# Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/sweet-woodruff
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Galium odoratum, Woodruff, Master of the Woods, Wild Baby's Breath, Waldmeister, Hay Plant, Sweet-scented Bedstraw

## Overview

Sweet woodruff (Galium odoratum) contains coumarin as its primary bioactive compound, which provides anticoagulant and [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties. The herb also contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol that contribute to its [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant).

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects observed in preliminary studies (Mascolo et al., 1987) - evidence from animal/in vitro models only
• Antioxidant activity through flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol - based on chemical analysis, no human trials
• Traditional wound healing applications supported by [free radical scaveng](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)ing properties - traditional use only, no clinical trials
• Potential mild sedative effects attributed to coumarin content - traditional evidence only
• May support vascular health through coumarin's anticoagulant properties - mechanism identified but no human clinical data

## Mechanism of Action

Sweet woodruff's coumarin compounds inhibit vitamin K-dependent clotting factors and suppress [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) cytokine production through NF-κB pathway modulation. The flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol scavenge [free radical](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant)s and upregulate antioxidant enzymes like superoxide dismutase. Coumarin derivatives also demonstrate mild sedative effects by enhancing GABA [neurotransmitter activity](/ingredients/condition/cognitive).

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical data for sweet woodruff remains extremely limited, with most evidence derived from animal and in vitro studies. Mascolo et al. (1987) demonstrated [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects in animal models, but sample sizes and specific outcomes were not well documented. Chemical analyses have confirmed the presence of bioactive flavonoids and coumarin compounds, but therapeutic dosages and efficacy in humans have not been established through controlled trials. Current evidence is insufficient to support specific health claims for sweet woodruff supplementation.

## Nutritional Profile

Sweet Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a low-calorie aromatic herb used primarily in small culinary and medicinal quantities, meaning macronutrient contributions to diet are negligible. Key bioactive compounds drive its nutritional and pharmacological interest: Coumarins are the dominant class, with coumarin (1,2-benzopyrone) present at approximately 0.6–1.0% dry weight in flowering aerial parts, alongside the glycoside asperuloside (an iridoid glycoside) at roughly 0.05–0.1% dry weight — asperuloside hydrolyzes to release coumarin upon drying or fermentation, which accounts for the herb's characteristic vanilla-hay scent. Flavonoids are well-documented constituents, including quercetin and kaempferol (as glycosides) at a combined estimated 0.3–0.8% dry weight, contributing to [antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) capacity; these flavonols have moderate bioavailability when consumed as glycosides, requiring intestinal hydrolysis before absorption. Tannins (gallotannins) are present at approximately 1–2% dry weight, providing astringent properties but potentially reducing mineral bioavailability if consumed in quantity. Iridoids beyond asperuloside include monotropein at trace levels. Organic acids, particularly citric and malic acid, are present in small amounts. Vitamin content is not formally characterized in nutritional databases, though as a leafy green herb, modest amounts of vitamin C and pro-vitamin A carotenoids are plausible but unquantified. Mineral data is sparse; as with most leafy herbs, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are likely present at low-to-moderate levels but no reliable quantitative data exists. Fiber content is negligible at typical use doses. Bioavailability caveat: coumarin is readily absorbed but undergoes significant first-pass hepatic [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management); at high doses it is hepatotoxic, and the European Food Safety Authority has established a tolerable daily intake of 0.1 mg/kg body weight, meaning culinary use (e.g., May wine) should remain occasional and moderate.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges available due to absence of human trials. Traditional use suggests 3-3.5 g of fresh woodruff per liter of beverage. Coumarin content varies significantly with drying (24.8-77.46% in volatiles). No standardized extracts have been established for clinical use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Sweet woodruff contains coumarin compounds that may enhance anticoagulant effects when combined with warfarin or other blood-thinning medications. Large doses could potentially cause liver toxicity due to coumarin content, though specific toxic thresholds have not been established. The herb should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should discontinue use at least two weeks prior to procedures.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were identified for Galium odoratum in the available research. Evidence is limited to in vitro studies, animal models, and traditional use documentation. The [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties referenced (Mascolo et al., 1987) lack specified human trial details or PubMed identifiers.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sweet woodruff has been used in European traditional medicine, especially German folk medicine since medieval times, for wound healing and [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation). Most notably used as a flavoring in May wine (Maibowle), with the drying process enhancing coumarin for fragrance. Also historically used in homeopathic preparations for uterine inflammation and as a moth deterrent.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chamomile, Valerian root, Passionflower, White willow bark, Meadowsweet

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in sweet woodruff?

Coumarin is the primary bioactive compound in sweet woodruff, responsible for its characteristic sweet hay-like fragrance and anticoagulant properties. The herb also contains flavonoids like quercetin and kaempferol that contribute to antioxidant activity.

### Can sweet woodruff interact with blood thinners?

Yes, sweet woodruff may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications like warfarin due to its coumarin content. This combination could increase bleeding risk and requires medical supervision if considering concurrent use.

### What is the traditional dosage of sweet woodruff?

Traditional preparations typically use 1-2 grams of dried herb per cup of tea, consumed 1-3 times daily. However, standardized dosages have not been established through clinical trials, and therapeutic amounts remain unclear.

### Is sweet woodruff safe during pregnancy?

Sweet woodruff should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and potential anticoagulant effects. The coumarin compounds may pose unknown risks to fetal development.

### How does sweet woodruff compare to other anti-inflammatory herbs?

Sweet woodruff has less clinical evidence than established anti-inflammatory herbs like turmeric or willow bark. While preliminary animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory activity, human trials are lacking, making direct comparisons difficult.

### What is the evidence quality for sweet woodruff's health benefits?

Most evidence for sweet woodruff comes from traditional use and preliminary animal or in vitro studies rather than human clinical trials. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties are supported by chemical analysis showing flavonoid content, but these have not been validated in controlled human studies. Current research is insufficient to make definitive claims about efficacy in humans, making sweet woodruff best considered a traditional botanical rather than a clinically proven supplement.

### Is sweet woodruff safe for children or elderly individuals?

Safety data specific to children and elderly populations is limited, as sweet woodruff has not undergone clinical testing in these age groups. Given its traditional use as a beverage and flavoring agent in European cultures, mild consumption by older adults may be considered low-risk, but pediatric use should be avoided without professional guidance. Elderly individuals on multiple medications should consult a healthcare provider due to potential interaction risks.

### What form of sweet woodruff is most commonly used in supplements?

Sweet woodruff is traditionally consumed as a dried herb for teas, infusions, or as a flavoring agent in beverages like German May wine (Maiwein), rather than in concentrated supplement forms. Some herbal blends include dried sweet woodruff powder, though standardized extracts are less common in the market. The bioavailability and effectiveness of different preparation methods have not been formally compared in human studies.

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