# Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/ground-ivy
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-28
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Glechoma hederacea, Creeping Charlie, Alehoof, Gill-over-the-ground, Field Balm, Cats-foot, Hedge Maids, Tunhoof, Nepeta glechoma, Nepeta hederacea

## Overview

Ground ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a European perennial herb containing rosmarinic acid, flavonoids such as luteolin and apigenin, and volatile terpenoids including pinocamphone and pulegone. These phytochemicals contribute to its traditional use as an [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and expectorant remedy, though rigorous clinical trials confirming efficacy in humans remain absent.

## Health Benefits

• Provides a source of phenolic acids and flavonoids, although clinical efficacy is not established (phytochemical composition studies). • Traditionally used as a flavoring and clearing agent in brewing beer, but clinical benefits are not documented (historical use). • Contains essential oils and terpenoids, yet their health effects lack clinical validation (phytochemical composition). • Rich in vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and zinc, but no clinical outcomes reported (constituent analysis). • Known for its polyphenolic content, though no clinical trials confirm specific health benefits (phytochemical composition).

## Mechanism of Action

Rosmarinic acid in ground ivy inhibits cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes and suppresses NF-κB signaling, reducing [prostaglandin](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) E2 synthesis and inflammatory cytokine production. Luteolin and apigenin act as inhibitors of phosphodiesterase and modulators of MAPK pathways, potentially contributing to antispasmodic and mild bronchodilatory effects. The volatile monoterpene pinocamphone may exhibit mild [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity by disrupting bacterial cell membrane integrity, though these mechanisms are largely characterized in in vitro and animal models rather than human trials.

## Clinical Summary

No large-scale randomized controlled trials have been conducted specifically on Glechoma hederacea in human populations. In vitro studies demonstrate [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) of ground ivy extracts with IC50 values for DPPH radical scavenging reported in the range of 20–50 µg/mL, comparable to moderate-potency botanical antioxidants. Animal studies in rodents have suggested [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and [hepatoprotective](/ingredients/condition/detox) effects at doses of 100–400 mg/kg body weight, but these findings have not been translated into validated human clinical outcomes. The overall evidence base remains at a preclinical and ethnobotanical level, and no standardized therapeutic dose has been established for human use.

## Nutritional Profile

Ground Ivy (Glechoma hederacea) is a low-calorie herb with limited macronutrient content, consumed primarily for its bioactive phytochemicals rather than macronutritional value. Moisture content is high (~85-90% in fresh leaves). Crude protein is approximately 2-3% dry weight, with minimal fat (<1% dry weight) and moderate fiber content (~15-20% dry weight as crude fiber). Key bioactive compounds include: Phenolic acids — rosmarinic acid (reported at ~1-3 mg/g dry weight), caffeic acid, and chlorogenic acid derivatives; Flavonoids — luteolin, apigenin, and hyperoside (quercetin-3-galactoside), with total flavonoid content estimated at 5-15 mg/g dry weight in aerial parts; Essential oils (~0.03-0.06% of fresh weight) dominated by pinocamphone, pulegone, menthone, limonene, and alpha-pinene, though composition varies significantly with geographic origin and harvest time; Terpenoids — ursolic acid and oleanolic acid (pentacyclic triterpenes) present in measurable quantities (~0.5-2 mg/g dry weight); Tannins contributing to astringency, estimated at 2-5% dry weight; Bitter iridoids including glechomanolide. Mineral content includes moderate potassium, calcium (~200-400 mg/100g dry weight estimated), and trace iron and zinc. Vitamin C is present in fresh material but degrades rapidly with drying or processing. Bioavailability note: Rosmarinic acid exhibits relatively good oral bioavailability compared to other phenolic acids; however, most phytochemical data derives from in vitro extraction studies, and in vivo bioavailability in humans is not well characterized for this specific species.

## Dosage & Preparation

The research does not provide clinically studied dosage ranges or standardized extract concentrations for ground ivy in human studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Ground ivy contains the volatile ketone pulegone, which in high concentrations is hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic, as demonstrated in animal toxicity studies; use of concentrated essential oil extracts carries meaningful risk. The herb may potentiate anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin due to rosmarinic acid's platelet-aggregation-inhibiting properties, and concurrent use warrants caution. Ground ivy is contraindicated in pregnancy, as pulegone and other constituents may stimulate uterine contractions and carry potential abortifacient risk. Individuals with epilepsy should also avoid high doses, as some volatile terpenoids may lower seizure threshold.

