Bog-bean

Menyanthes trifoliata

Menyanthes trifoliata, commonly known as buckbean, is a plant traditionally associated with European and North American herbal medicine. It has been used in folk remedies but lacks documented traditional uses specific to any particular medical condition or practice. Scientific evidence for Menyanthes trifoliata is limited. Studies have shown that the extract of this plant may possess sedative-hypnotic properties, potentially reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep duration in mice without causing toxicity. However, these findings are preliminary and require further investigation to confirm their relevance to human conditions. While Menyanthes trifoliata has been observed to thrive in various water quality conditions, its presence does not strictly correlate with identical physicochemical values in peatland habitats. The plant's dominance increased after 25 years of beaver activity, indicating a possible ecological role beyond medicinal use. Additionally, the plant showed moderate metal concentrations and exhibited some anti-inflammatory activity, though it was not the most prominent among five studied medicinal plants. Safety concerns for Menyanthes trifoliata are currently minimal; no major issues have been recorded in existing literature. There is also no reported evidence of drug interactions with this plant, but comprehensive studies on potential interactions remain to be conducted.

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

  • Menyanthes trifoliata extract showed sedative-hypnotic effects in mice, reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep duration without toxicity. D PMID
  • The study found that while herb species like Menyanthes trifoliata have wide ecological tolerance for water quality variables, their presence does not strictly correlate with identical physicochemical values in peatland habitats. D PMID
  • Menyanthes trifoliata became more dominant in the vegetation communities after 25 years of beaver presence. D PMID
  • Menyanthes trifoliata had moderate metal concentrations and showed some anti-inflammatory activity, but was not the most prominent among the five medicinal plants studied. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Bog-bean?

Bog-bean (Menyanthes trifoliata) 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 Bog-bean?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Bog-bean; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Menyanthes trifoliata extract showed sedative-hypnotic effects in mice, reducing sleep latency and increasing total sleep duration without toxicity.

How strong is the evidence for Bog-bean?

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

Is Bog-bean safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Bog-bean interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Bog-bean?

Bog-bean is also known as: Вахта (растение).

Is Bog-bean 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 The Influence of Shallow Peatland Water Quality on Characteristics of the Occurrence of Selected Herb Species in the Peatlands of Eastern Poland. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Evaluation of the sedative-hypnotic effects of Menyanthes trifoliata L. extract in mice. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Integrated profiling of essential metals, phenolic compounds, anti-inflammatory and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities for five medicinal plants. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Vegetation and Landscape Shift After Beaver Settlement in a Mountainous Area. literature abstract metadata