Motherwort Interactions Overview

Additional Details

Is Motherwort Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Motherwort is considered possibly safe when used appropriately. It can be taken orally, as an intramuscular injection, or by intrauterine injection for short periods. There have been cases where it has been used without significant adverse effects, but caution is advised during pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate the uterus. Use during lactation should be avoided due to limited information. General adverse effects are usually mild and include symptoms like diarrhea, stomach irritation, and skin reactions when applied topically.

How Does Motherwort Work? What Is the Mechanism of Action?

Motherwort works through a combination of its various components. The plant contains alkaloids, flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and other compounds. It's known for its potential benefits in several areas:

• Anticancer Effects: Extracts from motherwort have shown to inhibit the growth of cancer cells and induce apoptosis.
• Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The plant's essential oil can reduce levels of inflammatory mediators in vitro.
• Antimicrobial Effects: Motherwort extracts have demonstrated activity against bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and yeasts.
• Antioxidant Effects: Motherwort acts as an antioxidant, scavenging oxygen free radicals and reducing oxidative stress.
• Uterine Effects: Motherwort's alkaloids, particularly leonurine, affect uterine muscle contractions, which can be relevant for labor induction and postpartum bleeding prevention.
• Diuretic Effects: Motherwort has potassium-sparing diuretic activity, possibly due to the alkaloid stachydrine.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, there is insufficient reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of motherwort.

Interaction Overview

Motherwort may interact with CNS depressants, increasing the risk of sedation. However, interactions with supplements, conditions, and lab tests are not known. Information about overdose and its treatment is also limited.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

Common adverse effects of motherwort include mild symptoms like diarrhea, stomach irritation, skin reactions (when applied topically), and mild discomfort when given intramuscularly or intrauterine.

Are Supplements Standardized?

The European Pharmacopoeia defines standards for motherwort, ensuring it contains specific minimum amounts of flavonoids. Chinese Pharmacopoeia standards require certain levels of stachydrine and leonurine in Chinese motherwort.

What Is Motherwort Typically Used For?

Motherwort is possibly effective in reducing bleeding associated with vaginal delivery, abortion, and caesarian section when used as an adjunct to standard treatment. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm this. Additionally, there is insufficient reliable evidence to rate motherwort for various other uses, including alcohol use disorder, amenorrhea, anxiety, arrhythmia, asthma, cancer, heart failure, hyperthyroidism, and many more. The plant has been used historically for a wide range of purposes, but more evidence is required to support these uses.

Dosing & Administration

The dosing of motherwort varies based on its form and purpose. However, research is limited, and typical dosing is often unavailable. For specific dosing information, it's advised to consult with a healthcare professional.

Drugs that interact with Motherwort