Motherwort

Motherwort/Drug Interactions:

  • Antianxiety agentsAntianxiety agents: According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat insomnia and anxiety; theoretically, it may interact with other sedatives (2). According to secondary sources, motherwort may cause drowsiness and theoretically may have additive effects with central nervous system (CNS) depressants and sedatives such as clonazepam ((Klonopin?), lorazepam (Ativan?), phenobarbital (Donnatal?), and zolpidem (Ambien?).
  • AntibioticsAntibiotics: Transgenic tomato plants expressing the motherwort seed antimicrobial proteins LJAMP1 and LJAMP2 and demonstrating resistance to fungal pathogens were also resistant to the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (4). Transgenic tobacco plants expressing LJAMP1 also demonstrated enhanced resistance to R. solanacearum (5). The antibacterial effects of motherwort are not clear from these studies.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal research, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced blood coagulation and bleeding time (7). Experimental studies have investigated the antiplatelet properties of motherwort (6). Further details are lacking at this time. According to review, motherwort enhances antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects and increases the risk of bleeding (2).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: Enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens has been shown in transgenic plants expressing motherwort antimicrobial proteins (52; 4; 5; 53).
  • AntihypertensivesAntihypertensives: In animal studies, motherwort was associated with normalized or decreased blood pressure, reduced serum levels of angiotensin and endothelin, and changes in nitric oxide levels (25; 32; 33). In vitro, the motherwort alkaloid leonurine induced relaxation of rat aortic rings and inhibition of blood vessel contraction (41).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In human cells in vitro, motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus) prevented NF-kappaB activation, as well as expression, synthesis, and secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 (54). Chinese motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) has demonstrated inflammation-modulating activity (8). Further details are not available at this time.
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal studies, motherwort treatment was associated with decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In animal and in vitro studies, the anticancer effects of motherwort extract (including Leonurus sibiricus, Leonurus japonicus, and Leonurus heterophyllus) have been shown (18; 55; 56; 57; 8). However, procancer effects of motherwort extracts have also been shown in animal studies (18).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In mice, motherwort extract increased the survival rate and longevity of animals infected with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and, in cell culture, almost entirely inactivated the virus (12).
  • BenzodiazepinesBenzodiazepines: According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat insomnia and anxiety and theoretically may interact with other sedatives (2). According to secondary sources, motherwort my cause drowsiness and theoretically may have additive effects with CNS depressants and sedatives such as clonazepam ((Klonopin?), lorazepam (Ativan?), phenobarbital (Donnatal?), and zolpidem (Ambien?).
  • Bone marrow suppressantsBone marrow suppressants: Rats treated with an herbal formulation containing motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) showed significantly increased bone marrow stem cells in the peripheral blood (19).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: Rats treated with an herbal formulation containing motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus or Leonurus cardiaca) showed improved heart function and less severe electrocardiogram changes than in control animals (19; 20; 9). According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat cardiovascular conditions and theoretically may interact with other cardiovascular agents (2).
  • CNS depressantsCNS depressants: According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat insomnia and anxiety and theoretically may interact with other sedatives (2). According to secondary sources, motherwort my cause drowsiness and theoretically may have additive effects with CNS depressants and sedatives such as clonazepam ((Klonopin?), lorazepam (Ativan?), phenobarbital (Donnatal?), and zolpidem (Ambien?).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Chinese motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) and other coumarin-rich plants have demonstrated diuretic activity (8). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In animal research, formulations of motherwort alone, or in combination with other agents, have affected uterine myoelectric activity and contractions, ovarian and uterine weight, follicle development and number, corpus luteum production, and the levels of reproductive hormones (58; 39; 40; 46; 47). After treatment with herbs, including motherwort, most cows with ovarian disturbances went into estrus and became pregnant (15).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: The effect of combined use of motherwort and highly mineralized mineral water on gastric secretion has been investigated (28). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • Hematological agentsHematological agents: In animals, treatment with herbs, including motherwort, was associated with improved hematological parameters (15; 14; 7). Rats treated with an herbal formulation containing motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) showed significantly increased bone marrow stem cells in the peripheral blood (19).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In animal studies, treatment with a motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus)-containing herbal formulation was associated with reduced estradiol and progesterone levels (7). According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat amenorrhea and theoretically may interact with other hormonal agents (2).
  • ImmunosuppressantsImmunosuppressants: In animal research, treatment with a motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus)-containing herbal preparation was associated with significant decreases in anticardiolipin antibody, TH/TS (definition unavailable at this time), and IL-2 activity (34).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: Changes in 5-HT levels in ischemic rat brains were reduced by treatment with motherwort and other Chinese herbs (23). Further details are lacking.
  • VasopressorsVasopressors: In isolated rat aorta, an herbal formulation containing motherwort enhanced aortic contraction and inhibited relaxation (42).