## Scientific Research

No specific human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses are cited in the research. The sources focus primarily on the phytochemical composition and traditional uses of ground ivy without providing clinical outcomes data.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Ground ivy has a documented history in European ethnobotany, primarily used as a flavoring and clearing agent in brewing beer before the adoption of hops. Its use in other traditional medicine systems is not detailed in the research.

## Synergistic Combinations

Rosemary, Thyme, Peppermint, Sage, Oregano

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is ground ivy used for in traditional medicine?

Ground ivy was traditionally used in European herbal medicine as an expectorant for coughs and bronchitis, a digestive bitter tonic, and a topical wound-healing herb. Before hops became standard, it was widely used as a bittering and clarifying agent in ale brewing, earning it the historical name 'alehoof.' These uses are supported by ethnobotanical records rather than controlled clinical trials.

### What are the active compounds in ground ivy?

The primary bioactive compounds in Glechoma hederacea include the phenolic acid rosmarinic acid, flavonoids luteolin and apigenin, and volatile terpenoids such as pinocamphone, pulegone, and menthone. Ursolic acid, a pentacyclic triterpenoid, has also been identified and contributes to reported anti-inflammatory activity. The concentration of these compounds varies significantly depending on growing conditions and harvest timing.

### Is ground ivy safe to take as a supplement?

Whole-herb preparations of ground ivy in moderate culinary or tea doses are generally considered low risk for healthy adults, but concentrated extracts and essential oils pose hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic risks primarily attributed to pulegone content. The herb is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential uterotonic and abortifacient effects. No established safe upper dose limit exists for supplemental use, and consultation with a healthcare provider is advised before use.

### Does ground ivy have anti-inflammatory properties?

Preclinical evidence supports anti-inflammatory activity, with rosmarinic acid inhibiting COX-1, COX-2, and NF-κB-mediated cytokine release in cell culture models, and luteolin suppressing MAPK inflammatory signaling pathways. Rodent studies show reduced carrageenan-induced paw edema at extract doses of approximately 200–400 mg/kg. However, no human clinical trials have confirmed these effects at any dose, so anti-inflammatory claims remain preliminary.

### Can ground ivy interact with medications?

Ground ivy may interact with anticoagulants such as warfarin or aspirin because rosmarinic acid inhibits platelet aggregation, potentially increasing bleeding risk when combined. Its volatile terpenoids could theoretically interact with drugs metabolized by CYP450 liver enzymes, though specific inhibition or induction data for Glechoma hederacea in humans is not well documented. Patients taking antiepileptic medications, hepatotoxic drugs, or blood thinners should avoid ground ivy supplements without medical supervision.

### What is the difference between ground ivy extract and ground ivy tea or dried herb forms?

Ground ivy extract concentrates the plant's active compounds, potentially delivering higher doses of phenolic acids and flavonoids in a smaller volume, while tea or dried herb forms provide a more diluted preparation. Extract forms may have faster absorption but lack the traditional preparation methods used historically in brewing and herbal medicine. The bioavailability and effects of different forms have not been directly compared in clinical studies, making it difficult to determine which form is most effective for any given use.

### Is ground ivy safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Ground ivy is generally not recommended during pregnancy due to limited safety data and historical concerns about uterine effects from some herbal sources. Safety during breastfeeding has not been adequately studied, and the herb's essential oil content raises additional caution about potential transfer to nursing infants. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should consult a healthcare provider before considering ground ivy supplementation.

### How does the quality and potency of ground ivy vary between different brands and sources?

Ground ivy quality varies significantly depending on growing conditions, harvesting time, drying methods, and storage practices, which affect the concentration of phenolic acids, flavonoids, and essential oils. Since ground ivy lacks standardized clinical guidelines for supplement manufacturing, different brands may contain inconsistent levels of active compounds without clear labeling. Consumers seeking consistency should look for products with third-party testing and phytochemical analysis documentation, though such transparency is not standard in the herbal supplement market.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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