European Lily Of The Valley

Convallaria majalis

Convallaria majalis, commonly known as lily-of-the-valley, is a traditional European plant with roots in herbal medicine. It has been used historically for respiratory conditions but lacks substantial evidence supporting its efficacy in these applications. Scientific studies indicate that Convallaria majalis contains steroidal glycosides, some of which show selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells; however, the evidence remains limited and requires further investigation. The plant's fluorescence properties have been studied using advanced imaging techniques, showing promising potential for improved microscopy but not directly related to its traditional uses. Safety concerns are minimal based on current data, with no major issues recorded. There is also no documented evidence of significant drug interactions; however, caution should be exercised due to the presence of cardiac glycosides, which could potentially interact with certain medications affecting heart function.

At a glance
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

  • The study identified 139 steroidal glycosides from various plants, including Convallaria majalis, with some showing selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells. D PMID
  • The study demonstrates that a compact picosecond laser source can generate comparable fluorescence signals to a femtosecond laser for two-photon microscopy of Convallaria majalis samples. D PMID
  • FLI3M improves fluorescence lifetime estimation reliability by 56% on average in low-SNR regions of Convallaria majalis. D PMID
  • Convallaria majalis was recorded among plants used for respiratory conditions but requires further scientific evaluation due to cardiac glycosides. D PMID
  • The study found significant differences in leaf histology among Allium ursinum, Convallaria majalis, and Colchicum autumnale, aiding their differentiation. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is European Lily Of The Valley?

European Lily Of The Valley (Convallaria majalis) 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 European Lily Of The Valley?

5 sourced findings are recorded for European Lily Of The Valley; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The study identified 139 steroidal glycosides from various plants, including Convallaria majalis, with some showing selective cytotoxicity against tumor cells.

How strong is the evidence for European Lily Of The Valley?

The strongest finding for European Lily Of The Valley carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is European Lily Of The Valley safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for European Lily Of The Valley in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does European Lily Of The Valley interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for European Lily Of The Valley in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of European Lily Of The Valley?

European Lily Of The Valley is also known as: Ландыш майский, Muguet de mai.

Is European Lily Of The Valley 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

  1. T2 Search for new steroidal glycosides with anti-cancer potential from natural resources. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Two-photon microscopy using picosecond pulses from four-wave mixing in a Yb-doped photonic crystal fiber. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Histological Features Detected for Separation of the Edible Leaves of Allium ursinum L. from the Poisonous Leaves of Convallaria majalis L. and Colchicum autumnale L. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Adaptive fluorescence lifetime imaging with per-pixel signal optimization and flexible scanning. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Ethnopharmacobotanical investigation of plants used for respiratory disorders in Transylvania, Romania. literature abstract metadata