Therapeutic Uses:
- May Possess Antitumor Effects – Test-tube and animal studies suggest that vervain’s glycosides, triterpenoids, and essential oils may help inhibit tumor growth and induce the death of cancerous cells. Researchers attribute this anti-tumor activity to verbenosides A and B — two types of glycosides — and triterpenoids. Additionally, citral — a key component in vervain essential oil — possesses proven anticancer effects that cause programmed cell death. One test-tube study found that a concentration of 0.01% vervain essential oil increased the death of rogue immune cells obtained from those with chronic lymphocytic leukemia from 15–52%, suggesting that it may be useful for the development of new therapeutic agents.
- May Protect Nerve Cells – Vervain extract may benefit certain neurological or brain-related conditions. Animal studies show that vervain’s glycoside verbenalin (cornin) may significantly improve brain damage after a stroke. The studies explain that the compound promotes the development of new blood vessels in the brain — which supply it with oxygen — and improves its mitochondrial function. Mitochondria are in charge of energy production in your cells, and they need oxygen to do so. Without oxygen, energy production decreases, leading to issues in regular cellular activity and potentially the development of many diseases of the nervous system. Thus, verbenalin ensures sufficient energy and blood supply to the brain, improving function after a stroke. What’s more, the extract may protect against the loss of brain cells or neurons in Alzheimer’s disease. Research suggests that it may reduce the toxicity of beta-amyloid, or Abeta, peptide. The accumulation of this compound is an important toxic factor involved in the development of the disease.
- May Help Reduce Anxiety and Convulsions – Vervain has long been used in folk medicine as a relaxant or nerve tonic, and animal research currently backs up this use. One study determined that doses of 0.04–0.22 grams per pound (0.1–0.5 grams per kg) of body weight of vervain extract had an anxiety-reducing effect comparable to diazepam, a popular drug used to reduce anxiety. Researchers linked this to the plant’s content of flavonoids and tannins, both of which are known to possess anti-anxiety and sedative properties. Other studies in rats have concluded that the extract may help manage convulsions or seizures in those with neurological diseases such as epilepsy by prolonging their onset time and shortening their duration. This was attributed to verbenin, an essential component in vervain. Verbenin was even favored over bromide, a compound usually used in epilepsy treatment.
- May Have Antimicrobial Activity – Antibiotic resistance is a growing global concern. Promisingly, studies show that vervain may protect against antibiotic-resistant bacteria and fungi. In one test-tube study, vervain essential oil was tested against two fungi and seven bacteria. It inhibited the growth of all microorganisms in a dose-dependent manner — meaning that the higher the dose, the higher the antimicrobial effect. Similarly, another test-tube study demonstrated the antibacterial effect of vervain extract against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella typhi, which are responsible for multiple infectious diseases. Compounds in vervain essential oil, such as citral, are known to possess antimicrobial activities. Additionally, other beneficial compounds like flavonoids, which are present in the plant, may add to these effects. Research suggests that flavonoids may inhibit bacterial attachment to the host and neutralize toxicity against human cells. However, studies in humans are still needed.
- Anti-Inflammatory Activity – The topical use of vervain extract seems to have an anti-inflammatory effect on swelling caused by fluid retention.
- Supports Gum Health – One study in 260 people suggests that a vervain decoction (herbal infusion) may benefit the management of chronic gingivitis or gum inflammation.
- Supports Heart Health – A study in rats determined that treatment with verbenalin, or cornin, reduced heart tissue death and damage from inadequate blood supply.
- Antidiarrheal Activity – One animal study concluded that vervain root extract significantly delayed the volume and frequency of diarrhea, compared with a control.
Medicinal Uses: *Congestion *Depression *Headache/Migraine *Herbal Teas *Liver *Nerve/Back Pain *Rheumatoid arthritis
Blue Vervain Side Effects: Vervain is generally recognized as safe by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While it’s usually well tolerated, there have been reports of side effects. Studies show that consuming vervain extract during pregnancy may lead to poor weight gain and fetal abnormalities like reduced bone ossification, or hardening. Thus, pregnant women should avoid all vervain-containing products. Additionally, it’s unknown if compounds from the plant could excrete into breast milk. Therefore, nursing mothers may want to err on the side of caution and avoid consuming the plant to ensure the safety of themselves and their babies. Research shows that drinking vervain tea with meals may inhibit iron absorption by 59%. That means people with anemia or iron deficiency should steer clear of the plant. Lastly, vervain’s vitamin K content may lead to herb-drug interactions and lessen the effect of blood-thinning drugs like warfarin.
Blue Vervain Drug Interactions: People with iron deficiency, and those taking blood thinners should avoid drinking this tea or consuming any vervain-containing products.
