Licorice Weed
Scoparia dulcis
Scoparia dulcis, a plant traditionally used in various folk medicine practices but with no specific recorded traditional uses, has shown potential in modern scientific research. Studies indicate that an extract from Scoparia dulcis combined with other herbs demonstrated sedative and anxiolytic effects in mice without significant adverse toxicological impacts. Additionally, the extract exhibited strong anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, SCF, COX-2, iNOS, and reducing NO levels and lung damage in LPS-induced mice models. In vitro, indirubin from Wrightia tinctoria showed a strong binding affinity for Staphylococcus aureus clumping factor A through molecular simulations. Furthermore, an extract of Scoparia dulcis demonstrated significant antiviral activity against HSV-1 without causing cytotoxicity up to 250 µg/mL. To date, no major safety concerns or drug interactions have been recorded for this plant.
- 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
- Scoparia dulcis extract significantly suppressed expressions of inflammatory markers and reduced nitric oxide levels in LPS-induced mice, indicating potential immunomodulatory effects.
- The study found that MECS hard capsules, containing Scoparia dulcis among other herbs, showed sedative and anxiolytic effects in mice without adverse toxicological impacts.
- Indirubin from Wrightia tinctoria showed strong binding affinity for Staphylococcus aureus clumping factor A in molecular simulations.
- The extract from Scoparia dulcis showed significant in vitro antiviral activity against HSV-1 without causing cytotoxicity up to 250 µg/mL.
Frequently asked questions
What is Licorice Weed?
Licorice Weed (Scoparia dulcis) 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 Licorice Weed?
4 sourced findings are recorded for Licorice Weed; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Scoparia dulcis extract significantly suppressed expressions of inflammatory markers and reduced nitric oxide levels in LPS-induced mice, indicating potential immunomodulatory effects.
How strong is the evidence for Licorice Weed?
The strongest finding for Licorice Weed carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).
Is Licorice Weed safe? What are the side effects?
No major safety issues are recorded for Licorice Weed in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.
Does Licorice Weed interact with medications?
No drug interactions are recorded for Licorice Weed in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.
What are the common names of Licorice Weed?
Licorice Weed is also known as: Balai doux.
Is Licorice Weed 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 A Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Scoparia dulcis L. Exhibits Antiviral Activity against Herpes Virus Type 1. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Discovery of bioactive compounds from medicinal plants: insights into Wrightia tinctoria as a potential antistaphylococcal agent targeting clumping factor A. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Exploring the immunomodulatory activities of Scoparia dulcis extract against lipopolysaccharide-induced allergic inflammation in mice through suppression of innate pro-inflammatory cytokines, COX-2 and iNOS signalling pathways. literature abstract metadata
- T2 Safety, Sedative, and Anxiolytic Evaluation of MECS Hard Capsules Using In Silico and In Vivo Approaches. literature abstract metadata