Verbena Officinalis Herb Extract
Also known as: Common vervain, vervain, verbena, Verbena officinalis L., Verbena officinalis
Overview
Verbena officinalis, commonly known as common vervain, is a perennial herb found across Europe, America, Asia, and Africa. It has a long history of use in traditional Chinese and European herbal medicine, where it is recognized for its bitter and cold properties and its association with the liver and spleen meridians. The herb's primary bioactive constituents include flavonoids, iridoid glycosides, triterpenoids, and phenylpropanoids. Research indicates potential anti-inflammatory, analgesic, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective effects. While pharmacological studies have begun to elucidate its multi-target actions, high-quality clinical trials in humans are currently limited, meaning most of the evidence for its benefits comes from preclinical and traditional use.
Benefits
Verbena officinalis exhibits several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and traditional evidence. Its anti-inflammatory activity is a key highlight, with extracts shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory mediators such as IL-6, IL-1β, COX-2, and TNF-α, suggesting its utility in reducing systemic inflammation. Traditional use and some preclinical data also point to analgesic (pain-relieving) properties, though robust clinical evidence is still needed. The herb is also believed to modulate immune responses, which could be beneficial in inflammatory and autoimmune conditions. Furthermore, some components may offer neuroprotective effects, although this requires clinical validation. Secondary benefits include potential regulation of lipid metabolism, with constituents like quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol possibly inhibiting lipid pathways, suggesting anti-atherosclerotic potential. However, these benefits lack confirmation from large-scale, high-quality human clinical trials, and quantitative clinical effect sizes are not available.
How it works
The therapeutic actions of Verbena officinalis are primarily attributed to its diverse phytochemical profile. Its anti-inflammatory effects are mediated by the downregulation of key inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α, as well as enzymes like COX-2, which are central to inflammatory pathways. Flavonoids and iridoid glycosides within the herb contribute to its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties. The potential for lipid metabolism modulation may involve the inhibition of lipid regulatory enzymes, which could contribute to anti-atherosclerotic effects. While specific absorption and bioavailability data for Verbena officinalis are limited, flavonoids generally exhibit moderate oral bioavailability, undergoing metabolism in the liver and gut.
Side effects
Verbena officinalis is traditionally considered to have low toxicity and a generally good safety profile. However, clinical trial data on side effects are not well documented, meaning the full spectrum of potential adverse reactions is not thoroughly understood. Mild gastrointestinal discomfort is a possible, though unconfirmed, side effect. There are no robust reports of serious adverse effects or significant drug interactions in the existing literature. Specific contraindications, as well as safety data for special populations such as pregnant or lactating women and children, are insufficiently studied. Therefore, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended before use, especially in these populations or when taking other medications.
Dosage
Currently, there are no standardized dosing guidelines for Verbena officinalis established through rigorous clinical trials. Traditional use varies widely, with the herb commonly consumed as teas or extracts. However, specific dose-response data, optimal dosages for particular conditions, and maximum safe doses have not been determined in human studies. The timing of administration also lacks clinical recommendations. Due to the absence of high-quality randomized controlled trials, it is not possible to provide evidence-based recommendations for dosage, form, or absorption considerations. Users should exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional, as the upper limits and safety thresholds remain undefined.
FAQs
Is Verbena officinalis effective for inflammation?
Preclinical and pharmacological evidence suggests anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting inflammatory mediators, but high-quality clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy in humans.
Is Verbena officinalis safe to use?
Traditionally, it is considered to have low toxicity. However, clinical safety data are limited, and specific side effects or drug interactions are not well documented in human trials.
How long does it take to see effects from Verbena officinalis?
The time course for effects is not established due to a lack of clinical trials. Individual responses may vary, and more research is needed.
Can Verbena officinalis be combined with other treatments?
There are no documented adverse interactions, but caution is advised. Consult a healthcare professional before combining it with other medications or supplements due to limited research.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10106644/ – This review article provides a comprehensive pharmacological analysis of Verbena officinalis, identifying key bioactive compounds like quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol. It proposes mechanisms for anti-inflammatory and lipid-regulating effects, primarily through cytokine inhibition and modulation of lipid metabolism. The study highlights the herb's phytochemical profile but notes the absence of direct clinical trial data, basing conclusions on in vitro and animal studies.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10920213/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the role of herbal medicines as add-ons to lifestyle modification for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). While not specific to Verbena officinalis, it concluded that herbal medicines, as a class, may offer additive benefits in NAFLD treatment. The review emphasizes the need for further large-scale randomized controlled trials to confirm these findings and address the heterogeneity of herbal interventions.