracts showed protective effects against cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by the improvement of serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Glechoma hederacea extracts alleviated BDL-induced transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor, and collagen expression, and the anti-fibrotic effects were accompanied by reductions in α-smooth muscle actin-positive matrix-producing cells and Smad2/3 activity. Glechoma hederacea extracts attenuated BDL-induced inflammatory cell infiltration/accumulation, NF-κB and AP-1 activation, and inflammatory cytokine production. Further studies demonstrated an inhibitory effect of Glechoma hederacea extracts on the axis of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) intracellular signaling pathways.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a rat model of an infected wound, a hydrogel containing the extract supported healing and reduced the number of bacteria.
Aim of the study: LC-MS/MS analysis of Glechoma hederacea L. methanolic extract (GHME), revealed the identification of 25 metabolites.
Results: In vivo wound healing potential of 2%, and 5% GHME prepared hydrogels were criticized on Staphylococcus aureus infected wound rat model. 5% GHME prepared hydrogel treated group showed significant (p < 0.05) shrinkage of their colony forming unit/ml (CFU/ml) values in comparison with standard Fucidin. Meanwhile, wound closure associated with full re-epithelization and hair follicles proliferation was noticed after ten days of treatment. Finally, among the GHME isolated compounds, luteolin 7-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (4) exhibited the highest molecular docking score (-9.6 kcal/mol) against matrix metalloproteinase-8 target (MMP-8).
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, the extract reduced DNA damage and markers of inflammation and oxidative stress in macrophage cells.
Aim of the study: Glechoma hederacea belongs to the Labiatae family and has many biological activities. The objective of this study was to evaluate the chemical composition, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of a hot water extract of G.
Results: The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of HWG were determined in vitro in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated RAW 264.7 macrophages. The results demonstrated that DAPI staining, the comet assay, and DNA fragmentation showed that HWG prevented LPS-induced DNA damage in RAW264.7 macrophages, reduced the content of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA), increased GSH levels, and regulated antioxidant enzyme activities. We also demonstrated that HWG significantly decreased the LPS-induced mRNA expression of iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in RAW264.7 macrophages, and reduced the LPS-induced protein expression of iNOS and COX-2 in RAW264.7 macrophages. These results show that HWG and its main components possess potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In mouse melanoma cells, the extract reduced melanin production, which may be relevant to skin discoloration.
Aim of the study: Glechoma hederacea L. (Labiatae) has been used in folk medicine to treat various ailments for centuries.
Results: Moreover, this effect is regulated via suppression of microphthalmia-associated transcription factor protein expression. Our data indicate that G. hederacea extract inhibits melanin synthesis in B16 melanoma cells but is not cytotoxic. Hence it might prove a useful therapeutic agent for treating hyperpigmentation and an effective component of whitening cosmetics.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In laboratory conditions, ground ivy extracts reduced the formation of pro-inflammatory macrophages.
Aim of the study: Glechoma hederacea L. is a medicinal plant that is known in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer properties.
Results: The results of flow cytometry show that extracts from different vegetation periods reduced the conversion of macrophages to the proinflammatory phenotype M1. The chemical composition varied the most with the different harvesting periods, and the most suitable periods were the flowering and vegetative phases for the polyphenolic compounds and essential oils, respectively. G. hederacea can be successfully grown under organic farming conditions, and cultivation does not significantly affect the chemical composition and biological activity compared to wild-grown plants.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a study using mouse cells, ground ivy lowered some markers of inflammation, left others unchanged, and increased one.
Aim of the study: Glechoma hederacea (GH) is an herb widely used herb medicine for the treatment of a variety of pathologies. In this study, the effect of GH on interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced production of nitric oxide (NO), interleukin (IL)-12p70, IL-12p40, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), and IL-6 were examined using mouse peritoneal macrophages.
Results: We also found that GH inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokine, IL-12p70, and TNF-alpha production. However, GH increased IFN-gamma/LPS-induced IL-12p40 production. GH doesn't affect the IL-6 production. These findings mean that GH can be used in controlling macrophages mediated inflammation related disease.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In a laboratory study, the extract inhibited the formation of cells involved in bone breakdown.
Aim of the study: Glechoma hederacea (GH), commonly known as ground-ivy or gill-over-the-ground, has been extensively used in folk remedies for relieving symptoms of inflammatory disorders. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the therapeutic action of GH are poorly understood.
Results: Additionally, GHE treatment induced a large transient elevation in [Ca(2+)]i while suppressing RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)]i oscillations, which are essential for NFATc1 activation. GHE-evoked increase in [Ca(2+)]i was dependent on extracellular Ca(2+) and was inhibited by 1,4-dihydropyridine (DHP), inhibitor of voltage-gated Ca(2+) channels (VGCCs), but was independent of store-operated Ca(2+) channels. Notably, after transient [Ca(2+)] elevation, treatment with GHE desensitized the VGCCs, resulting in an abrogation of RANKL-induced [Ca(2+)]i oscillations and MNC formation. These findings demonstrate that treatment of BMMs with GHE suppresses RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis by activating and then desensitizing DHP-sensitive VGCCs, suggesting potential applications of GH in the treatment of bone disorders, such as periodontitis, osteoporosis, and rheumatoid arthritis.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
In laboratory studies, the extract and its fractions reduced several signs of oxidative stress, including DNA damage.
Aim of the study: It is known that phenolic compounds can alleviate the negative impact of oxidative stress and modulate hemostasis. However, the effect of extracts and phenolics from Glechoma hederacea L.
Results: The 85% fraction had the strongest protective potential against DNA oxidative damage. We also observed that the extract and fractions decreased PBM cell viability to a maximum of 65% after 24 h incubation. Our results indicate that the 85% fraction showed the strongest antioxidant potential. The main component of the 85% fraction was apigenin (26.17 ± 1.44 mg/g), which is most likely responsible for its strong antioxidant properties.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review describes the antifibrotic effects of ground ivy in experimental fibrosis models.
Aim of the study: Fibrosis, which causes structural hardening and functional degeneration in various organs, is characterized by the excessive production and accumulation of connective tissue containing collagen, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), etc. In traditional medicine, extracts of medicinal plants or herbal prescriptions have been used to treat various fibrotic diseases.
Results: RA treatment activated peroxisomal proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) while suppressing the transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and Wnt signaling pathways. Interestingly, most plants that are reported to contain RA and exhibit antifibrotic activity belong to the family Lamiaceae. This suggests that RA is an active ingredient for the antifibrotic effect of Lamiaceae plants and that these plants are a useful source of RA. In conclusion, accumulating scientific evidence supports the effectiveness of RA and Lamiaceae plant extracts in alleviating fibrosis and maintaining the structural architecture and normal functions of various organs under pathological conditions.
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Pisaczek does not judge who is right. It shows what was written and where to read it. Every sentence above has its source.