# Cleavers (Galium aparine)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/cleavers
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Galium aparine, Sticky Willy, Goosegrass, Catchweed, Bedstraw, Grip Grass, Sweethearts

## Overview

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a European herb containing iridoid glycosides and phenolic compounds that modulate immune cell activity and promote tissue repair. Research demonstrates its ability to restore [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) after suppression and accelerate wound healing through enhanced cellular migration.

## Health Benefits

• Immune system support: Mouse studies show dose-dependent restoration of [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) after chemotherapy-induced suppression (preliminary evidence, PMC10934713)
• Wound healing acceleration: In vitro studies demonstrate enhanced cell migration and wound closure in human cells at concentrations up to 400 mg/mL (preliminary evidence, PMC11267910)
• Liver protection: Rat studies indicate reduced liver damage markers (ALT, AST, bilirubin) following acetaminophen toxicity (preliminary evidence, PMID: 36029804)
• Antimicrobial activity: Laboratory studies show effectiveness against S. aureus with dose-dependent inhibition zones (preliminary evidence, PMID: 39044256)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) effects: DPPH assays reveal radical scavenging activity comparable to ascorbic acid (preliminary evidence)

## Mechanism of Action

Cleavers contains iridoid glycosides including asperuloside and phenolic compounds that modulate [cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) production and immune cell activation pathways. The bioactive compounds enhance lymphocyte proliferation and macrophage function while promoting [collagen synthesis](/ingredients/condition/skin-health) and angiogenesis through growth factor upregulation. These mechanisms support both immune restoration and tissue repair processes.

## Clinical Summary

Mouse studies demonstrate dose-dependent restoration of [immune function](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) following chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression, with higher concentrations showing greater efficacy (PMC10934713). In vitro human cell studies reveal enhanced wound healing through accelerated cell migration and wound closure rates. Current evidence is limited to preliminary animal and cell culture studies, with no published human clinical trials available. The research suggests promising therapeutic potential but requires validation in human subjects.

## Nutritional Profile

Cleavers (Galium aparine) is a herbaceous plant consumed traditionally as a spring green and medicinal herb. Nutritional data is limited but the following is documented: Bioactive compounds include iridoid glycosides (asperuloside, reported at approximately 0.05–0.2% dry weight), flavonoids (quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol derivatives), tannins (gallotannins and ellagitannins, estimated 2–5% dry weight), and coumarins (umbelliferone, scopoletin). Chlorophyll content is notable given its dark green leaf tissue. Organic acids including citric acid and gallotannic acid are present. The plant contains polysaccharides in its aerial parts that may contribute to [immunomodulatory](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity (consistent with PMC10934713 findings). Silica content is relatively high compared to many herbs, supporting traditional use for connective tissue. Caffeic acid derivatives have been identified as contributors to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity. As a leafy green, it contains modest levels of vitamin C (estimated 20–40 mg/100g fresh weight by class analogy), vitamin K1, and trace minerals including calcium, potassium, and magnesium, though precise quantification in Galium aparine specifically is lacking in peer-reviewed literature. Dietary fiber content is moderate as with most leafy aerial plant parts (estimated 2–4% fresh weight). Bioavailability of flavonoid glycosides is moderate and subject to [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) conversion; asperuloside undergoes hydrolysis to yield aucubin-related metabolites. Tannin content may reduce mineral bioavailability if consumed in large quantities.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied human dosages are available. Animal studies used intraperitoneal doses of 5-500 μg/head in mice, while in vitro studies employed concentrations of 12.5-400 mg/mL. Traditional use typically involves teas or poultices from the whole plant. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Cleavers is generally considered safe when used traditionally as a food or mild herbal preparation. No significant adverse effects or drug interactions have been documented in available literature. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with kidney disorders should exercise caution as cleavers has traditionally been used as a diuretic.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials were identified in the research; all evidence comes from preclinical animal models and in vitro studies. Key studies include [immunomodulat](/ingredients/condition/immune-support)ion in cyclophosphamide-treated mice (n=3 per group, PMC10934713), [hepatoprotect](/ingredients/condition/detox)ion in acetaminophen-poisoned rats (PMID: 36029804), and wound healing assays in human cell lines (PMC11267910).

## Historical & Cultural Context

Cleavers has been used in European traditional herbal medicine for centuries to treat skin conditions, wounds, jaundice, and lymphatic issues, typically as teas or poultices. Recent reviews characterize it as a 'forgotten' herb in traditional wound healing and [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) applications, aligning with historical uses for infections and detoxification.

## Synergistic Combinations

Echinacea, Astragalus, Red clover, Dandelion, Milk thistle

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What are the main active compounds in cleavers?

Cleavers contains iridoid glycosides like asperuloside, phenolic compounds, and flavonoids. These bioactive compounds are responsible for its immune-modulating and wound-healing properties demonstrated in preliminary studies.

### How does cleavers support immune system recovery?

Mouse studies show cleavers restores immune function after chemotherapy suppression through dose-dependent enhancement of lymphocyte activity and macrophage function. The mechanism involves modulation of cytokine production and immune cell activation pathways.

### Can cleavers help with wound healing?

In vitro studies using human cells demonstrate that cleavers accelerates wound closure through enhanced cell migration and tissue repair processes. The herb promotes collagen synthesis and angiogenesis, though human clinical validation is needed.

### What is the traditional use of cleavers herb?

Cleavers has been traditionally used in European folk medicine as a lymphatic cleanser, diuretic, and skin remedy. Historical applications include treating swollen lymph nodes, kidney issues, and various skin conditions.

### Are there any side effects of taking cleavers?

Cleavers appears generally safe with no documented adverse effects in available research. However, its diuretic properties may affect kidney function, and pregnant women should avoid therapeutic doses due to insufficient safety data.

### Is cleavers safe to take during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Cleavers has traditionally been used to support lymphatic health and is generally considered safe for most populations, but pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult with a healthcare provider before supplementing, as clinical safety data in these populations is limited. While cleavers is not known to be teratogenic, personalized medical guidance is important during these sensitive periods.

### What is the most effective form of cleavers supplement—fresh herb, dried, extract, or tea?

Cleavers is traditionally prepared as a fresh juice or tea, which preserves water-soluble compounds like flavonoids and tannins that support its traditional uses. Dried herb infusions and standardized extracts are also available; the choice depends on convenience and intended use, though whole-herb or aqueous preparations may retain a broader spectrum of active constituents compared to isolated extracts.

### Does cleavers interact with chemotherapy or immunosuppressant medications?

While preliminary mouse studies suggest cleavers may support immune recovery after chemotherapy-induced suppression, individuals undergoing cancer treatment or taking immunosuppressant drugs should consult their oncologist or physician before supplementing. The immune-modulating potential of cleavers warrants medical oversight in these clinical contexts to prevent unintended interactions with treatment protocols.

---

*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
*License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 — Attribution required. Commercial use: admin@hermeticasuperfoods.com*