    • Motherwort/Herb/Supplement Interactions:

  • AntibacterialsAntibacterials: Transgenic tomato plants expressing the motherwort seed antimicrobial proteins LJAMP1 and LJAMP2 and demonstrating resistance to fungal pathogens were also resistant to the bacterial pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum (4). Transgenic tobacco plants expressing LJAMP1 also demonstrated enhanced resistance to R. solanacearum (5). The antibacterial effects of motherwort are not clear from these studies.
  • Anticoagulants and antiplateletsAnticoagulants and antiplatelets: In animal research, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced blood coagulation and bleeding time (7). Experimental studies have investigated the antiplatelet properties of motherwort (6). Further details are lacking at this time. According to review, motherwort enhances antithrombotic and antiplatelet effects and increases the risk of bleeding (2).
  • AntifungalsAntifungals: Enhanced resistance to fungal pathogens has been shown in transgenic plants expressing motherwort antimicrobial proteins (52; 4; 5; 53).
  • Anti-inflammatoriesAnti-inflammatories: In human cells in vitro, motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus) prevented NF-kappaB activation, as well as expression, synthesis, and secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 (54). Chinese motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) has demonstrated inflammation-modulating activity (8). Further details are not available at this time.
  • AntilipemicsAntilipemics: In animal studies, motherwort treatment was associated with decreased levels of total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and increased levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (31).
  • AntineoplasticsAntineoplastics: In animal and in vitro studies, the anticancer effects of motherwort extract (including Leonurus sibiricus, Leonurus japonicus, and Leonurus heterophyllus) have been shown (18; 55; 56; 57; 8). However, procancer effects of motherwort extracts have also been shown in animal studies (18).
  • AntioxidantsAntioxidants: In animal research, treatment with an herbal formulation containing motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) resulted in increased superoxide dismutase activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) (9). In vitro, antioxidant effects of motherwort have been shown (10; 11), and in the crude extract of the aerial parts of motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) and four fractions, total phenol content was correlated directly with antioxidant activity (59).
  • AntiviralsAntivirals: In mice, motherwort extract increased the survival rate and longevity of animals infected with tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) virus and, in cell culture, almost entirely inactivated the virus (12).
  • Cardiovascular agentsCardiovascular agents: Rats treated with an herbal formulation containing motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus or Leonurus cardiaca) showed improved heart function and less severe electrocardiogram changes than in control animals (19; 20; 9). According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat cardiovascular conditions and theoretically may interact with other cardiovascular agents (2).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Chinese motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) and other coumarin-rich plants have demonstrated diuretic activity (8). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • Fertility agentsFertility agents: In animal research, formulations of motherwort alone, or in combination with other agents, have affected uterine myoelectric activity and contractions, ovarian and uterine weight, follicle development and number, corpus luteum production, and the levels of reproductive hormones(58; 39; 40; 46; 47). After treatment with herbs, including motherwort, most cows with ovarian disturbances went into estrus and became pregnant (15).
  • Gastrointestinal agentsGastrointestinal agents: The effect of combined use of motherwort and highly mineralized mineral water on gastric secretion has been investigated (28). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • HematologicsHematologics: In animals, treatment with herbs, including motherwort, was associated with improved hematological parameters (15; 14; 7). Rats treated with an herbal formulation containing motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) showed significantly increased bone marrow stem cells in the peripheral blood (19).
  • Hormonal agentsHormonal agents: In animal studies, treatment with a motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus)-containing herbal formulation was associated with reduced estradiol and progesterone levels (7). According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat amenorrhea and theoretically may interact with other hormonal agents (2).
  • HypotensivesHypotensives: In animal studies, motherwort was associated with normalized or decreased blood pressure, reduced serum levels of angiotensin and endothelin, and changes in nitric oxide levels (25; 32; 33). In vitro, the motherwort alkaloid leonurine induced relaxation of rat aortic rings and inhibition of blood vessel contraction (41).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: In animal research, treatment with a motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus)-containing herbal preparation was associated with significant decreases in anticardiolipin antibody, TH/TS (definition unavailable at this time), and IL-2 activity (34).
  • Neurologic agentsNeurologic agents: Changes in 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) levels in ischemic rat brains were reduced by treatment with motherwort and other Chinese herbs (23). Further details are lacking.
  • SedativesSedatives: According to a review, motherwort has been used traditionally to treat insomnia and anxiety and theoretically may interact with other sedatives (2). According to secondary sources, motherwort my cause drowsiness and theoretically may have additive effects with CNS depressants and sedatives.
  • VasoconstrictorsVasoconstrictors: In isolated rat aorta, an herbal formulation containing motherwort enhanced aortic contraction and inhibited relaxation (42).

