Brooklime

Brooklime (Geum rivale), a plant from the family of the rose plants (Rosaceae), prefers to grow in moist habitats such as stream banks, bogs, and marshy meadows. It is widespread in Europe, Asia and North America. The plant is traditionally used in folk medicine, particularly for its anti-inflammatory and astringent properties.

What benefits does Brooklime offer?

The use of Brooklime is based primarily on empirical knowledge from traditional medicine. Here too, however, there are again some investigations aimed at exploring the effects of Brooklime. As with Geum Urbanum, it is mainly the root that is used to take advantage of the plant's benefits. Possible benefits include:

  • Inflammation inhibition: The roots contain eugenol, an essential oil with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties (1,2,3)
  • Wound healing and hemostasis: Due to its tannins, the plant could potentially help close small wounds, stop bleeding, and thus support healing (4,5).
  • Antibacterial effects: Various phytochemicals in Brooklime have an antimicrobial effect (6,7)
  • Digestive aid: Bitter compounds stimulate the production of gastric juices and, according to various studies, promote digestion, which could be helpful for loss of appetite or gastrointestinal complaints (8,9).

Although there are some studies on Geum rivale, the state of research is anything but clear. A great deal more research is still needed to confirm these effects.

How does Brooklime work?

The plant's health effects can be attributed to the following bioactive constituents:

  • Tannins: Have antioxidant effects and support wound healing (4,5).
  • Eugenol: Possesses anti-inflammatory and mildly numbing properties (1,2).
  • Bitter compounds

Intake

The roots of Brooklime are often dried and prepared as a tea. They can also be processed into tinctures or powder. Since the plant potentially contains potent active compounds, it should be used in consultation with a physician.

Risks and side effects

The use of Brooklime is generally safe but can trigger stomach irritation in sensitive individuals. Pregnant women, breastfeeding women, and children should avoid the plant due to the lack of safety studies. Caution is also advised in the case of a known allergy to plants of the rose family.

Conclusion

Brooklime is a versatile medicinal plant with potential benefits for inflammation inhibition and wound healing. Despite its long tradition in folk medicine, it lacks comprehensive scientific studies confirming its effects. Seeking qualified professional advice before use is recommended.

Sources:

  1. Gojani, E. G., Wang, B., Li, D. P., Kovalchuk, O., & Kovalchuk, I. (2023). Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Eugenol in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Macrophages and Its Role in Preventing β-Cell Dedifferentiation and Loss Induced by High Glucose-High Lipid Conditions. Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 28(22), 7619. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28227619
  2. Damasceno ROS, Pinheiro JLS, Rodrigues LHM, Gomes RC, Duarte ABS, Emídio JJ, Diniz LRL, de Sousa DP. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Eugenol: An Update. Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2024 Nov 8;17(11):1505. doi: 10.3390/ph17111505. PMID: 39598416; PMCID: PMC11597765.
  3. Tunón, H., Olavsdotter, C., & Bohlin, L. (1995). Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis. Journal of ethnopharmacology, 48(2), 61–76. https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(95)01285-l
  4. Owczarek, A., & Gudej, J. (2013). Investigation into biologically active constituents of Geum rivale L. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica, 70(1), 111–114.
  5. Oszmiański, Jan & Wojdyło, Aneta & Lamer-Zarawska, Eliza & Swiader, Katarzyna. (2007). Antioxidant tannins from Rosaceae plant roots. Food Chemistry. 100. 579-583. 10.1016/j.foodchem.2005.09.086.
  6. Panizzi, L & Catalano, S & Miarelli, C & Cioni, P & Campeol, E. (2000). In vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts and isolated constituents of Geum rivale. Phytotherapy research : PTR. 14. 561-3. 10.1002/1099-1573(200011)14:73.3.CO;2-8.
  7. Orlova A, Kysil E, Tsvetkova E, Meshalkina D, Whaley A, Whaley AO, Laub A, Francioso A, Babich O, Wessjohann LA, Mosca L, Frolov A, Povydysh M. Phytochemical Characterization of Water Avens (Geum rivale L.) Extracts: Structure Assignment and Biological Activity of the Major Phenolic Constituents. Plants (Basel). 2022 Oct 26;11(21):2859. doi: 10.3390/plants11212859. PMID: 36365312; PMCID: PMC9658556. (antioxidant)
  8. Udo Maid-Kohnert: Bitterstoffe. In: Lexikon der Ernährung in drei Bänden. 1. A bis Fettk. Spektrum akademischer Verlag, Heidelberg 2001, ISBN 3-8274-0444-4, S. 179.
  9. Karin Kraft, Christopher Hobbs: Pocket Guide to Herbal Medicine. Thieme, 2011, ISBN 978-1-60406-013-3, S. 165–168