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Selfheal - Prunella vulgaris

Selfheal (Prunella vulgaris L.) is a perennial herb in the Lamiaceae family that has been used extensively in traditional medicine systems worldwide. Known by various common names including heal-all, common selfheal, woundwort, and heart-of-the-earth, this plant has garnered increasing scientific attention for its diverse bioactive compounds and potential therapeutic applications.

Image source and license: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Prunella_vulgaris_145635650.jpg.
Modified by Peter Jorgensen.

Botanical Classification and Common Names

Botanical name: Prunella vulgaris L. (Family: Lamiaceae)

Common names include: selfheal, heal-all, common selfheal, woundwort, heart-of-the-earth, carpenter's herb, brownwort, blue curls, and hook-heal. In Chinese medicine, it is known as "xia ku cao" and in Korean medicine as "ha-go-cho."

Plants sometimes confused with Prunella vulgaris include Prunella laciniata (cut-leaved selfheal) and certain Ajuga species (bugleweed), which share some visual similarities but contain different phytochemical profiles.

Major Bioactive Compounds

Selfheal contains numerous bioactive compounds responsible for its medicinal properties, including:

• Phenolic acids (rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid)
• Flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, luteolin)
• Triterpenoids (ursolic acid, oleanolic acid)
• Polysaccharides
• Tannins
• Essential oils

Evidence-Based Therapeutic Applications

Scientific research has identified the following therapeutic applications of Prunella vulgaris:

Anti-inflammatory Effects

Multiple studies have demonstrated the anti-inflammatory properties of P. vulgaris extracts. Rosmarinic acid from selfheal has been shown to significantly reduce inflammatory markers in vitro, and in animal models. These effects have been attributed to the inhibition of pro-inflammatory cytokines and modulation of NF-κB signaling pathways.

Antiviral Activity

Selfheal has shown promise against several viruses. Notably, polysaccharides and polypeptides isolated from P. vulgaris have demonstrated activity against HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and influenza virus. Aqueous extracts of P. vulgaris have been found to inhibit HIV replication in vitro through multiple mechanisms including blocking viral binding and entry.

Anticancer Properties

Research suggests potential anticancer activities for selfheal extracts. Studies have demonstrated cytotoxicity against several cancer cell lines, including breast, lung, liver, and colorectal cancers. Ursolic acid from P. vulgaris has been found to induce apoptosis in breast cancer cells while showing minimal toxicity to normal cells.

Immunomodulatory Effects

Polysaccharides from P. vulgaris have demonstrated immunomodulatory properties, enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses. These compounds increase natural killer cell activity and macrophage function in animal models.

Hepatoprotective Activity

Several studies suggest that P. vulgaris extracts protect against liver damage. Rosmarinic acid, and other phenolic components of P. vulgaris, reduce oxidative stress and inflammation in animal models of liver injury, showing potential for treating various liver disorders.

Antimicrobial Properties

P. vulgaris extracts have shown broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity against various pathogens, including bacteria (both Gram-positive and Gram-negative) and fungi. Antimicrobial efficacy, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus and Candida species, has been repeatedly confirmed experimentally.

Wound Healing

Traditional use of selfheal for wound healing has found scientific support. Studies show that topical application of selfheal extracts promotes wound closure, reduces inflammation, and enhances tissue regeneration. This may be attributed to its antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties working synergistically.

Conditions with Supporting Evidence

• Inflammatory disorders (arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease)
• Viral infections (herpes, influenza, HIV)
• Bacterial and fungal infections
• Liver disorders (hepatitis, fatty liver disease)
• Wound healing and skin conditions
• Immune system deficiencies
• Oxidative stress-related conditions
• Mild hypertension
• Oral inflammation and infections

Recommended Dosages and Formulations

Clinical studies have employed various dosages and formulations, and standardization remains a challenge. Based on the available research:

• Dried herb: 3-9g daily, typically divided into three doses
• Liquid extract (1:1): 2-4 mL, three times daily
• Tincture (1:5): 5-10 mL, three times daily
• Standardized extract (containing 3-5% rosmarinic acid): 300-600 mg daily
• Topical preparations: Creams or ointments containing 5-10% extract

Dosing protocols across studies are heterogeneous; most successful clinical trials used standardized extracts containing at least 3% rosmarinic acid.

High-Dose Studies and Knowledge Gaps

Limited research has been conducted on doses significantly exceeding the recommendations above. High-dose aqueous extracts (equivalent to 15g dried herb daily) have provided no additional therapeutic benefits beyond those observed at standard doses, but induce mild gastrointestinal discomfort in some trial participants. There are significant knowledge gaps regarding long-term high-dose administration, potential drug interactions, and effects in specific populations such as pregnant women, children, and the elderly.

Safety Profile and Side Effects

P. vulgaris is generally considered safe when used at recommended dosages. However, the following adverse effects have been reported:

• Mild gastrointestinal discomfort (nausea, bloating)
• Allergic reactions (particularly in individuals allergic to plants in the Lamiaceae family)
• Potential hypotensive effects when used in high doses
• Theoretical concern for interactions with immunosuppressants and anticoagulants, though clinical evidence is limited

Dozens of studies found no serious adverse events when assessing P. vulgaris supplementation. Based on the available evidence, it has a favorable safety profile when used appropriately.

Contraindications

• Pregnancy and lactation (due to insufficient safety data)
• Known hypersensitivity to plants in the Lamiaceae family
• Scheduled surgery (should be discontinued 2 weeks prior due to potential anticoagulant effects)
• Patients on immunosuppressive therapy (theoretical interaction)

Conclusion

The scientific literature supports several traditional uses of Prunella vulgaris, particularly for inflammatory conditions, viral infections, and wound healing. While promising, many studies are preclinical or small-scale clinical trials, and larger, well-designed human studies are needed to establish definitive therapeutic guidelines. Standardization of extracts and clear dosing protocols remain challenges in the clinical application of this herb. The favorable safety profile of P. vulgaris at recommended doses makes it a promising candidate for further research and potential integration into evidence-based therapeutic approaches.

References

Jiao, X., Liu, H., Lu, Q., Wang, Y., Zhao, Y., Liu, X., ... & Li, Y. (2021). Study on the mechanism of Prunella vulgaris L on diabetes mellitus complicated with hypertension based on network pharmacology and molecular docking analyses. Journal of Diabetes Research, 2021(1), 9949302.

Li, C., Huang, Q., Fu, X., Yue, X. J., Liu, R. H., & You, L. J. (2015). Characterization, antioxidant and immunomodulatory activities of polysaccharides from Prunella vulgaris Linn. International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 75, 298-305.

Mîrza, C. M., Mîrza, T. V., Odagiu, A. C. M., Uifălean, A., But, A. E., Pârvu, A. E., & Bulboacă, A. E. (2024). Phytochemical Analysis and Antioxidant Effects of Prunella vulgaris in Experimental Acute Inflammation. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 25(9), 4843.

Ning, N., Nan, Y., Chen, G., Huang, S., Lu, D., Yang, Y., ... & Yuan, L. (2024). Anti-Tumor Effects and Toxicity Reduction Mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris: A Comprehensive Review. Molecules, 29(8), 1843.

Pan, J., Wang, H., & Chen, Y. (2022). Prunella vulgaris L.–a review of its ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, quality control and pharmacological effects. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 13, 903171.

Wei, M., Zhao, Q., Yuan, M., Fan, Y., & Li, M. (2025). Efficacy and safety of Prunella vulgaris L. combined with antithyroid drugs for hyperthyroidism: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, 1530152.