Prunelle (Prunella vulgaris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does selfheal herb work for wound healing?

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) promotes wound healing through several mechanisms. Its active compounds, particularly rosmarinic acid and ursolic acid, demonstrate anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties that help reduce infection risk and inflammation at wound sites. These compounds also support tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis. The herb's astringent properties help tighten and tone wound edges, while its antioxidant content protects healing tissue from oxidative damage. Evidence level: C (preclinical studies).

Does selfheal herb interact with any medications?

Currently, there are no well-documented significant drug interactions for selfheal herb (Prunella vulgaris). However, due to its potential blood pressure-lowering effects, individuals taking antihypertensive medications should monitor their blood pressure closely and consult a healthcare provider before combining. Those on immunosuppressant medications should also exercise caution, as selfheal may have immunomodulatory properties. Always inform your healthcare provider about all herbal supplements you are taking.

What is the recommended dosage for selfheal herb?

The typical adult dosage for selfheal herb is 3-5 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea, taken up to three times daily. Alternatively, 3ml of tincture can be taken three times daily. For wound healing, a poultice or infused oil can be applied topically to clean wounds. Dosage may vary based on individual needs and the specific condition being addressed. Consult a qualified herbalist or healthcare provider for personalized dosing recommendations.

Is selfheal herb safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Selfheal herb is generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding when used in recommended amounts. It has a long history of traditional use without reported adverse effects in pregnant or nursing women. However, as with any herbal supplement during pregnancy, it is advisable to consult a qualified healthcare provider or medical herbalist before use. Those with known allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae (mint) family should avoid selfheal, as rare allergic reactions have been reported.

What is selfheal herb used for?

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris) has been used across cultures for wound healing, sore throat relief, and as an antiviral agent. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is called 'Xia Ku Cao' and used for liver disorders and reducing swellings. European herbalists traditionally used it as a 'heal-all' for wounds, mouth ulcers, and throat infections. Native American medicine employed it similarly for cuts, sores, and inflammation. Modern research suggests potential benefits for blood pressure regulation and immune support, though clinical evidence remains limited (Evidence level: C).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Prunella vulgaris, also known as self-heal, is a perennial herb used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-tumor properties [PMID:30864498, PMID:33538676].

Contexte

Prunella vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) is a widely distributed medicinal and edible perennial herb found in Eurasia and northeastern Asian countries, including China, Japan, and Korea [PMID:37600185, PMID:30864498].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used as an expectorant, anti-inflammatory, anti-pyretic, and anti-rheumatic [PMID:33538676]. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, it is used to clear liver-fire, brighten the eyes, disperse swelling, and treat conditions such as photophobia, dizziness, scrofula, goiter, and breast cancer [PMID:35814234, PMID:40074139].

Composés actifs

Major chemical constituents include triterpenoids (such as ursolic acid and oleanolic acid), sterols (including $\beta$-sitosterol and stigmasterol), flavonoids (such as luteolin and quercetin), polysaccharides, phenolic acids, and coumarins [PMID:25078822, PMID:30864498, PMID:40074139, PMID:40076586].

Mécanisme d'action

Mechanisms include the inhibition of oxidative stress and ferroptosis via the NRF2/GPX4 pathway [PMID:40089199], regulation of the S100A9-PP2A-AMPK pathway for liver and eye protection [PMID:40215815], and the inhibition of PTP1B/PI3K/AKT/mTOR and IL-24/CXCL12/CXCR4 pathways in breast cancer [PMID:40076586]. It may also exert anti-tumor effects by inducing apoptosis, inhibiting angiogenesis, and inhibiting tumor cell migration and invasion [PMID:38675663].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve DGraves' disease

Potential for restoring Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviating oxidative stress [PMID:38879922].

Preuve DPapillary thyroid carcinoma metastasis

Potential in inhibiting metastasis, specifically through $\beta$-sitosterol affecting cell viability and migration [PMID:40651298].

Preuve DTriple-negative breast cancer

Triterpenoids significantly inhibited proliferation, migration, and invasion [PMID:40076586].

Preuve DEndometriosis

Water-extracted P. vulgaris significantly alleviated the growth of ectopic endometrial lesions in mice [PMID:35444541].

Preuve DMyocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Aqueous extract alleviated injury by inhibiting oxidative stress and ferroptosis [PMID:40089199].

Preuve DCancer-related fatigue

Seed oil improved fatigue-like behaviors and reduced tumor growth by attenuating hypothalamic inflammation [PMID:40993108].

Synthèse des preuves

The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies, animal models, and literature reviews (Level C and D). There is a lack of high-level clinical trial data (Level A or B) in the provided abstracts.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 40651298 (2025) — An integrative analysis reveals mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris in thyroid cancer metastasis. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
2.PMID: 40215815 (2025) — Prunella vulgaris polyphenols alleviate liver injury-uveitis comorbidity by regulating acylcarnitine via the S100A9-PP2A-AMPK pathway. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3.PMID: 38879922 (2024) — Mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L. and luteolin in restoring Tfh/Tfr balance and alleviating oxidative stress in Graves' disease. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
4.PMID: 25078822 (2013) — Chemical constituents of Prunella vulgaris. · Journal of environmental sciences (China)
5.PMID: 33538676 (2022) — Prunella vulgaris L: Critical Pharmacological, Expository Traditional Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry: A Review.

Prunelle

Sources et citations

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