Prunella Vulgaris Extract
Also known as: Prunella vulgaris, Self-heal, Heal-all, Woundwort, Prunella vulgaris L.
Overview
Prunella vulgaris, commonly known as Self-heal or Heal-all, is a perennial herb found in temperate regions globally. Traditionally, it has been utilized in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and wound-healing properties. The extract is primarily derived from its aerial parts, including leaves, stems, and flowers. Current research highlights its potential as an adjuvant treatment for thyroid disorders, as well as its anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and gastrointestinal protective effects. While some high-quality systematic reviews and meta-analyses exist, particularly for thyroid conditions, much of the evidence for other applications comes from preclinical studies or small-scale clinical trials. Its growing body of research suggests a promising role in various health applications, though further robust clinical investigation is warranted to solidify its efficacy and optimal usage across all purported benefits.
Benefits
Prunella vulgaris offers several evidence-based benefits: - **Thyroid Health:** A 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) indicated that Prunella vulgaris, when combined with antithyroid drugs, significantly improved outcomes in hyperthyroidism patients compared to drugs alone, demonstrating a good safety profile. This suggests a strong adjunctive role in managing hyperthyroidism. - **Anti-aging:** An animal study from 2023 showed that oral Prunella vulgaris extract reduced aging markers (e.g., decreased p16 INK4A, increased SOD2) and enhanced immune cell function in aged mice. This preclinical evidence suggests potential anti-aging effects, though human confirmation is needed. - **Anti-inflammatory:** In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated dose-dependent anti-inflammatory effects, with the extract modulating enzymes like myeloperoxidase and nitric oxide synthase. This indicates its potential in managing inflammatory conditions. - **Antiviral:** A narrative review of 24 studies reported that Prunella vulgaris extracts inhibit various viruses, including HIV and HSV, by interfering with viral entry and replication. This effect is attributed to its rich content of polysaccharides and polyphenols, although most evidence is preclinical. - **Gastrointestinal Protection:** Hydroalcoholic extracts have shown antiulcer effects in animal models, likely due to their polyphenol content, suggesting a protective role for the gut. - **Anthelmintic:** Methanolic extracts have exhibited strong inhibitory effects against gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep models, indicating potential as a natural dewormer.
How it works
The therapeutic effects of Prunella vulgaris are attributed to its rich array of bioactive compounds, including polyphenols, polysaccharides, triterpenes, and essential oils. Its anti-thyroid effects are believed to involve the modulation of thyroid hormone synthesis and immune regulation. Anti-inflammatory actions are mediated by inhibiting key enzymes such as myeloperoxidase, 5-lipoxygenase, and inducible nitric oxide synthase, thereby reducing inflammatory mediators. The antiviral activity stems from its ability to block viral attachment and entry into host cells, as well as inhibiting viral enzymes like reverse transcriptase, integrase, and protease. Furthermore, its anti-aging properties are linked to reducing oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzymes like SOD2, lowering inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, and modulating senescence markers like p16 INK4A. The exact bioavailability of these compounds is not fully documented but is likely influenced by the extraction method and formulation.
Side effects
Prunella vulgaris is generally considered safe, with no serious adverse effects reported in clinical studies when used in combination with antithyroid drugs. Common side effects are not well characterized in existing literature, suggesting they are minimal or rare. No significant drug interactions or contraindications have been reported in high-quality studies. However, caution is advised when combining Prunella vulgaris with thyroid medications due to its potential to influence thyroid function, and medical supervision is recommended in such cases. Safety data for special populations, such as pregnant or breastfeeding individuals and children, are limited, and its use in these groups is not well-studied. Long-term safety data are also limited, with most studies focusing on short-to-medium term use. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Lamiaceae family should exercise caution.
Dosage
Clinical trials investigating Prunella vulgaris for hyperthyroidism have typically used it in combination with standard antithyroid drugs. The exact dosage of the herbal preparation varied among studies but generally ranged from 2 to 6 grams daily. It is important to note that these dosages refer to the raw herbal material or its equivalent in extract form, and standardization of extracts is not yet well-defined. For anti-aging effects, animal studies have utilized doses of 100–300 mg/kg body weight orally. However, optimal human dosing and standardized extract formulations for various conditions beyond hyperthyroidism require further research. The timing of administration and factors affecting absorption are not well-defined in current research. Due to the variability in preparations and the need for more human clinical data, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations, especially when using it for specific health conditions or in conjunction with other medications.
FAQs
Is Prunella vulgaris effective alone for hyperthyroidism?
No, current evidence primarily supports its use as an adjunctive therapy alongside standard antithyroid drugs, not as a standalone treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Are there antiviral benefits for humans?
While preclinical in vitro and in vivo studies show promising antiviral effects, clinical data in humans are largely lacking. More research is needed to confirm these benefits in people.
How quickly do benefits appear?
In hyperthyroidism, improvements have been noted within weeks to months. Anti-aging effects in mice were observed over 55 days, but human timelines are not established.
Is it safe long-term?
Long-term safety data for Prunella vulgaris are limited. Short-term use appears safe, but more extensive studies are needed to assess its safety profile over prolonged periods.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11903460/ – This systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials found that Prunella vulgaris, when combined with antithyroid drugs, significantly improved thyroid function and symptoms in hyperthyroid patients compared to drugs alone, with a good safety profile. The study highlights its potential as a safe and effective adjunctive treatment for hyperthyroidism.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10460042/ – This review, which included a meta-analysis, synthesized various preclinical and clinical studies on Prunella vulgaris. It elucidated the mechanisms behind its anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, and anthelmintic effects, providing a comprehensive overview of its diverse pharmacological activities, though noting the prevalence of preclinical data.
- https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-39609-1 – This controlled animal study investigated the anti-aging effects of Prunella vulgaris extract in aged mice over 55 days. It demonstrated that the extract reduced senescence markers and improved immune function, suggesting its potential in mitigating age-related decline, although human relevance requires further confirmation.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/imr.2022.0045 – This narrative review analyzed 24 studies, primarily in vitro, to characterize the antiviral mechanisms of Prunella vulgaris against viruses like HIV and HSV. It identified active compounds and their roles in inhibiting viral entry and replication, providing a mechanistic overview of its antiviral potential despite the lack of clinical trials.
