PubMed-compiled information sheet
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Compiled from 23 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Hemp nettle (Galeopsis spp.) is a genus of the Lamiaceae family distributed across Europe, Asia, and Siberia, recognized for its bioactive phytochemicals [PMID:33198290, PMID:40284034].
Background
Hemp nettle comprises several species, including G. bifida, G. tetrahit, G. speciosa, and G. ladanum [PMID:40284034]. It is a synanthropic species widely distributed across Europe, Asia, and Siberia [PMID:33198290].
Traditional uses
In Romania, Galeopsis spp. are used for their sedative, neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, expectorant, astringent, and diuretic properties [PMID:40284034]. G. bifida is also deeply embedded in the ethnomedical tradition of Asian healers [PMID:33198290].
Active compounds
Identified compounds include iridoid glycosides (e.g., harpagide, acetyl harpagide, ajugoside, 8-acetyl harpagid), phenylethanoid glycosides (e.g., verbascoside), hydroxycinnamates, and flavone glycosides [PMID:33198290, PMID:12774403, PMID:22963374, PMID:41681623]. G. ladanum seeds contain alkaloids, including stachydrine [PMID:10074634].
Mechanism of action
In vitro studies indicate that Galeopsis spp. possess antioxidant and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory potentials [PMID:40284034].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DRhabdomyolysis (Coturnism)
An outbreak of rhabdomyolysis (myalgia, increased muscular enzymes, and myoglobinuria) was reported in 20 patients who ingested quails that had eaten Galeopsis ladanum seeds [PMID:10074634]. However, a subsequent study using rat models found that direct administration of G. ladanum seed extracts or stachydrine did not produce myotoxicity, suggesting they may not be the causal agents [PMID:19860419].
Safety & adverse effects
Ingestion of quails that consumed Galeopsis ladanum seeds has been linked to an epidemic of rhabdomyolysis [PMID:10074634].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on phytochemical profiling and case reports of toxicity; there are no clinical trials or systematic reviews supporting therapeutic efficacy.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 33198290 (2020) — Synanthropic Plants as an Underestimated Source of Bioactive Phytochemicals: A Case of Galeopsis bifida (Lamiaceae). · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 10074634 (1999) — [Epidemic rhabdomyolysis due to the eating of quail. A clinical, epidemiological and experimental study]. · Medicina clinica
- 3.PMID: 19860419 (2009) — Negative evidence for stachydrine or Galeopsis ladanum L. seeds as the causal agents of coturnism after quail meat ingestion. · Journal of agricultural and food chemistry
- 4.PMID: 40284034 (2025) — Phenolic Acid Investigation and In Vitro Antioxidant and Antiacetylcholinesterase Potentials of Galeopsis spp. (Lamiaceae) from Romanian Flora. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
- 5.PMID: 12774403