The weed in your lawn may fight gum disease
Bereteu-Costa AD, Pallag A, Potra Cicalău GI, Ganea M, Pașca MB, Morar MT, Ciavoi G.
Medicinal Plants
That low, purple-flowered creeper spreading through your lawn or shady beds is ground ivy, a plant European herbalists have used for centuries and that researchers now say could end up in your toothpaste.
Ground ivy, sometimes called creeping Charlie, is a low-growing plant many gardeners try to pull out of their lawns. But this review pulls together decades of research showing it's loaded with compounds that fight germs, calm inflammation, and protect cells, which is why old-time herbalists brewed it for coughs and stomach troubles. Scientists are now looking at whether those same compounds could go into mouthwash and other dental care products.
Key Findings
Glechoma hederacea's phytochemical profile is dominated by phenolic acids, flavonoids, and volatile compounds
Experimental studies report antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective effects
The plant shows potential applications specifically in oral hygiene products and complementary dental therapy
chevron_right Technical Summary
A review of ground ivy, a common creeping garden plant, finds it's packed with antioxidant and antimicrobial compounds that scientists are now studying for use in mouthwashes and dental products.
Abstract Preview
Original paper
<i>Glechoma hederacea</i> (L.): Phytochemical Profile, Biological Activities and Emerging Perspectives in Oral Health-A Review.
Current interest in the use of medicinal plants for the prevention and management of various diseases has increased significantly due to the need to identify effective, safe, and sustainable natura...
open_in_new Read full abstractAbstract copyright held by the original publisher.
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Glechoma hederacea is an aromatic, perennial, evergreen creeper of the mint family Lamiaceae. It is commonly known as ground-ivy, gill-over-the-ground, creeping charlie, alehoof, tunhoof, catsfoot, field balm, and run-away-robin. It is also sometimes known as creeping jenny, but that name more co...