Dros?ra

Related Terms

Brazilian Drosera, carboxylic acids, Dionaea muscipula, Drosera, Drosera adelae, Drosera auriculata Backh. ex Planch., Drosera binata, Drosera brevifolia, Drosera burmannii Vahl, Drosera capensis, Drosera chitinase, Drosera communis, Drosera gigantea, Drosera herba, Drosera intermedia, Drosera longifolia, Drosera madagascariensis, Drosera montana, Drosera peltata spp., Drosera ramentacea spp., Drosera rotundifolia spp., Drosera villosa spp., Droseraceae, droserone, flavonoids, flavonols, Madagascan Drosera, myricetin 3-0-galactoside, naphthoquinones, plumbagin, rossoliside, sundew, tentacles, youthwort.

Background

Drosera species are carnivorous plants that use their hairs to trap, immobilize, and digest insects. Preying on insects is their primary means of obtaining nutrients. Drosera species have reportedly been used medicinally at least since the 12th Century in Europe, when an Italian doctor named Matthaeus Platearius described the plants as a cough remedy. Generally, Drosera is used for lower respiratory tract conditions, such as bronchitis, asthma, and coughs.
These early uses have some current data to support the clinical effectiveness of Drosera for the symptoms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), including shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, sleep disturbances, and disability from chronic illness. Testing individual components of Drosera species has revealed anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and antibacterial effects. Although there is not a large amount of modern research that documents Drosera's clinical effects, it is a fairly commonly used medicine, alone or as part of a combination in approximately 200-300 registered medications.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Traditionally, Drosera species have been used for respiratory conditions, such as coughs, wheezing, and asthma. However, limited evidence exists on the mechanism of action. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C


Traditionally, Drosera species have been used for respiratory conditions, such as coughs, wheezing, and asthma. However, limited evidence exists on the mechanism of action. Additional research is needed in this area before conclusions can be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for sundew in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Sundew may interact with antiasthma drugs, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory agents, and antispasmodic drugs.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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Libantov? J, K?m?r?inen T, Moravc?kov? J, et al. Detection of chitinolytic enzymes with different substrate specificity in tissues of intact sundew ( L.): chitinases in sundew tissues. Mol Biol Rep. 2009;36(5):851-6.
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Wang Q, Shu J, Zeng L. [Chemical constituents of Drosera peltata Smith var. lunata (Buch.-Ham.) C.B. clarke collected in Tibet]. Zhongguo Zhong Yao Za Zhi 1998;23(11):683-4, 704.