Other

Sundew

Provisional Moderate ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

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

Provisional Summary

Sundew contains naphthoquinones like plumbagin and flavonoids that inhibit biofilm formation in multidrug-resistant bacteria through NADH dehydrogenase inhibition and iron complexation. Recent 2025 proteomic studies confirm whole plant extracts demonstrate superior antimicrobial activity against ESBL-producing E. coli compared to isolated compounds.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryOther

GroupOther

Public Score StatusProvisional Moderate

Primary Keywordwhat is Sundew

Sundew — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Soothes irritated airways

and acts as an expectorant, reducing inflammation and clearing mucus in the respiratory tract.

Provides strong cellular

protection against oxidative stress due to its rich content of flavonoids and phenolic acids.

Reduces systemic inflammation

and calms irritation, particularly within the respiratory system, through its bioactive compounds.

Supports immune function

by aiding the body’s defense against respiratory pathogens.

Exhibits antibacterial activity,

particularly against microbes associated with upper respiratory infections.

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Sundew (Drosera spp.) is a genus of carnivorous plants native to temperate zones across Europe, North America, and Australia, thriving in nutrient-poor, acidic wetlands. It is distinguished by its sparkling glandular hairs that exude a sticky, dew-like mucilage, used to trap and digest insects. Beyond its ecological role, Sundew has been historically valued in traditional herbalism for its functional properties, particularly in supporting respiratory health.

“Sundew has been cherished in Indigenous and European herbal traditions since the Middle Ages, where it was used as a natural remedy for coughs, tuberculosis, and asthma. It became a key ingredient in 19th-century European pharmacopeias and was revered as a 'sun herb' believed to fortify the lungs and protect the spirit.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

While Sundew has a long history of traditional use in herbal medicine, specific clinical trials and meta-analyses on its efficacy in humans are limited. Preliminary in vitro and animal studies support its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties, particularly relevant to respiratory health.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Flavonoids - Phenolic acids - Glycosides - Mucilage - Volatile oils

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Sundew's primary naphthoquinones (plumbagin and 7-methyljuglone) inhibit NADH dehydrogenase, disrupting bacterial glucose metabolism while altering central regulatory proteins like OmpR. Flavonoids including quercetin and 2″-O-galloyl hyperoside create iron-poor environments that prevent biofilm formation and reduce intracellular spermidine levels. These compounds work synergistically to disrupt lactose carriers and inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes while providing antioxidant protection.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Clinical evidence for sundew remains limited to preclinical studies, with most research conducted in laboratory settings rather than human trials. Recent 2025 studies using 3D cell cultures and Galleria mellonella models confirmed extract safety, while biofilm inhibition studies showed activity against multidrug-resistant E. coli at concentrations of 38 µg/mL for specific flavonoids. Whole plant extracts demonstrated superior antimicrobial effects compared to commercial products and isolated compounds in proteomic analyses. Robust human clinical trials are lacking, with respiratory health benefits supported primarily by traditional use and in vitro antitussive activity.

Also Known As

Drosera rotundifoliaRound-leaved sundewEuropean sundewDrosera intermediaIntermediate sundew

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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