PubMed-compiled information sheet
This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.
Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Melilotus officinalis, also known as yellow sweet clover, is a legume native to Europe used as a medicinal plant and forage crop [PMID:38637749, PMID:37259688].
Background
Melilotus officinalis is a diploid plant (2n=16) native to Europe that can fix nitrogen and serve as a medicine [PMID:38637749].
Active compounds
The plant contains pharmacologically active coumarins [PMID:34717292], phenolic compounds including phenolic acids and flavonoids [PMID:39942630], and carotenoids such as (all-E)-lutein 5,6-epoxide [PMID:33477841]. Specific markers in honey from this plant include (+)-catechine and gallic acid [PMID:28098847]. Dicoumarol, a natural hydroxycoumarin and anticoagulant, is discovered from the spoilage of M. officinalis [PMID:32911072].
Mechanism of action
Dicoumarol acts as a vitamin K antagonist by inhibiting vitamin K epoxide reductase [PMID:32911072]. Polyphenolic-rich extracts have shown inhibitory activity against α-amylase and α-glucosidase [PMID:32548486]. In animal models, M. officinalis extract attenuated clinical signs of autoimmune encephalomyelitis by declining the gene expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ) and increasing antioxidant enzyme expression (Glutathione peroxidase and Catalase) [PMID:33841545].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CPrimary lymphoedema and radiotherapy/surgery-related lymphoedema
Coumarin is an effective treatment, though its use is limited by possible hepatotoxicity [PMID:36558195]
Evidence BLocalised varicose syndrome or capillary fragility
Melilot extract patches were evaluated for coumarin release and skin permeation [PMID:10727876]
Safety & adverse effects
Coumarin use may lead to hepatotoxicity, typically presenting as mild to moderate transaminase elevation, though severe cases are rare [PMID:36558195]. In animals, coumarin can cause severe poisoning, inducing systemic and hepatic inflammation by increasing intestinal permeability and bile acid accumulation [PMID:40970721].
Drug interactions
A case of severe liver dysfunction was reported in a patient using a melilot supplement (10 mg/day of coumarin) in combination with interferon beta-1b therapy [PMID:22642738].
Evidence summary
The evidence consists primarily of narrative reviews, in vitro studies, animal models, and isolated case reports. Clinical evidence for human use is limited to specific components like coumarin.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 36558195 (2022) — Coumarin-Induced Hepatotoxicity: A Narrative Review. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 2.PMID: 28098847 (2017) — Polish Yellow Sweet Clover (Melilotus officinalis L.) Honey, Chromatographic Fingerprints, and Chemical Markers. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
- 3.PMID: 38637749 (2024) — Genome assembly of Melilotus officinalis provides a new reference genome for functional genomics. · BMC genomic data
- 4.PMID: 28426165 (2017) — Hydrogen peroxide-dependent antibacterial action of Melilotus albus honey. · Letters in applied microbiology
- 5.PMID: 34717292 (2022) — Genome and systems biology of Melilotus albus provides insights into coumarins biosynthesis.