    • Motherwort/Food Interactions:

  • Insufficient available evidence.

    • Motherwort/Lab Interactions:

  • 5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)5-Hydroxytryptamine (5-HT): In animals, motherwort reduced changes in 5-HT levels in ischemic brains (23). Further details are lacking.
  • AngiotensinAngiotensin: In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced serum angiotensin (25).
  • Antioxidant statusAntioxidant status: In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) increased superoxide dismutase activity and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) (9). In vitro, motherwort quenched free radicals and reactive nitrogen and oxygen species (10). In vitro, the antioxidant capacity of motherwort has been investigated and expressed in terms of ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition (59).
  • Blood lipidsBlood lipids: In human and animal research, motherwort improved total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL, and LDL values (60; 31).
  • Blood pressureBlood pressure: In animal research, motherwort decreased or restored normal blood pressure (32; 33).
  • Bone marrow cell countBone marrow cell count: In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) increased the number of bone marrow stem cells in the peripheral blood (19).
  • Cardiovascular functionCardiovascular function: In humans and animals, motherwort treatment was associated with improved left ventricular function (61; 20). In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced heart expansion indices and increased thinning ratio (19). In animal research, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced electrocardiogram changes in an ischemic heart (9).
  • Coagulation panelCoagulation panel: In human and experimental studies, motherwort reduced platelet aggregation (62). In animal research, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced blood coagulation and bleeding time (7). Experimental studies have investigated the antiplatelet properties of motherwort (6). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • CortisolCortisol: In children, motherwort increased serum cortisol (63).
  • DiureticsDiuretics: Chinese motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) has demonstrated diuretic activity (8). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • EndothelinEndothelin: In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced serum endothelin (25).
  • FibrinogenFibrinogen: In human and experimental studies, motherwort reduced fibrinogen (62). Further details are lacking.
  • Gastric secretionsGastric secretions: The effect of motherwort on gastric secretion has been investigated (28). Further details are lacking at this time.
  • HemorrheologyHemorrheology: In human and animal research, motherwort decreased blood viscosity parameters (14). In human and experimental studies, motherwort reduced blood viscosity and increased erythrocyte deformability (62). In animal research, motherwort reduced blood viscosity and packed cell volume and improved microcirculation (15).
  • Hormones (Hormones: In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) increased serum follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) (46). Further details are lacking at this time. In animals, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced estradiol levels; after pretreatment with thyroxine, motherwort also reduced prostaglandin (PGF2-alpha) and progesterone levels (7).
  • Immune cellsImmune cells: In human research, motherwort increased NK cell and CD4/CD8 values (64).
  • ImmunomodulatorsImmunomodulators: In animal research, motherwort (Leonurus heterophyllus) reduced anticardiolipin antibody, TH/TS (definition unavailable at this time), and IL-2 activity (34).
  • Inflammatory mediatorsInflammatory mediators: In human cells in vitro, motherwort (Leonurus sibiricus) prevented NF-kappaB activation, as well as expression, synthesis, and secretion of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-8 (54).
  • Nitric oxideNitric oxide: In animal research, motherwort has both increased and decreased serum nitric oxide (32; 25).
  • Pulmonary functionPulmonary function: In asthmatic children, motherwort relieved asthma symptoms and improved forced expiratory volume (65).
  • Renal functionRenal function: In human research, motherwort improved serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), 24-hour urine albumin and protein, and beta-2-microglobulin, and increased creatinine clearance (66; 67; 60; 68). In human research, motherwort normalized urinary beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase (69).