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 8 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b
Summary
Stachys palustris, also known as marsh woundwort, is a medicinal herb containing polyphenolic compounds with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-proliferative activities [PMID:35890084, PMID:40836517].
Background
Stachys palustris L. (Lamiaceae) is a plant species widely used as a herbal remedy [PMID:40836517].
Traditional uses
Plants from the genus Stachys (betony) have been used as a nerve tonic for anxiety and headaches, an astringent for diarrhea, and as a gargle for mouth and throat irritations [PMID:30000919].
Active compounds
The plant contains 89 polyphenolic compounds, including vescalagin, cocciferin d2, isoverbascoside (verbascoside), luteolin 6-C-glucoside, luteolin 6-C-galactoside, apigenin 6-C-glucoside, (-)-epicatechin, ellagic acid, and malvidin 3-O-diglucoside [PMID:35890084]. It also contains phenolic acids, flavonoids, anthocyanins (in flowers), and tannins [PMID:40836517].
Mechanism of action
Extracts exhibit antioxidant activity (radical activity and reducing power) and inhibitory effects on digestive enzymes, specifically alpha-glucosidase, alpha-amylase, and pancreatic lipase [PMID:35890084].
Clinical evidence
Evidence DCancer cell viability
Extracts of flowers and leaves exhibit anti-proliferative activity by inhibiting cell viability and inducing apoptosis in human cancer cell lines [PMID:35890084]
Evidence DDiabetes and Obesity
Flower and leaf extracts exhibit anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potencies [PMID:35890084]
Evidence DMSG-induced uterine dysfunction
Preliminary preclinical evidence in rats suggests efficacy in ameliorating monosodium glutamate (MSG)-induced uterine changes [PMID:41901366]
Pregnancy & lactation
Betony is a purported galactogogue, but no scientifically valid clinical trials support this use; it should be avoided during breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and unknown excretion of components into breastmilk [PMID:30000919].
Evidence summary
The current evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and preclinical animal models (Level D), demonstrating antioxidant and pharmacological potential, with a lack of human clinical trial data.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 30000919 (2006) — Polar Constituents, Essential Oil and Antioxidant Activity of Marsh Woundwort (Stachys palustris L.). · Chemistry & biodiversity
- 2.PMID: 40836517 (2023) — Chemical and Antioxidant Profile of Hydroalcoholic Extracts of Stachys Officinalis L., Stachys Palustris L., Stachys Sylvatica L. from Romania. · Acta chimica Slovenica
- 3.PMID: 35890084 (2022) — Flowers and Leaves Extracts of Stachys palustris L. Exhibit Stronger Anti-Proliferative, Antioxidant, Anti-Diabetic, and Anti-Obesity Potencies than Stems and Roots Due to More Phenolic Compounds as Revealed by UPLC-PDA-ESI-TQD-MS/MS. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)
- 4.PMID: 41901366 (2026) — Phytotherapeutic Intervention in Monosodium Glutamate-Induced Uterine Dysfunction: Efficacy of Lepidium sativum, Prunus armeniaca, Stachys palustris, and Solenostemma argel. · Pharmaceuticals (Basel, Switzerland)