FolkKB

Cudweed

Gnaphalium uliginosum

Gnaphalium uliginosum, a plant traditionally not extensively documented in any specific medical tradition, has shown potential antimicrobial activity through its 70% ethanol extract. The Russian Pharmacopoeia includes this plant among others not found in the European Pharmacopoeia, suggesting possible traditional medicinal use. Scientific evidence indicates that seed mass and shape are negatively related to persistence across different plant functional groups, but these relationships vary widely. While there is limited scientific research, a 70% ethanol extract of Gnaphalium uliginosum has demonstrated antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. No significant safety concerns or recorded drug interactions have been noted for this plant.

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 70% ethanol extract of Gnaphalium uliginosum obtained through ultrasonic extraction showed the highest antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi. D PMID
  • The study developed and validated SDMs for 265 wetland plant species across Europe, showing good predictive power especially for diagnostic mosses. D PMID
  • Across all species, both seed mass and shape were negatively related to persistence, though relationships varied among plant functional groups. D PMID
  • The study identified twelve associations and two plant communities within the Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class in Poland. D PMID
  • The Russian Pharmacopoeia includes 32 plants not found in the European Pharmacopoeia, highlighting potential for traditional medicinal use. D PMID
  • Gnaphalium uliginosum was found to support moderate reproduction of Meloidogyne hapla, alongside other weeds like Bidens spp., Erysimum cheiranthoides, and Matricaria matricarioides. D PMID
  • The study identified R. lateriflorus growing in specific vegetation clusters and recorded a new association of the rare plant community in the Latorica River catchment area. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Cudweed?

Cudweed (Gnaphalium uliginosum) 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 Cudweed?

7 sourced findings are recorded for Cudweed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: The 70% ethanol extract of Gnaphalium uliginosum obtained through ultrasonic extraction showed the highest antimicrobial activity against certain bacteria and fungi.

How strong is the evidence for Cudweed?

The strongest finding for Cudweed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Cudweed safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Cudweed interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Cudweed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Cudweed?

Cudweed is also known as: Сушеница топяная, Cotonnière des fanges.

Is Cudweed 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 Host Suitability of 32 Common Weeds to Meloidogyne hapla in Organic Soils of Southwestern Quebec. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Medicinal plants of the Russian Pharmacopoeia; their history and applications. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Formalized classification of ephemeral wetland vegetation (Isoëto-Nanojuncetea class) in Poland (Central Europe). literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Phytochemical Study of Ethanol Extract of Gnaphalium uliginosum L. and Evaluation of Its Antimicrobial Activity. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 Developing and Validating Species Distribution Models for Wetland Plants Across Europe. literature abstract metadata
  6. T2 Inconsistent relationships detected between seed size, shape and persistence for different plant functional groups in the Pannonian flora. literature abstract metadata
  7. T2 Vegetation of Ranunculus lateriflorus (Ranunculaceae) in the Latorica (Latorytsia) River catchment (Slovakia and Ukraine). literature abstract metadata