Introduction

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum L) belongs to the family Rubiaceae. It is a shade-loving evergreen perennial herb. The plant is an important medicinal and aromatic plant in many European folk medicines (1).  It is mainly distributed in North and Central Europe, Siberia, Northern Africa, and the north of Iran. Traditionally used to treat digestive and bladder disorders, hepatitis, and nervousness (2). The flowers and aerial parts of this plant are used for the treatment of nervous agitation, jaundice, hemorrhoids, circulation, and venous disorders. The crushed leaves are used externally on swelling and wounds (3,4).

Sweet woodruff benefits

1. Accelerate burn wound healing

Studies done on animal models suggest that sweet woodruff helps in healing burn wounds. This may be due to its rich in antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial compounds (4). Therefore, this plant can be used for the speedy recovery of burns.

2. Antihypoxic property

Hypoxia is acute poisoning that occurs due to exogenous toxicants like cyanides, alcohol, and acetone. Thus preventing the utilization of oxygen by blocking the processes of oxidation and reduction of cytochromes. 

There are very few herbal medicines that act against hypoxia. Studies suggested that dry extract of sweet woodruff acts as a good anti-hypoxic activity. Which is almost twice as high as that of the reference drug “Bilobil” without having any adverse effects (5).

3. The sedative activity

The dry extracts of sweet woodruff are also used as a sedative in many traditional medicinal systems. It thus helps in reducing hysteria, and depression. Thus the leaf extracts are used for insomnia and nervous tension.

4. Good for digestion

Sweet woodruff can be taken internally for the treatment of digestive disorders and also for liver problems.

5. Protects liver

The sweet woodruff extract helps in protecting the liver due to its anti-inflammatory activities and antioxidant activities.  Therefore, the leaf extract can be used in hepatitis and jaundice.

6. Prevents blood clotting

The plant contains coumarin which helps in the prevention of blood clotting. As the plant is rich in coumarin, therefore, this plant is grown in many places commercially for the production of the herbal anticoagulant.

7. Reduces uterus inflammation

The anti-inflammatory activity and the hormone-like compound Asperuloside which gets converted into prostaglandins of sweet woodruff help in reducing the inflammation of the uterus.

Side effects of sweet woodruff

Although there are almost no or very few side effects of this herb still excessive uses should be avoided.

1. The side effect of Coumarin in woodruff

Coumarin is a compound present in the woodruff plant. The dried parts of these plants, therefore, have more coumarin in comparison to the fresh part. This compound is used as an anticoagulant. therefore excessive use of this plant should be avoided as it may sometimes cause internal bleeding.

2. Avoid using sweet woodruff during pregnancy

Due to its anticoagulant nature, you should avoid using this herb during pregnancy.