Capsella bursa-pastoris

Related Terms

Blindweed, bourse de pasteur (French), Brassicaceae (family), Capsella bursa-pastoris spp., case-weed, clappedepouch (Irish), ergocristine, fumarate, fumaric acid, Hirtentasche (German), lady's purse, mother's heart, mustard family, pepper-and-salt, pick-pocket, pick-purse, poor man's parmacettie, rattle pouches, sanguinary, sheper, shepherd's bag, shepherd's scrip, shepherd's sprout, shepherin I, shepherin II, Soxhlet benzene extracts, witches' pouches.

Background

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a member of the Brassicaceae family and is one of the most common and widely distributed flowering plants in the world. It has been used as a folk remedy to treat numerous conditions in humans, including diarrhea and bleeding, and to stimulate uterine contractions.
High-quality studies evaluating shepherd's purse for any use in humans are currently lacking.

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 *
* 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 shepherd's purse 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
Shepherd's purse may cause low or high blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs that raise or lower blood pressure.
Shepherd's purse may increase the amount of drowsiness caused by some drugs. Examples include benzodiazepines such as lorazepam (Ativan?) or diazepam (Valium?), barbiturates such as phenobarbital, narcotics such as codeine, some antidepressants, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Shepherd's purse may also interact with abortifacients (agents that induce uterine contraction and abortion), agents that affect the thyroid, antibiotics, anticancer agents, antifungals, anti-inflammatory agents, antiulcer agents, agents that affect the heart, diuretics (agents that increase urine flow), hormonal agents, pigmentation agents, sedatives, steroids.

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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