# Woodruff (Galium odoratum)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/woodruff
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Galium odoratum, Sweet woodruff, Master of the woods, Wild baby's breath, Sweet grass, May flower, Waldmeister

## Overview

Woodruff (Galium odoratum) contains coumarin compounds that provide [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and mild sedative effects. Its primary mechanism involves GABA receptor modulation and cyclooxygenase enzyme inhibition.

## Health Benefits

• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) effects demonstrated in vitro and animal studies, though human clinical evidence is lacking • [Antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) that may support wound healing by scavenging free radicals at inflammatory sites (preliminary evidence) • Traditional use for nervous tension and [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep) via infusion preparations (traditional evidence only) • Potential anticoagulant properties due to coumarin content, similar to warfarin mechanisms (in vitro evidence) • Historical use for liver conditions including hepatitis and jaundice (traditional use only, no clinical validation)

## Mechanism of Action

Woodruff's coumarin compounds, particularly dicoumarol and melilotic acid, modulate GABA-A receptors to produce mild sedative effects. The [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) activity occurs through cyclooxygenase (COX) enzyme inhibition and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway suppression. Flavonoids like quercetin and rutin contribute to antioxidant activity by scavenging [reactive oxygen species](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) and chelating metal ions.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence for woodruff is extremely limited, with most research confined to in vitro cell studies and animal models. In vitro studies demonstrate significant COX-2 inhibition at concentrations of 50-100 μg/ml, while animal studies show reduced [inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) markers by 30-40% compared to controls. No randomized controlled trials have evaluated woodruff's effects in humans. Traditional use data suggests mild sedative effects, but this lacks quantified clinical validation.

## Nutritional Profile

Woodruff (Galium odoratum) is a herbaceous plant used primarily as a flavoring and medicinal herb rather than a dietary staple, so macronutrient contributions are negligible in typical usage amounts. Key bioactive compounds include: Coumarins (primarily coumarin glycosides, released as free coumarin upon wilting/drying at approximately 0.6–1.0% dry weight) — notably responsible for its characteristic sweet hay-like aroma and anticoagulant-relevant activity; bioavailability is moderate via oral ingestion but enhanced when plant material is wilted or dried. Iridoid glycosides (asperuloside, approximately 0.05–0.15% dry weight) — exhibit [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties; bioavailability limited due to susceptibility to gut microbial [metabolism](/ingredients/condition/weight-management). Flavonoids (including luteolin, quercetin derivatives, approximately 0.2–0.5% dry weight) — [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant); bioavailability variable, enhanced by [gut microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health) deglycosylation. Tannins (small amounts, <1% dry weight) — astringent, antioxidant properties; bioavailability limited by binding to proteins. Anthraquinones (trace levels) — potential laxative effect at higher doses. Organic acids including citric and tartaric acid (minor concentrations). Essential oils (trace, <0.1%) contributing to aroma profile. Micronutrients such as vitamin C, potassium, and calcium are present but in negligible quantities given typical culinary or infusion doses (e.g., May wine, teas). Bioavailability note: coumarin content increases significantly upon wilting/drying; consumption of large quantities is cautioned due to hepatotoxic potential of free coumarin at high doses.

## Dosage & Preparation

Traditional preparation: 3 to 3.5 g of fresh woodruff per litre of beverage for infusion. No standardized extract dosages or clinical dosing protocols are established in the available research. Traditional German preparation involves pre-drying freshly harvested herb for 2 to 24 hours before use. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Woodruff contains coumarin compounds that may have anticoagulant properties, potentially interacting with warfarin and other blood-thinning medications. High doses could theoretically cause liver toxicity due to coumarin content, though this has not been documented in humans at typical herbal doses. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety is unknown due to lack of clinical data. Individuals with bleeding disorders or those scheduled for surgery should avoid woodruff supplementation.

## Scientific Research

The available research lacks human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs for sweet woodruff. One historical reference mentions [anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) properties (Mascolo et al., 1987), but lacks a PubMed PMID and detailed study parameters. Current evidence is primarily limited to in vitro studies and traditional use documentation.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Sweet woodruff has been traditionally used in Germany to flavor May Wine (Maibowle), an alcoholic beverage made with white wine, sparkling wine, and G. odoratum shoots. In traditional herbal medicine, it has been used via infusion preparations for [insomnia](/ingredients/condition/sleep), nervous tension, varicose veins, biliary obstruction, hepatitis, and jaundice. The dried leaves have also been incorporated into potpourri and used as a natural moth deterrent.

## Synergistic Combinations

Chamomile, Valerian root, Lemon balm, Passionflower, Lavender

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active compound in woodruff responsible for its effects?

Coumarin is the primary bioactive compound in woodruff, specifically dicoumarol and melilotic acid derivatives. These compounds provide the herb's characteristic sweet hay-like aroma and are responsible for its anti-inflammatory and mild sedative properties.

### How much woodruff is safe to take daily?

No standardized dosage exists for woodruff supplements due to limited clinical research. Traditional preparations typically use 1-2 grams of dried herb as tea, but coumarin content varies significantly between sources making precise dosing difficult.

### Can woodruff interact with blood thinning medications?

Yes, woodruff's coumarin compounds may enhance the effects of anticoagulant medications like warfarin, potentially increasing bleeding risk. Anyone taking blood thinners should consult their healthcare provider before using woodruff supplements.

### Does woodruff really help with sleep and anxiety?

Traditional use suggests mild sedative effects, likely through GABA receptor modulation by coumarin compounds. However, no clinical trials have confirmed these effects in humans, and evidence remains limited to historical use and theoretical mechanisms.

### What's the difference between woodruff and sweet woodruff?

Sweet woodruff and woodruff refer to the same plant species, Galium odoratum. The 'sweet' designation comes from the herb's characteristic vanilla-like fragrance that intensifies when dried, caused by coumarin compound release.

### Is woodruff safe to use during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Woodruff is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding due to its coumarin content and potential anticoagulant effects, which could pose risks to fetal development and nursing infants. Traditional use does not establish safety in these populations, and clinical evidence is absent. Pregnant and lactating women should consult a healthcare provider before use.

### What is the strongest form of woodruff supplement—dried herb, tea, tincture, or extract?

Dried herb infusions and tinctures are the most commonly used traditional forms, though standardized extracts may provide more consistent coumarin levels. However, no clinical studies directly compare bioavailability across forms, making it difficult to definitively identify which is most effective. Traditional preparations as herbal tea remain the most studied in ethnobotanical literature.

### What does the current clinical research actually show about woodruff's health benefits?

Most evidence for woodruff is limited to in vitro and animal studies demonstrating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential; human clinical trials are largely absent. Traditional use for sleep and nervous tension is well-documented in herbal medicine but lacks rigorous human studies to confirm efficacy. Any health claims should be viewed as preliminary until larger, well-designed clinical trials are conducted.

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