Common verbena

Verbena officinalis

Verbena officinalis, commonly known as vervain, is a traditional plant used in herbal medicine. Its use and specific applications are not well-documented in historical or current traditions. Scientific evidence suggests that verbenalin from Verbena officinalis can significantly alleviate gout symptoms by reducing uric acid levels and modulating purine metabolism and gut microbiota, though the strength of this evidence is limited. Additionally, studies indicate that extracts of Verbena officinalis may have anti-inflammatory effects involving the MAPK/p38 pathway, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. The plant has shown promise in enhancing seed germination when used with chitosan/silver nanoparticles and also demonstrated superior water absorption and antibacterial activity compared to sesame oil composites. Safety records for Verbena officinalis are positive; no major issues or drug interactions have been recorded, but further investigation is warranted given the limited clinical data available.

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

  • KAR1 treatments at 1 μM and 10 μM significantly increased final germination percentage in lavender, comparable to GA₃. D PMID
  • The study found that chitosan/silver nanoparticle/Verbena officinalis extract composite showed superior water absorption, biodegradability, and antibacterial activity compared to the sesame oil composite. D PMID
  • Components like β-carotene and saparenol from Verbena officinalis showed anti-inflammatory effects in mice, potentially involving the MAPK/p38 pathway. D PMID
  • Verbenalin treatment significantly alleviated gout symptoms by reducing uric acid levels and modulating purine metabolism and gut microbiota, though effects on inflammation pathways were also observed. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Common verbena?

Common verbena (Verbena officinalis) 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 Common verbena?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Common verbena; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: KAR1 treatments at 1 μM and 10 μM significantly increased final germination percentage in lavender, comparable to GA₃.

How strong is the evidence for Common verbena?

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

Is Common verbena safe? What are the side effects?

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

Does Common verbena interact with medications?

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

What are the common names of Common verbena?

Common verbena is also known as: Вербена лекарственная, Verveine officinale.

Is Common verbena 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 Smoke water and smoke-derived karrikinolide, KAR1, improved germination in some medicinal and aromatic plants. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Developing chitosan nanocomposite with silver nanoparticle, sesame oil, and Verbena officinalis extract for wound dressing: in vivo and in vitro evaluation. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Multi-omics analysis reveals the mechanism of verbenalin in treating gout via modulating purine metabolism, gut microbiota, and inflammatory pathways. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Computer-Aided Active Ingredients Screening and Validation of Dong Medicine for Fever and Cough Exploration. literature abstract metadata