White horehound
Marrubium vulgare L
BOTANY
White horehound belongs to Lamiaceae (Mint) family. A wide spread species found on every continent.
PARTS USED
Above ground flowering parts are harvested just before they turn fully green. M. vulgare has a musky smell that becomes a strong but pleasant scent when dried, along with a bitter, aromatic taste.
PHYTOCHEMISTRY
Essential oil, monoterpenes, Sesquiterpene lactones, triterpenoids, diterpenes, phenolic acids, phenylpropanoid (cinnamic) acids, and esters and flavonoids, tannins, various nitrogen-containing compounds such as choline and betonicine, amino acids and alkaloid stachydrine, polysaccharides, as well as minerals, in particular potassium salts
ACTIONS
Antioxidant, antinociceptive, antigentoxic, immunomodulating, antioedematogenic, analgesic, antidiabetic, vasorelaxant, antimicrobial (especially against Gram+ bacteria, fungi, herpes simplex virus, and parasites such as Toxoplasma gondii, Trichomonas vaginalis, and Plasmodium berghei-berghei was recorded), anti-inflammatory, vulnerary (wound healing), antihypertensive, hypolipidemic, sedative, expectorant, bitter tonic, diuretic, laxative (in higher doses)
TRADITIONAL USES
Current traditional application of M. vulgare is for gastrointestinal (bloating flatulence, and in temporary loss of appetite ) and respiratory disorders (bronchitis, cough, catarrh). This herb was often used by women struggling to conceive to help regulate their menstrual cycle. M. vulgare is also used traditionally to treat jaundice and painful periods. In Tunisian tradition, this plant was used to lower blood pressure, reduce blood sugar, and as cardiotonic.. Externally, it can be used for skin damage, ulcers, and wounds
SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH
2024 RCT findings suggest that Marrubium vulgare could serve as an effective and safe treatment for PCOS. Due to it’s ability to positively influence hormonal parameters and symptoms of PCOS .
SAFETY
Marrubium vulgare may be mistaken for Ballota nigra L., Nepeta cataria L., Stachy germanicus L., Marrubium incantum DESR, or Marrubium remotum KIT. Therefore, careful identification and ensuring the purity of herbal preparations are essential.
Not recommended for children under 12. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.