Vervain

Generic name: Verbena Officinalis (L.) Wettst.
Brand names: Enchanter's Plant, Erba Croce, Erba Dei Tagli, Herb Of Grace, Herb Of The Cross, Juno's Tears, Pigeon's Grass, Pigeonweed, Prostrate Verbena, Verbena, Vervain, Yerba De Santa Ana

Usage of Vervain

Cancer

Animal data

The differentiation of a human adenocarcinoma cell line was induced by verbascoside, reducing the malignant phenotype.(Li 1997) Verbascoside affected telomerase activity and telomere length, as well as inducing apoptosis in a gastric cancer cell line.(Zhang 2002) A further experiment found that verbascoside counteracted muscle fatigue in an isolated tissue preparation.(Liao 1999) In vitro proapoptotic activity of the essential oil and of the constituent citral has been described.(Liao 2009) In mice, anti-tumor effects have been demonstrated for a V. officinalis extract.(Kou 2013)

CNS

Animal data

Anticonvulsant, anxiolytic, and sedative properties of V. officinalis have been demonstrated in rodents.(Khan 2016) It was concluded that a V. officinalis aqueous extract at a dose of 200 mg/kg could have an antidepressant effect in adult rats.(Bekara 2020)

An aqueous extract of verbena prevented extracellular accumulation of beta-amyloid peptide, a factor considered to trigger neuronal death in Alzheimer disease. Decreased destruction of neurites and decreased neuronal apoptosis were also observed.(Lai 2006)

The anticonvulsant effects of the aerial parts of V. officinalis extracts in mice was demonstrated. These effects may be related to potentiating the GABAergic system.(Rashidian 2017)

Other uses

The anti-inflammatory activity of a vervain extract and several fractions in a carrageenan paw edema model was reported; however, specific triterpenes, iridoids, and phenolics isolated were not bioassayed to identify which were active.(Deepak 2000) Other reports have shown verbenalin to be active in blocking 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol acetate-induced mouse ear edema and carrageenan-induced paw edema.(Recio 2004) In comparison with piroxicam gel, a 3% preparation of 50% methanolic verbena extract produced better anti-inflammatory results, while the same preparation had less analgesic activity than methyl salicylate ointment.(Calvo 2006)

In the isolated rat heart, verbascoside increased heart rate, force, and coronary perfusion, with a marked increase in cyclic AMP levels.(Pennacchio 1996) A later study found an increase in prostacyclin levels, which may be responsible for the observed effects.(Pennacchio 1999)

The antioxidant effects of verbascoside have been demonstrated in several models, including free radical scavenging(Wang 1996) and pulse radiolysis methods.(Li 1996) Vervain essential oil was active in an antioxidant screen, although the oil was not expected to contain verbascoside.(Mantle 1998)

Modest antiviral activity against vesicular stomatitis virus, but not herpes simplex, at a high dose of verbascoside was observed.(Bermejo 2002) Antibiotic activity caused by an effect on protein synthesis and leucine incorporation was also found with verbascoside.(Avila 1999) Vervain flavonoids have been studied infrequently; however, a flavonoid fraction of vervain inhibited growth of several bacterial species at relatively high concentrations.(Hernandez 2000) Methanol extracts (80%) of the leaves from V. officinalis showed good in vitro antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi.(Sisay 2019)

The efficacy of a verbena extract in reducing gingivitis was compared with placebo in a clinical trial (n=260), with reductions in plaque and gingival indices reported.(Grawish 2016)

One study demonstrated that 80% methanol root extracts of V. officinalis given to mice, produced promising antidiarrheal activity which supports the acclaimed traditional use of the plant material for treatment of diarrheal diseases.(Sisay 2019)

Vervain side effects

Little or no information regarding adverse reactions with the use of vervain exists.

Before taking Vervain

Documented adverse reactions. Avoid use.(Newall 1996) Evidence-based toxic effects on the reproductive performance of pregnant female rats and dose-dependent risk potentials to the fetuses have been observed. Glycosylated flavonoids such as apigenin and luteolin could be responsible for reported prenatal developmental toxicity.(Fateh 2019)

How to use Vervain

There is no recent clinical evidence to support specific dose recommendations for vervain. Traditional use for its astringent properties required 2 to 4 g daily in an infusion.(Gruenwald 2000)

Warnings

No human toxicology studies have been reported on vervain. However, an aqueous extract of V. officinalis has shown mutagenic effects against different strains of Salmonella, as demonstrated by the Ames test. However, no in vivo clastogenic and myelotoxic effect on the bone marrow micronucleus of rats was noted. This suggests that the benefits of using V. officinalis in traditional practice should outweigh risks.(Fateh 2019)

What other drugs will affect Vervain

In an in vitro model of an infant's GI system, infusions of vervain reduced the absorption of iron, especially at a high pH.(Zaida 2006)

Verbenone, a constituent of vervain, was demonstrated to be converted via CYP-450 2A6 to 10-hydroxyverbenone. It is unclear if the metabolite is active, inactive, or toxic.(Miyazawa 2003)

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