Wise Mind Herbs

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Bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)

The term "bindweed" commonly refers to several species in the Convolvulaceae family, primarily Convolvulus arvensis (field bindweed) and Calystegia sepium (hedge bindweed). These plants are often considered agricultural weeds in many regions. Despite their reputation as invasive species, certain bindweed varieties have been investigated for potential medicinal properties. This review examines the scientific evidence behind bindweed's purported health benefits.

Image source and license: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Convolvulus_arvensis_bg.jpg.
Modified by Peter Jorgensen.

Botanical Classification and Common Names

It's important to clarify the botanical identity of bindweed species with reported medicinal properties:

• Convolvulus arvensis L. - Field bindweed, European bindweed, morning glory, creeping jenny
• Calystegia sepium (L.) R.Br. - Hedge bindweed, greater bindweed, Rutland beauty
• Convolvulus scammonia L. - Scammony bindweed
• Ipomoea spp. - Often confused with bindweed, includes morning glory species (distinct genus within Convolvulaceae)

Note that while these plants share some visual similarities, they have different phytochemical profiles and potential effects. Additionally, the term "bindweed" should not be confused with "black bindweed" (Fallopia convolvulus), which belongs to the Polygonaceae family.

Bioactive Compounds

Scientific research has identified several bioactive constituents in bindweed species, particularly:

• Proteoglycan mixtures (PGMs)
• Tropane alkaloids
• Phenolic compounds including flavonoids
• Resins (particularly in Convolvulus scammonia)
• Various glycosides

Reported Health Benefits and Scientific Evidence

The scientific literature on bindweed's therapeutic applications is limited, with most studies being preclinical (laboratory or animal-based) rather than human clinical trials. The most substantiated potential applications include:

1. Anti-angiogenic Properties and Potential Cancer Applications

The most researched potential application of bindweed extracts relates to their anti-angiogenic properties. Proteoglycan mixtures derived from Convolvulus arvensis have been shown to inhibit new blood vessel formation in laboratory studies. A 2021 review by Mana et al. indicated that these compounds might inhibit tumor-induced angiogenesis, potentially limiting tumor growth and metastasis. However, human clinical trials remain insufficient to establish efficacy or safety for cancer treatment.

2. Anti-inflammatory Effects

Several in vitro and animal studies suggest that extracts from Convolvulus arvensis may possess anti-inflammatory properties. These effects are primarily attributed to various flavonoids and phenolic compounds that modulate inflammatory pathways. However, the clinical significance of these findings has not been established through rigorous human trials.

3. Antioxidant Activity

Extracts from various bindweed species have demonstrated antioxidant properties in laboratory assays. These effects are linked to phenolic compounds and flavonoids that can neutralize free radicals. Again, the practical therapeutic significance remains unclear due to limited in vivo research.

4. Traditional Uses

Historically, various bindweed species have been used in traditional medicine systems for purposes including:

• Purgative effects (particularly from Convolvulus scammonia resin)
• Wound healing
• Treatment of fever
• Addressing respiratory conditions

However, scientific validation of these traditional applications remains largely absent from the peer-reviewed literature.

Dosage and Standardization

A critical limitation in bindweed research is the lack of standardized dosing protocols. No authoritative clinical guidelines exist for therapeutic administration, primarily because:

• Human clinical trials with standardized extracts are sparse
• Variations in chemical composition between plant populations are significant
• Active component concentrations can vary based on geographic location, growth conditions, and harvest timing

The limited research on proteoglycan mixtures for anti-angiogenic applications has typically employed doses ranging from 20-100 mg/day in experimental settings, but these cannot be considered validated therapeutic recommendations. No established standardization exists for commercial preparations regarding specific active compounds.

Safety Concerns and Side Effects

Several safety concerns merit emphasis:

• Many bindweed species contain potentially toxic compounds, including tropane alkaloids
• Gastrointestinal disturbances including diarrhea and vomiting have been reported
• Potential for allergic reactions
• Possible drug interactions, particularly with medications affecting blood clotting
• Pregnancy and lactation safety has not been established
• Long-term safety data is absent

The purgative effects of some bindweed extracts, particularly from Convolvulus scammonia, can be severe and potentially dangerous at high doses. Historical medicinal use of scammony resin as a purgative has been largely abandoned due to safety concerns.

High-Dose Studies and Knowledge Gaps

No systematic studies have been conducted examining doses above the experimental ranges mentioned for proteoglycan mixtures. This represents a significant knowledge gap. Toxicological studies in animals suggest that high doses of crude bindweed extracts can cause adverse effects including gastrointestinal irritation, electrolyte imbalances, and potential neurotoxicity, but comprehensive dose-response relationships remain poorly characterized.

Commercial Pharmaceutical Products

As of 2024, there are no FDA-approved or EMA-approved pharmaceutical medications containing bindweed extracts or compounds directly derived from bindweed species. The product "Convolvulin" (a resin extract from Convolvulus scammonia) was historically used as a purgative but is no longer in mainstream pharmaceutical use due to safety concerns and the availability of safer alternatives.

Some specialized dietary supplements marketed for "anti-angiogenic support" contain bindweed extracts, but these should not be confused with regulated pharmaceutical products and lack substantial clinical evidence supporting their efficacy and safety.

Conclusion

The scientific evidence for bindweed's therapeutic applications remains preliminary and inconclusive. While laboratory studies suggest potential in areas such as anti-angiogenesis, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects, the absence of well-designed human clinical trials, standardized preparations, and established dosing guidelines precludes definitive therapeutic recommendations. Safety concerns and the presence of potentially toxic compounds further complicate the medicinal use of bindweed. Additional research, particularly controlled clinical trials with standardized extracts, would be necessary to establish any legitimate role for bindweed-derived compounds in evidence-based healthcare.

References

Kumar, S., Sharma, S., & Vasudeva, N. (2017). Review on antioxidants and evaluation procedures. Chinese journal of integrative medicine, 1-12.

Osman, E. E., Shemis, M. A., Abdel-Hameed, E. S. S., Gouda, A. E., Hassan, H., Atef, N., & Mamdouh, S. (2024). Phytoconstituent analysis, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and anticancer effects of nano encapsulated Convolvulus arvensis L. extracts. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), 122.

Salamatullah, A. M. (2022). Convolvulus arvensis: antioxidant, antibacterial, and antifungal properties of chemically profiled essential oils: an approach against nosocomial infections. Life, 12(12), 2138.

Salehi, B., Krochmal‐Marczak, B., Skiba, D., Patra, J. K., Das, S. K., Das, G., ... & Martorell, M. (2020). Convolvulus plant—A comprehensive review from phytochemical composition to pharmacy. Phytotherapy Research, 34(2), 315-328.

Wei, J., Hu, M., Huang, K., Lin, S., & Du, H. (2020). Roles of proteoglycans and glycosaminoglycans in cancer development and progression. International journal of molecular sciences, 21(17), 5983.