Cleavers Herb Extract
Also known as: Cleavers, Goosegrass, Sticky Willy, Galium aparine
Overview
Cleavers (*Galium aparine* L.) is a herbaceous plant traditionally used in European, Asian, and American folk medicine. It is primarily recognized for its potential to support the lymphatic system, act as a diuretic, and for its topical applications in skin conditions. The herb is commonly prepared as aqueous infusions or ethanolic extracts from its aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers). Its key characteristics include antioxidant, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, and potential anticancer activities, as suggested by preclinical studies. While traditional use is extensive, research on cleavers is emerging but remains limited, with most studies being in vitro or small-scale. High-quality clinical trials are scarce, meaning the overall evidence quality is moderate, relying mainly on mechanistic studies rather than robust randomized controlled trials (RCTs).
Benefits
Cleavers is traditionally used for lymphatic support and detoxification, believed to enhance lymphatic circulation and drainage, which may alleviate congestion and swollen lymph nodes. Its diuretic effect aids waste elimination through increased urine output. In vitro studies demonstrate that cleavers extracts stimulate lymphocyte activity and enhance immune defense mechanisms, showing significant immunostimulatory effects and scavenging reactive oxygen species. Extracts also exhibit antibacterial activity, notably against methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA), suggesting potential as an alternative antimicrobial agent. The herb contains flavonoids, phenolic acids, and polysaccharides, contributing to its antioxidant capacity, which supports its traditional use in skin healing and protection against oxidative stress. Furthermore, methanolic extracts have shown selective cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell lines in vitro, inducing cancer cell death while sparing normal cells, indicating a promising but preliminary anticancer potential that requires further clinical validation.
How it works
Cleavers extracts stimulate immune cells, particularly lymphocytes, enhancing their proliferative response and functional activity, likely mediated by polyphenols and flavonoids. Its antioxidant activity stems from its ability to scavenge free radicals like DPPH, nitric oxide, and hydrogen peroxide, reducing oxidative stress through its phenolic compounds. The herb's antimicrobial effects involve bioactive compounds that interfere with bacterial cell viability, especially against resistant strains like MRSA, though specific molecular targets are not fully elucidated. Cytotoxicity against cancer cells may involve the induction of apoptosis and inhibition of proliferation, but detailed pathways are not yet fully characterized. Human pharmacokinetic data are lacking, limiting understanding of systemic bioavailability and how it interacts with body systems beyond in vitro observations.
Side effects
Cleavers is generally considered safe based on its long history of traditional use and limited available data. However, comprehensive safety evaluations in humans are currently lacking. No well-documented common adverse effects have been reported, though mild gastrointestinal discomfort is theoretically possible but not well-studied. Data are insufficient to define any uncommon or rare side effects. Due to a lack of specific research, drug interactions are largely unknown; caution is advised when cleavers is combined with diuretics or immunomodulatory drugs, as it may theoretically potentiate their effects. Contraindications are not well established, but prudence is recommended for individuals who are pregnant, lactating, or have severe renal or hepatic impairment, due to the absence of safety data in these populations. Safety in children and pregnant/nursing women has not been established, and its use in these groups should be approached with caution.
Dosage
There is no standardized dosing for cleavers established from clinical trials. Traditional use often involves herbal teas made from the leaves, typically one cup of infusion consumed three times daily. For extracts, various concentrations (20%-96%) have been used in in vitro studies, but these do not translate directly to human dosing. A maximum safe dose for human consumption has not been established. Traditionally, cleavers is used as a tonic or detoxifying agent, with timing based on traditional practice rather than clinical evidence. Common forms include aqueous infusions and ethanolic extracts, with topical applications also being traditional for skin conditions. Absorption factors and bioavailability in humans are unknown, as specific studies are lacking. No specific cofactors have been identified to enhance its effects.
FAQs
Is cleavers safe for long-term use?
Safety data are insufficient for long-term use; traditional use suggests low toxicity, but clinical studies are needed to confirm safety over extended periods.
Can cleavers be used for infections?
In vitro evidence supports antimicrobial effects, especially against MRSA, but clinical efficacy in treating human infections is currently unproven.
Does cleavers help cancer?
Preliminary cell studies show selective cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells, but no clinical trials confirm anticancer benefits in humans.
How quickly do benefits appear?
No human trials define the onset of benefits; traditional use implies gradual effects over several weeks rather than immediate results.
Is cleavers effective topically?
In vitro antioxidant and immunostimulatory effects support traditional topical use for skin infections and wound healing, but clinical trials are limited.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7464609/ – This in vitro study investigated the antimicrobial and anticancer properties of *Galium aparine* extracts. It found significant antibacterial activity against methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA) and selective cytotoxicity against human breast cancer cell lines, while sparing normal cells. The research highlights the potential of cleavers as a source of bioactive compounds for therapeutic applications, though it is limited to laboratory settings.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32824103/ – This in vitro study explored the immunomodulatory and antioxidant effects of *Galium aparine* extracts. It demonstrated that both raw infusions and fractions of the plant significantly stimulated lymphocyte activity and exhibited strong antioxidant scavenging capabilities against free radicals. The findings suggest cleavers' potential to enhance immune responses and combat oxidative stress, but further research is needed to confirm these effects in living organisms.
- https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/cleavers/ – This source provides a review synthesizing in vitro and limited clinical data on cleavers. It confirms immunostimulatory effects, selective cytotoxicity on cancer cells, and antioxidant activity observed in laboratory settings. While it compiles available evidence, it explicitly notes the lack of high-quality randomized controlled trials, indicating that most findings are preclinical and require further human studies for validation.
- https://www.ebsco.com/research-starters/complementary-and-alternative-medicine/cleaverss-therapeutic-uses – This resource summarizes the traditional and potential therapeutic uses of cleavers, focusing on its role in complementary and alternative medicine. It discusses its historical application for lymphatic and urinary health, and touches upon emerging research regarding its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The summary emphasizes that while traditional use is widespread, robust scientific evidence from clinical trials is still developing.
- https://zenmaitri.com/blogs/herb-encyclopedia/cleavers-galium-aparine – This article provides a general overview of cleavers, including its common names, traditional uses, and purported health benefits. It touches upon its historical application as a lymphatic and diuretic herb, aligning with traditional herbal medicine practices. The content is informative for general understanding but does not delve into detailed scientific methodologies or clinical trial results.
