Cleavers Aerial Parts Extract
Also known as: Galium aparine, Cleavers, Bedstraw, Grip Grass, Goosegrass
Overview
Cleavers (*Galium aparine*) is a herbaceous plant in the Rubiaceae family, with the aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) being utilized medicinally. It is traditionally used as a lymphatic tonic, diuretic, and for gentle detoxification. It is also applied for mild anti-inflammatory and astringent effects. Cleavers has a sweet, salty, cool, and moist taste. It can be used fresh or dried. The plant is notable for its support of the lymphatic and urinary systems. Research on cleavers is currently at a low to moderate level, with most evidence being preclinical (in vitro, animal studies). Human clinical trials are limited and of low quality. Therefore, while traditional use suggests benefits, more rigorous research is needed to confirm these effects.
Benefits
Due to the limited number of robust RCTs or meta-analyses, significant clinical benefits of cleavers in humans have not been demonstrated. Preclinical studies suggest potential immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects, but these findings have not been confirmed in clinical populations. In vitro studies indicate potential cytotoxic effects on cancer cells (e.g., breast cancer) without harming healthy cells, but these findings are not confirmed in humans. There is currently no evidence for specific population benefits beyond traditional use for lymphatic and urinary support. The effect sizes and clinical significance of cleavers remain undetermined due to the lack of clinical data. Traditional use suggests gradual effects over weeks to months.
How it works
Cleavers is thought to work through several biological pathways, including immunomodulation (stimulation of immunocompetent cells), antioxidant activity, and potential cytotoxic effects on cancer cells in vitro. It primarily interacts with the lymphatic and urinary systems, potentially supporting detoxification and providing mild anti-inflammatory effects. The known molecular targets are not well characterized but likely involve modulation of immune cell activity and antioxidant pathways. However, there is currently no pharmacokinetic data available for cleavers aerial parts extract in humans, so absorption and bioavailability are not well understood.
Side effects
Cleavers is generally considered safe when used as directed, with no reports of serious adverse effects in traditional use. Common side effects are not reported in available literature. Mild gastrointestinal upset is a possible but uncommon side effect. Allergic reactions are possible but rare. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised with diuretics due to potential additive effects. Due to a lack of safety data, use caution in pregnancy and lactation. Cleavers is not recommended for children, pregnant, or lactating women without professional guidance.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of cleavers has not been established in clinical trials. Traditional use suggests optimal dosage ranges of 2–4 grams of dried herb per day as tea or infusion, or 2–4 mL of tincture (1:5, 25% alcohol) three times daily. The maximum safe dose is not established, but traditional use suggests moderate doses are safe. Cleavers is traditionally used daily for weeks to months for lymphatic support. It can be consumed as fresh juice, dried herb (tea), or tincture, with the best quality obtained when harvested during flowering. There is currently no data available regarding absorption factors or required cofactors.
FAQs
What is cleavers primarily used for?
Cleavers is primarily used for lymphatic and urinary support. Evidence for other uses is lacking, and more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness for other conditions.
Is cleavers safe to use?
Cleavers is generally safe, but it should be avoided during pregnancy and lactation. Caution should also be exercised when using it with diuretics due to potential additive effects.
How long does it take to see results from using cleavers?
Cleavers is traditionally taken daily for several weeks to months. Gradual improvement in lymphatic drainage and a mild diuretic effect are expected, but no rapid or dramatic benefits should be anticipated.
Is cleavers a proven treatment for cancer?
No, cleavers is not a proven treatment for cancer or serious infections. Preclinical data are not sufficient for clinical recommendations, and more research is needed.
Research Sources
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/cleavers-health-benefits-5084341 – This article provides a general overview of cleavers, highlighting its traditional uses and potential health benefits. It mentions its use as a diuretic and lymphatic tonic, but also notes the limited scientific evidence supporting these claims.
- https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sites/default/files/herbal_medicines_interactions-1.pdf – This document discusses potential interactions between herbal medicines and pharmaceuticals. While it may not specifically focus on cleavers, it emphasizes the importance of considering potential interactions when using herbal supplements, especially with medications like diuretics.
- https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/cleavers/ – This resource offers a detailed monograph on cleavers, covering its traditional uses, constituents, and potential benefits. It also acknowledges the need for more research to validate these traditional uses scientifically.
- https://www.herbrally.com/monographs/cleavers – This monograph provides information on cleavers, including its historical uses and potential therapeutic properties. It highlights its traditional use as a lymphatic tonic and diuretic, while also noting the limited scientific evidence available.
- https://eclecticschoolofherbalmedicine.com/cleavers-monograph/ – This monograph from the Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine details the traditional uses of cleavers in eclectic medicine. It describes its use for lymphatic congestion, skin conditions, and urinary issues, emphasizing its gentle and supportive nature.
- https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/cleavers/ – This study investigated the immunomodulatory effects of cleavers extracts on human immunocompetent blood cells. The ethanolic extracts were found to stimulate the transformation of immunocompetent cells, with the 96% ethanol extract showing the most activity. However, the study was conducted in vitro, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in human clinical trials.
- https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/cleavers/ – This in vitro study examined the antioxidant and immunostimulatory activity of cleavers infusion and bioactive fractions. The results indicated that cleavers possesses significant immunostimulatory and antioxidant properties. However, the study was conducted in vitro, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in human clinical trials.
- https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/cleavers/ – This in vitro study assessed the cytotoxicity of a methanolic extract of cleavers on human breast cancer cells and healthy epithelial cells. The extract was found to be cytotoxic to cancer cells but not to healthy cells. However, the study was conducted in vitro, and further research is needed to confirm these findings in human clinical trials.