Betony

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While some complementary and alternative techniques have been studied scientifically, high-quality data regarding safety, effectiveness, and mechanism of action are limited or controversial for most therapies. Whenever possible, it is recommended that practitioners be licensed by a recognized professional organization that adheres to clearly published standards. In addition, before starting a new technique or engaging a practitioner, it is recommended that patients speak with their primary healthcare provider(s). Potential benefits, risks (including financial costs), and alternatives should be carefully considered. The below monograph is designed to provide historical background and an overview of clinically-oriented research, and neither advocates for or against the use of a particular therapy.

Synonyms

Alkaloids, Betoine (French), betonica (Spanish, Italian), Betonica officinalis, betonicolide, betonicosides A-D, Betonien (German), betulinic acid, bishopswort, bishop wort, D-camphor, delphinidin, diterpenoid, glycosides, heal-all, hedgenettle, hedge nettles, hyperoside, Labiatae (family), Lamiaceae (family), lousewort, manganese, oleanolic acid, purple betony, rosmarininc acid, rutin, self-heal, stachydrine, Stachys atherocalyx C., Stachys betonica, Stachys bombycina, Stachys byzanthina C. Koch., Stachys byzantina, Stachys candida, Stachys chrysantha, Stachys grandidentata, Stachys inflata, Stachys lavandulifolia, Stachys officinalis, Stachys palustris L., Stachys parviflora, Stachys persica Gmel., Stachys plumose, Stachys recta, Stachys riederi, Stachys sieboldii, Stachys sieboldii (Miq.), tannins, ursolic acid, wood betony, woundwort.

Background

The term "betony" is frequently used for many species of Stachys. Betony should not be confused with Canada lousewort (Pedicularis canadensis), which is also called wood betony.

Betony has been regarded as a cure-all by many societies including Greece, Italy, Spain, and Britain, as far back as 2,000 years ago. Its constituents include tannins, alkaloids and glycosides, which are typically the active ingredients in herbal remedies.

Its most commonly reported use is as a nervine (sedative or relaxing agent); the validity of this application has not been confirmed with clinical research.

Laboratory study has shown that betony may function as an anti-inflammatory, although this effect has not been confirmed. At this time, there are no clinical human trials supporting the use of betony for any indication.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Grade

Tradition

Tradition Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below. Helicobacter pylori

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older):

There is no proven safe or effective dose for betony in adults. As an infusion, 2-4 grams dried herb infused in one cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes and ingested three times daily has been used traditionally. As a liquid extract (1:1 in 25% ethanol), 2-4 milliliters three times per day has been used. Also, 2-6 milliliters of tincture (1:5 in 45% ethanol) has been taken one to four times per day in water.

Children (younger than 18 years):

There is no proven safe or effective dose for betony in children.

Safety

Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to betony or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

There are currently no high quality studies on the medicinal applications of betony. Based on traditional use and expert opinion, use betony cautiously in patients with hypertension (high blood pressure) or hypotension (low blood pressure) due to potential hypotensive effects. Also use cautiously in patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia due to potential hypoglycemic (blood sugar lowering) effects.

Use cautiously in patients with gastrointestinal ulcers due to potential gastrointestinal irritation from betony's tannins.

Avoid in patients who are pregnant, or who are planning to become pregnant due to traditional use of betony for uterine stimulation.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Betony should not be used during pregnancy due to a traditional use indication for uterine stimulation (amenorrhea), suggesting a possibility of premature birth or miscarriage. Betony is not recommended in breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Although not well studied in humans, Stachys lavandulifolia has anxiolytic activity. Caution is advised when taking betony with other anxiolytics or sedatives.

Betony may alter blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using medications that may also alter blood sugar. Patients taking drugs for diabetes by mouth or insulin should be monitored closely by a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist. Medication adjustments may be necessary.

Betony contains glycosides and may have hypotensive activity. Caution is advised in patients taking blood-pressure lowering agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Although not well studied in humans, Stachys lavandulifolia has anxiolytic activity. Caution is advised when taking betony with other herbs with potential anti-anxiety or sedative effects.

Betony may lower blood sugar levels. Caution is advised when using herbs or supplements that may also lower blood sugar. Blood glucose levels may require monitoring, and doses may need adjustment.

Betony may alter blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients taking herbs or supplements that may also alter blood pressure.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): John Barban, MS (University of Guelph); J. Kathryn Bryan, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); John Redwanski, PharmD (Hampton University School of Pharmacy); Toni Schaeffer, PhD, PharmD (Albany College of Pharmacy); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Wendy Weissner, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Ahmad VU, Arshad S, Bader S, et al. New phenethyl alcohol glycosides from Stachys parviflora. J Asian Nat Prod Res 2006;8(1-2):105-111. View Abstract

Duarte MC, Figueira GM, Sartoratto A, et al. Anti-Candida activity of Brazilian medicinal plants. J Ethnopharmacol. 2-28-2005;97(2):305-311. View Abstract

Erdemoglu N, Turan NN, Cakici I, et al. Antioxidant activities of some Lamiaceae plant extracts. Phytother.Res 2006;20(1):9-13. View Abstract

Hayashi K, Nagamatsu T, Ito M, et al. Acteoside, a component of Stachys sieboldii MIQ, may be a promising antinephritic agent (2): Effect of acteoside on leukocyte accumulation in the glomeruli of nephritic rats. Jpn.J Pharmacol 1994;66(1):47-52. View Abstract

Khanavi M, Sharifzadeh M, Hadjiakhoondi A, et al. Phytochemical investigation and anti-inflammatory activity of aerial parts of Stachys byzanthina C. Koch. J Ethnopharmacol. 3-21-2005;97(3):463-468. View Abstract

Kukic J, Petrovic S, Niketic M. Antioxidant activity of four endemic Stachys taxa. Biol Pharm Bull 2006;29(4):725-729. View Abstract

Maleki N, Garjani A, Nazemiyeh H, et al. Potent anti-inflammatory activities of hydroalcoholic extract from aerial parts of Stachys inflata on rats. J Ethnopharmacol. 2001;75(2-3):213-218. View Abstract

Matkowski A, Piotrowska M. Antioxidant and free radical scavenging activities of some medicinal plants from the Lamiaceae. Fitoterapia 2006;77(5):346-353. View Abstract

Rabbani M, Sajjadi SE, Zarei HR. Anxiolytic effects of Stachys lavandulifolia Vahl on the elevated plus-maze model of anxiety in mice. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;89(2-3):271-276. View Abstract

Shin TY. Stachys riederi inhibits mast cell-mediated acute and chronic allergic reactions. Immunopharmacol.Immunotoxicol. 2004;26(4):621-630. View Abstract

Skaltsa HD, Demetzos C, Lazari D, et al. Essential oil analysis and antimicrobial activity of eight Stachys species from Greece. Phytochemistry 2003;64(3):743-752. View Abstract

Skaltsa HD, Lazari DM, Chinou IB, et al. Composition and antibacterial activity of the essential oils of Stachys candida and S. chrysantha from southern Greece. Planta Med 1999;65(3):255-256. View Abstract

Skaltsa H, Bermejo P, Lazari D, et al. Inhibition of prostaglandin E2 and leukotriene C4 in mouse peritoneal macrophages and thromboxane B2 production in human platelets by flavonoids from Stachys chrysantha and Stachys candida. Biol Pharm Bull 2000;23(1):47-53. View Abstract

Stamatis G, Kyriazopoulos P, Golegou S, et al. In vitro anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of Greek herbal medicines. J Ethnopharmacol. 2003;88(2-3):175-179. View Abstract