Sweet Woodruff Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Sweet Woodruff

Sweet Woodruff

Also known as
  • Galium odoratum
  • Aspérula
  • Aspérule
  • Aspérule Odorante
  • Galii Odorati Herba
  • Master of the Wood
  • Petit Muguet
  • Reine des Bois
  • Thé Suisse
  • Waldmeister
  • Woodruff
  • Wordward
Sweet Woodruff Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a perennial herb belonging to the bedstraw family (Rubiaceae). It is native to Europe and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant. Sweet woodruff has a long history of use in traditional medicine, and is purported to have astringent, diuretic, and tonic properties. It has been used for a variety of conditions, such as respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, and urinary tract disorders.
There are 118 drugs known to interact with Sweet Woodruff

Additional Details

Is Sweet Woodruff Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

Sweet woodruff is generally considered safe when used orally in normal food amounts. It has been recognized as safe for use in foods in the US. However, there is not enough information available regarding its safety for topical use or during pregnancy and lactation. High doses may cause adverse effects such as headache and stupor, and long-term use may lead to liver damage. Larger doses can also cause dizziness.

How is Sweet Woodruff Thought to Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Sweet woodruff contains various compounds, such as l-ascorbic acid, coumarins, flavonoids, tannins, anthraquinones, and nicotinic acid. Its mechanism of action is not fully understood, but animal research suggests that the topical application of sweet woodruff can enhance wound healing. The beneficial effects may be attributed to its antioxidant activity, as it scavenges free radicals and reduces inflammation in tissues. Components like coumarins, flavonoids, and tannins in sweet woodruff may contribute to its wound healing effects. These compounds may also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and additional antioxidant effects. Flavonoids may additionally help in preventing cell damage, necrosis, and promoting circulation.

Pharmacokinetics

There is limited information available about the pharmacokinetics of sweet woodruff, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. Further studies are needed to determine the specifics of how the body processes this herbal remedy.

Interaction Overview

Sweet woodruff contains coumarin and coumarin derivatives, which may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet drugs. Though the levels of coumarin in sweet woodruff are low, the combination can potentially increase the effects of these medications and lead to an increased risk of bleeding. Caution should be exercised when using sweet woodruff alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medications or herbs.

Common Side Effects to Watch For

While sweet woodruff is generally well tolerated, there is a lack of high-quality clinical evidence regarding its adverse effects. However, high doses can potentially lead to adverse effects such as headache and stupor. Long-term use may cause liver damage, and larger doses may result in dizziness.

Are Supplements Standardized?

There is inadequate information available regarding the standardization of sweet woodruff supplements. Further research is needed to determine the standardization practices for these products.

What is Sweet Woodruff Typically Used For?

Sweet woodruff is traditionally used orally for various disorders, including respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, liver, gallbladder, and urinary tract disorders. It is also used for conditions such as chronic venous insufficiency, hemorrhoids, hypertension, angina, spasms, agitation, hysteria, restlessness, insomnia, neuralgia, cardiac arrhythmia, migraine, and bladder stones. Topically, it is used to treat skin diseases, wounds, venous conditions, hemorrhoids, and reduce inflammation. In the food and beverage industry, sweet woodruff is utilized as a flavoring component, and in manufacturing, its extracts are used as fragrance components in perfumes.

Drugs that interact with Sweet Woodruff

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DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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