Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Melilot (Melilotus officinalis) contains coumarins, particularly melilotoside and coumarin, which provide anticoagulant and anti-inflammatory effects. The herb demonstrates antioxidant activity through compounds like caffeic acid, luteolin, and quercetin with IC50 values under 10 μg/mL.
Origin & History
Melilotus officinalis, commonly known as yellow sweet clover or melilot, is a legume plant native to Europe and western Asia that has been traditionally used in herbal medicine. The herb is typically extracted using ethanol or aqueous methods from the aerial parts (leaves, stems, and flowers), yielding a complex mixture of bioactive compounds including coumarins, flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
The available research primarily consists of phytochemical analysis and in vitro cellular studies rather than human clinical trials. One historical reference mentions a 2002 study showing anti-inflammatory effects comparable to hydrocortisone, but no PubMed PMIDs or detailed trial parameters are provided in the available sources. Clinical evidence for human use is notably absent from the current research dossier.
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
Melilot (Melilotus officinalis) is a herb used primarily for its bioactive phytochemical content rather than macronutrient density. Macronutrient data for isolated culinary/medicinal use is limited, but as a leguminous herb, dried aerial parts contain approximately 15-20% crude protein, 3-5% crude fat, and 30-40% carbohydrates including structural polysaccharides. Crude fiber content is estimated at 20-25% in dried plant material. Key bioactive compounds include: coumarin (0.4-0.9% dry weight in flowering tops), the primary characteristic compound; melilotoside (coumarin glucoside precursor); o-coumaric acid glycosides; dicoumarol (formed via fungal fermentation of coumarin, NOT present in fresh plant under normal conditions); flavonoids including quercetin, luteolin, and kaempferol (combined estimated 0.5-1.2% dry weight); caffeic acid and other hydroxycinnamic acid derivatives (~0.3-0.8% dry weight); coumestrol (a phytoestrogen); and saponins (~2-4% dry weight). Volatile essential oils include α-pinene, β-pinene, and eugenol in trace amounts. Mineral content includes calcium (~1,200-1,800 mg/100g dried), potassium (~1,500-2,000 mg/100g dried), magnesium (~200-350 mg/100g dried), and iron (~20-35 mg/100g dried), consistent with leguminous aerial plant material. Vitamin K activity is present but not precisely quantified in isolated herb preparations. Bioavailability note: coumarin is rapidly absorbed orally and undergoes first-pass hepatic metabolism to 7-hydroxycoumarin; flavonoid bioavailability is moderate (~10-30%) and enhanced by co-consumption with dietary fats; saponin content may mildly reduce absorption of co-ingested minerals. Protein quality is incomplete (limiting amino acids not fully characterized for this species).
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Melilot's bioactive coumarins, including melilotoside and coumarin, inhibit vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and reduce platelet aggregation. Flavonoid compounds like luteolin and quercetin scavenge free radicals and inhibit inflammatory mediators including TNF-α, IL-6, and nitric oxide release. The herb's saponins may contribute to vascular permeability reduction and lymphatic drainage enhancement.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Most evidence for melilot comes from in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant activity with IC50 values <10 μg/mL for free radical scavenging. Limited human studies have examined melilot in combination formulas for chronic venous insufficiency, showing modest improvements in leg swelling and discomfort. Traditional use focuses on wound healing and varicose veins, but controlled clinical trials are lacking. The evidence base remains preliminary and requires larger, well-designed human studies.
Also Known As
Research updates — and 25% off your first order
Join our list for source-aware wellness education, review-state updates, and product news — and unlock 25% off your first Hermetica order. Educational content is not medical advice. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.