Ashweed
Aegopodium podagraria
Aegopodium podagraria, commonly known as ground elder or bishop's weed, is a traditional plant that has not been extensively used in any specific medicinal traditions. Scientific studies have shown that its floral volatiles attract Anthrenus verbasci adults initially, though visual cues eventually become more dominant. The plant’s essential oils and extracts exhibit potential health-promoting properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Leaf and root extracts, particularly the water and methanol leaf extracts, demonstrated strong antioxidant activity in one study. However, the overall evidence is limited, and further research is needed to confirm these findings. No major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant, but as with any herbal remedy, it is advisable to consult a healthcare provider before use.
- Best evidence
- D
- Cautions
- —
Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.
What the science says
- Aegopodium podagraria's floral volatiles attract Anthrenus verbasci adults, but visual cues eventually become more influential.
- The study summarizes Aegopodium podagraria's chemical composition, bioactivity, and various health-promoting properties including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
- The study identified the composition of essential oils and evaluated antioxidant properties of leaf and root extracts from Aegopodium podagraria, with leaves showing stronger antioxidant activity.
- The study found that Aegopodium podagraria had lower average total chlorophyll content compared to some other species but similar to Urtica dioica during the vegetation period.
Frequently asked questions
What is Ashweed?
Ashweed (Aegopodium podagraria) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.
What does the scientific evidence say about Ashweed?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Ashweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Aegopodium podagraria's floral volatiles attract Anthrenus verbasci adults, but visual cues eventually become more influential.
How strong is the evidence for Ashweed?
The strongest finding for Ashweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Ashweed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Ashweed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Ashweed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Ashweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Ashweed?
Ashweed is also known as: Сныть обыкновенная, Égopode podagraire.
Is Ashweed a proven treatment?
No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.
Sources
- T2 Goutweed (Aegopodium podagraria L.)-An Edible Weed with Health-Promoting Properties. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Effect of Phenological Stage and Leaf Age on Changes of Chlorophyll and Carotenoid Contents in Some Weeds and Invasive Species. literature abstract metadata
- T2 The interplay of olfaction and vision in host plant selection by Anthrenus verbasci. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Characterization of Steam Volatiles and Evaluation of the Antioxidant Properties of Different Extracts from Leaves and Roots of Aegopodium podagraria L. literature abstract metadata