Menta de lobo

Related Terms

Archangel, ashangee, bugle weed, green wolf's foot, gypsy weed, gypsywort, hoarhound, Lamiaceae (family), lycopi herba, Lycopus americanus, Lycopus europaes, Lycopus lucidus, Lycopus virginicus, Paul's betony, rough bugleweed, sweet bugle, Virginia water horehound, water bugle, water hoarhound, water horehound, wolfstrapp.
Note: This monograph does not include information on Ajuga reptans L., which is also called bugleweed in the scientific literature.

Background

Bugleweed was reportedly discovered on the banks of streams in the southeastern United States, but now grows throughout North America. Bugleweed has been used historically for an overactive thyroid, especially where symptoms include tightness of breath, palpitation (rapid and irregular heartbeat) and shaking.
Bugleweed has proposed astringent, blood sugar-lowering, mild narcotic, and mild sedative actions. Herbalists have traditionally used bugleweed to treat cough, mild heart conditions, bleeding in the lungs from tuberculosis, heavy menstruation, and to reduce fever and mucus production in the flu and colds. It has also has been used in combination with lemon balm for treating patients with Graves' disease and other forms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Currently there is a lack of high-quality clinical trials investigating the safety and efficacy of bugleweed.

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)
Historically, to treat snakebites, the root has been chewed, a portion swallowed, and the rest applied externally. Other doses that have been taken by mouth are: 0.2-2 grams of the aboveground plant parts daily; 10-30 drops of fluid extract daily; 1 ounce of dried herb in one pint of boiling water in "wineglassful doses;" 1-4 grains Lycopin (dry extract); and 1-2 grams of bugleweed in tea daily.
For bruising, bugleweed has been applied to the skin as a poultice of bugleweed leaves and other herbs.

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
Bugleweed may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may change blood sugar levels. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.
Bugleweed 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, sedatives, and alcohol. Caution is advised while driving or operating machinery.
Bugleweed may raise or lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking drugs, herbs, or supplements that also affect blood pressure.
Bugleweed may also interact with hormonal agents, including gonadotropic hormones and thyroid hormones.

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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