Bachbunge

Bachbunge (Veronica beccabunga), also known as European speedwell, is a perennial plant from the plantain family (Plantaginaceae). It prefers to grow in moist locations such as stream banks, ditches, or marshy areas and is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. In traditional herbal medicine, Bachbunge is valued for its versatile constituents, which are said to make it valuable as a natural remedy.

What benefits does Bachbunge offer?

Bachbunge is frequently used in folk medicine. Even though the research on Bachbunge itself has not yet been conclusively clarified, some of its effects can be plausibly explained by its constituents

  • Strengthening the immune system: Bachbunge contains vitamin C and other antioxidants, which could support the immune system and protect the body from free radicals (1,2,3,4).
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: The secondary plant compounds it contains, such as flavonoids, can possess anti-inflammatory properties and could thus be helpful in relieving inflammation (5,6).
  • Detoxification and metabolic stimulation: In naturopathy, Bachbunge is traditionally used to support liver and kidney function and to promote the elimination of toxins. However, the research here is not conclusive enough.

How does Bachbunge work?

As already mentioned, the effectiveness of Bachbunge can be attributed to its constituents:

  • Flavonoids: These bioactive compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects (5,6,7).
  • Vitamin C: Has a significant effect on the immune system and contributes to the protection of cells (4).

Forms of Intake

The fresh or dried leaves of Bachbunge can be used as a tea or in salads. Freshly pressed juice is another way to make use of the plant's nutrients. Since Bachbunge contains potent active compounds, moderate dosing is sensible. In case of any uncertainty, intake should also be discussed with a doctor beforehand

Risks and Side Effects

Bachbunge is considered generally safe, but should only be collected from unpolluted, contaminant-free waters. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid the plant as a precaution, as no sufficient safety studies are available to date. An allergic reaction to components of the plant is rare but possible.

Conclusion

Bachbunge is a versatile medicinal plant that is valued in naturopathy for its potentially anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and metabolism-stimulating properties. Its traditional uses are promising, but clinical studies confirming its effectiveness are lacking. As with any medicinal plant, expert advice is recommended before use.

Sources:

  1. Kaźmierczak-Barańska J, Boguszewska K, Adamus-Grabicka A, Karwowski BT. Two Faces of Vitamin C-Antioxidative and Pro-Oxidative Agent. Nutrients. 2020 May 21;12(5):1501. doi: 10.3390/nu12051501. PMID: 32455696; PMCID: PMC7285147.
  2. Agwu, E., Ezihe, C., & Kaigama, G. (2024). Antioxidant Roles/Functions of Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C). IntechOpen. doi: 10.5772/intechopen.110589
  3. Papp, Nóra & Sali, Nikolett & Csepregi, Rita & M, Tóth & Gyergyák, Kinga & Tünde, Dénes & Bartha, Sámuel & E., Varga & Andrea, Kaszás & Koszegi, Tamas. (2017). Antioxidant potential of some plants used in folk medicine in Romania. Farmacia. 67. 10.31925/farmacia.2019.2.18.
  4. Carr AC, Maggini S. Vitamin C and Immune Function. Nutrients. 2017 Nov 3;9(11):1211. doi: 10.3390/nu9111211. PMID: 29099763; PMCID: PMC5707683.
  5. Maleki, S. J., Crespo, J. F., & Cabanillas, B. (2019). Anti-inflammatory effects of flavonoids. Food chemistry, 299, 125124. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodchem.2019.125124
  6. Ginwala R, Bhavsar R, Chigbu DI, Jain P, Khan ZK. Potential Role of Flavonoids in Treating Chronic Inflammatory Diseases with a Special Focus on the Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Apigenin. Antioxidants (Basel). 2019 Feb 5;8(2):35. doi: 10.3390/antiox8020035. PMID: 30764536; PMCID: PMC6407021.
  7. Hassanpour SH, Doroudi A. Review of the antioxidant potential of flavonoids as a subgroup of polyphenols and partial substitute for synthetic antioxidants. Avicenna J Phytomed. 2023 Jul-Aug;13(4):354-376. doi: 10.22038/AJP.2023.21774. PMID: 37663389; PMCID: PMC10474916.