Woodruff, Sweet

Scientific Name(s): Galium odoratum (L.) Scop.
Common Name(s): Master of the wood, Sweet woodruff, Waldmeister, Woodruff, Woodward

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 13, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Sweet woodruff is reported to have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial activities although the literature reveals no clinical data regarding the use of sweet woodruff for any condition. It is commonly used as a fragrance and flavoring in foods.

Dosing

Studies suggest the safety limit for preparation of spiced wine is less than 5 ppm of coumarin, which corresponds to 3 to 3.5 g of fresh woodruff per liter of beverage.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

There is some concern over the toxic potential of the plant's coumarin content; therefore, avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.

Interactions

Although coumarin content is low, monitor for any potentially clinical significant interactions in patients being treated for cardiovascular conditions with conventional medications.

Adverse Reactions

The plant is generally recognized as safe for use in foods.

Toxicology

There is some concern over the toxic potential of the plant's coumarin content; therefore, avoid use during pregnancy and lactation.

Scientific Family

• Rubiaceae (Madder)

Botany

Sweet woodruff is a small perennial that grows up to 30 cm in height. It has creeping rhizomes and lance-shaped, glossy leaves that form whorls around the stems. It is native to Eurasia and North Africa and grows throughout North America. The plant is also known as Asperula odorata L.

The small, star-shaped, white flowers appear from April to June. The dried whole plant is used in traditional medicine. When cut, the plant develops a characteristic smell of fresh-cut hay.Chevallier 1996, Duke 2003, Khan 2009, USDA 2006

History

Sweet woodruff has been used as a sedative, antispasmodic, diuretic, and sweat inducer.Chevallier 1996, Duke 2003, Khan 2009 It is a flavoring component in May wines (woodruff soaked in sweet white wine), vermouth, and some bitters and is used in food, candy flavorings, gelatins, and puddings. Sweet woodruff has been used to cure boils and heal inflammations.Chevallier 1996, Khan 2009 In homeopathy, the plant is used as an antispasmodic and to treat liver impairment. The bruised leaves have been applied topically to reduce swelling and improve wound healing.Duke 2003 Extracts and teas have been administered as expectorants. Woodruff is usually administered as a tea. The dried herb is used in sachets, and the extract is used in perfumes and other fragrances.Duke 2003

In traditional medicine it has been used to cure restlessness, insomnia, stomachache, migraine, neuralgia, and bladder stones. In European cultures, sweet woodruff is used for prophylaxis and therapy of respiratory conditions, and for gallbladder, kidney, and circulatory disorders. It also has been applied topically for venous conditions such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids.Duke 2003, Khan 2009

The coumarin and flavonoid components are responsible for its use in treating varicose veins and phlebitis.Chevallier 1996 The plant is also purported to have antibacterial activity.Duke 2003

Modern herbali...