Ground Ivy: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a plant found in Europa, Asia, and North America. The dried plant and crushed leaves are used to make medicine.

Ground ivy contains chemicals that might reduce swelling. It's also a rich source of potassium and iron.

People use ground ivy for sunburn and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Ground ivy is sometimes called catsfoot. Don't confuse this with another plant known as cat's foot. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for Ground Ivy overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Ground ivy is possibly safe in the amounts used to flavor foods. There isn't enough reliable information to know if it is safe to use in larger amounts as medicine.

When applied to the skin: Ground ivy extract 1% lotion is possibly safe when used for up to 8 weeks. It might cause stinging or itching in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy: Ground ivy is likely unsafe when used during pregnancy. It might cause a miscarriage. Avoid use.

Breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if ground ivy is safe to use when breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Kidney disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can irritate the kidneys. Don't use ground ivy if you have kidney problems.

Liver disease: Ground ivy contains a chemical that can harm the liver. It could make existing liver disease worse. Don't use ground ivy if you have liver problems.

Interactions

We currently have no information for Ground Ivy overview.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of ground ivy might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.

View References

REFERENCES:

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Komprda, T., Stohandlova, M., Foltyn, J., Pozdisek, J., and Mika, V. Content of p-coumaric and ferulic acid in forbs with potential grazing utilization. Arch Tierernahr. 1999;52(1):95-105.

Kumarasamy, Y., Cox, P. J., Jaspars, M., Nahar, L., and Sarker, S. D. Biological activity of Glechoma hederacea. Fitoterapia 2002;73(7-8):721-723.

An, H. J., Jeong, H. J., Um, J. Y., Kim, H. M., and Hong, S. H. Glechoma hederacea inhibits inflammatory mediator release in IFN-gamma and LPS-stimulated mouse peritoneal macrophages. J Ethnopharmacol 7-19-2006;106(3):418-424.

Kuhn, H., Wiesner, R., Alder, L., and Schewe, T. Occurrence of free and esterified lipoxygenase products in leaves of Glechoma hederacea L. and other Labiatae. Eur J Biochem 12-8-1989;186(1-2):155-162.

Henry, D. Y., Gueritte-Voegelein, F., Insel, P. A., Ferry, N., Bouguet, J., Potier, P., Sevenet, T., and Hanoune, J. Isolation and characterization of 9-hydroxy-10-trans,12-cis-octadecadienoic acid, a novel regulator of platelet adenylate cyclase from Glechoma hederacea L. Labiatae. Eur J Biochem 12-30-1987;170(1-2):389-394.

Tokuda, H., Ohigashi, H., Koshimizu, K., and Ito, Y. Inhibitory effects of ursolic and oleanolic acid on skin tumor promotion by 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate. Cancer Lett 1986;33(3):279-285.

Zieba, J. Isolation and identification of non-heteroside triterpenoids from Glechoma hederacea L. Pol.J Pharmacol Pharm 1973;25(6):587-592.

Zieba, J. Isolation and identification of flavonoids from Glechoma hederacea L. Pol.J Pharmacol Pharm 1973;25(6):593-597.

Ha JH, Kang WH, Lee JO, et al. Clinical evaluation of the depigmenting effect of Glechoma Hederacea extract by topical treatment for 8 weeks on UV-induced pigmentation in Asian skin. Eur J Dermatol. 2011;21(2):218-22.

Safety of herbal medicinal products. Medicines Control Agency. https://hfnet.nih.go.jp/usr/kiso/ninpu-herb/HerbalsSafetyReportJuly2002_Final.pdf. Published July 2002. Accessed October 16, 2017.

Xiao M, Yang M, Ji X, et al. Protective effect of Glechoma hederacea extract against gallstone formation in rodent models. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021;21(1):199.

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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