Creeping groundsel

Ajuga reptans, better known as Creeping groundsel, is a perennial, herbaceous plant from the mint family (Lamiaceae). It prefers to grow in moist meadows, at forest edges, and in gardens – often used as a ground cover. Its blue-violet flowers make it a popular ornamental plant, but traditionally it was valued above all for its healing properties. As early as the Middle Ages, Creeping groundsel was used for internal bleeding, wounds, and stomach complaints.

In modern phytotherapy, Ajuga reptans is increasingly being rediscovered – especially because of its anti-inflammatory, astringent, and antioxidant constituents. Although its effects are less well known than those of other medicinal herbs, research points to interesting potential uses.

What benefits does Ajuga reptans offer?

Creeping groundsel has already been linked to a wide range of health effects and was a popular medicinal plant in traditional medicine. Studies likewise point to great medicinal potential; however, more research is necessary before well-founded, conclusive statements can be made about the plant's effects. Here is a selection of scientific findings:

  • Anti-inflammatory action: Due to its secondary plant compounds – including iridoids and flavonoids – Ajuga reptans has a potentially anti-inflammatory effect and could help with joint complaints or irritation in the digestive tract (1,2,3).
  • Antioxidant effect: Various studies link compounds of the plant to an antioxidant effect that could help protect the body against free radicals (2,4).
  • Antimicrobial and antifungal properties: Ajuga reptans extracts have shown antimicrobial activity in investigations, with some studies pointing to a higher effectiveness against gram-positive bacteria; they also point to an antifungal potential (3,4,5)
  • Liver support: Research suggests that Ajuga reptans can protect the liver, particularly in hepatitis induced by carbon tetrachloride (6,7)
  • Wound healing and tissue protection: According to studies, the plant possesses astringent (contracting) properties and could thus promote wound healing (6,7).

How does Ajuga reptans work?

The medicinal effect of Ajuga reptans is based on several bioactive substances. These include, among others, iridoids, phytohormones, and flavonoids (2,8).

Are there any side effects?

Although Ajuga reptans is generally considered non-toxic, especially for cosmetic and topical use, it is important to know that more research is necessary before conclusive statements can be made. People with hypothyroidism or during pregnancy should not use Ajuga reptans without consultation. When in doubt, use should always take place in consultation with a doctor

Conclusion

Ajuga reptans is a quiet classic among medicinal plants – inconspicuous in growth, yet rich in medicinal potential. Despite the many suggested effects, however, more research is necessary before conclusive statements can be made about the plant's full effects.

Sources:

  1. Esposito, T.; Sansone, F.; Auriemma, G.; Franceschelli, S.; Pecoraro, M.; Picerno, P.; Aquino, R.P.; Mencherini, T. Study on Ajuga Reptans Extract: A Natural Antioxidant in Microencapsulated Powder Form as an Active Ingredient for Nutraceutical or Pharmaceutical Purposes. Pharmaceutics 2020, 12, 671.
  2. Dziki, A., Malinowska, M. A., Szopa, A., & Sikora, E. (2024). Comparative Study of the Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activity of Ajuga reptans L. Leaf and Root Extracts. Applied Sciences, 14(12), 5105. https://doi.org/10.3390/app14125105
  3. Toiu A, Mocan A, Vlase L, Pârvu AE, Vodnar DC, Gheldiu AM, Moldovan C, Oniga I. Comparative Phytochemical Profile, Antioxidant, Antimicrobial and In Vivo Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Different Extracts of Traditionally Used Romanian Ajuga genevensis L. and A. reptans L. (Lamiaceae). Molecules. 2019 Apr 23;24(8):1597. doi: 10.3390/molecules24081597. PMID: 31018502; PMCID: PMC6515068.
  4. Toiu, A.; Vlase, L.; Gheldiu, A.M.; Vodnar, D.; Oniga, I. Evaluation of the Antioxidant and Antibacterial Potential of Bioactive Compounds from Ajuga Reptans Extracts. Farmacia 2017, 65, 353–354.
  5. Rana, S.; Kaur, N.; Devi, P. A Review on Pharmacognostic Profile of Ajuga Reptans. Research, Reviews. J. Pharmacogn. 2020, 7, 9–18.
  6. Maliuvanchuk, S., Grytsyk, A., Popadynets, O., Kotyk, T., Raal, A., Koshovyi, O. (2024). Phytochemical and pharmacological research in Ajuga reptans L. herb extracts [Preprint]. Preprints. https://doi.org/10.20944/preprints202410.0738.v1
  7. Maliuvanchuk S, Grytsyk A, Popadynets O, Kotyk T, Raal A, Koshovyi O. Ajuga reptans L. Herb Extracts: Phytochemical Composition and Pharmacological Activity Screening. Plants (Basel). 2025 Jan 14;14(2):219. doi: 10.3390/plants14020219. PMID: 39861572; PMCID: PMC11768386.
  8. Tomás, J., Camps, F., Claveria, E., Coll, J., Melé, E., & Messeguer, J. (1992). Composition and location of phytoecdysteroids in Ajuga reptans in vivo and in vitro cultures. Phytochemistry, 31(5), 1585–1591.[ https://doi.org/10.1016/0031-9422(92)83112-C