Cowherb

Other Names

Cow basilCow cockleCow herbCow soapwortCowcockleDianthus inclususField vaccariaGypsophila vaccariaLychnis vaccariaPrairie carnationSaponaria amplissimaSaponaria hispanicaSaponaria inclusaSaponaria oxydontaSaponaria pentagonaSaponaria perfoliataSaponaria repensSaponaria rubraSaponaria segetalisSaponaria vaccariaSemen VaccariaeSemen Vaccariae SegetalisSilene vaccariaVaccaria arvensisVaccaria brachycalyxVaccaria hispanicaVaccaria inclusaVaccaria linifloraVaccaria parvifloraVaccaria perfoliataVaccaria pyramidalisVaccaria pyramidataVaccaria segetalisVaccaria sessilifloraVaccaria sessilifoliaVaccaria vaccariaVaccaria vulgarisVaccariae SemenWang Bu Liu XingWang Bu Liu Xing Zi

Synopsis

Cowherb (Vaccaria hispanica / Vaccaria segetalis)

1. Identity: Botanical Names, Source, and Common Forms

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Cowherb is a species of flowering plant in the family Caryophyllaceae, native from Portugal and Morocco to the Himalayas and introduced into temperate areas worldwide. Among its many synonyms is Vaccaria hispanica, which was the only species placed in the genus Vaccaria. It is known by several common names including cowherb, cowcockle, cow basil, cow soapwort, and prairie carnation. The currently accepted taxonomic name used in Plants of the World Online is Gypsophila vaccaria (L.) Sm., with Vaccaria hispanica (Mill.) Rauschert being its most widely used synonym in the pharmacological literature. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) research, the plant is most often referred to as Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke, a name used extensively in phytochemical and pharmacological publications.

Other botanical synonyms include Gypsophila vaccaria, Lychnis vaccaria, Saponaria hispanica, Silene vaccaria, Vaccaria arvensis, Vaccaria pyramidalis, Vaccaria pyramidata, and Vaccaria vulgaris. The TCM drug derived from this plant's dried, mature seeds is known pharmacopoeially as Semen Vaccariae and in Chinese as Wang Bu Liu Xing (王不留行), or colloquially as Wangbuliu (王不留) and Mailancai (麦蓝菜).

Botanical Description and Natural Source

Cowherb is an annual herb with blue-gray, waxy herbage and pale pink flowers. It originates from the Mediterranean and Asia and has been common in large parts of Europe and Asia for over 1,000 years, but has also been introduced to America, Australia, and South Africa via seeds. The plant is mostly found on calcareous, stony fields, where it grows as a field weed, and is considered an indicator plant for dry and calcareous soils.

Semen Vaccariae (SV) is the dry, mature seed of Vaccaria segetalis (Neck.) Garcke (Caryophyllaceae), also known as Wangbuliu (王不留), Mailancai (麦蓝菜), Jingonghua (禁宫花), and Jinzhanyintai (金盏银台). It promotes blood circulation, lactation, detumescence, and diuresis, relieves stranguria, and is primarily used to treat amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum hypogalactia, breast carbuncle swelling, stranguria, and other symptoms.

Common Forms and Preparations

There are multiple medicinal parts of V. segetalis, according to the records, including roots, stems, leaves, flowers, and seeds, which should be used together. In modern standardized TCM practice, however, only the dried ripe seeds are officially recognized.

Modern SV is mainly processed by stir-frying; however, the wine-steaming method cannot be ignored. The raw form (sheng Wang Bu Liu Xing) is preferred for reducing swelling in breast abscesses, while the dry-fried form (chao Wang Bu Liu Xing), processed until the seeds pop open into white "flowers," has stronger dispersing power and is preferred for invigorating blood, unblocking menstruation, promoting lactation, and treating painful urinary conditions. When using the dry-fried form, the seeds should be stir-fried over moderate heat until 60–70% have popped open into white puffy shapes resembling tiny popcorn, then removed and cooled.

The stir-frying process has measurable effects on the chemical profile of the seeds. During the stir-frying process, vaccarin degrades and yields isovitexin-2''-O-arabinoside. The preferable stir-frying temperature is around 120°C.

Beyond decoction use, the seeds have become the most widely used material for auricular acupressure therapy (ear seed therapy) in modern practice. In this application, whole unprocessed seeds are affixed with adhesive tape to specific acupoints on the outer ear. Standard oral preparations include decoctions, granules, and powders; the seeds are also incorporated into multi-herb patent formulas.

2. Traditional and Historical Use

Chinese Medicine: Origins and Classical Documentation

The seeds of V. segetalis, known as Wang Bu Liu Xing, have been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) to treat amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, lactation failures, and carbuncles for approximately 2,000 years, as documented in the oldest materia medica, Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing.

VS is recorded in the ancient Chinese classic medical book the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber by Zhang Zhongjing in the Eastern Han Dynasty with the instruction to incinerate VS into ashes without excessive burning. Originally utilized in the treatment of metal knife wounds, through the accumulation of medical experience, processed (fried) VS was integrated into traditional Chinese medicine formulations for the treatment of liver diseases.

Early texts like the Ben Cao Jing Ji Zhu by Tao Hongjing described the plant vaguely. The Song dynasty Tu Jing Ben Cao illustrated three different plants under the name. It was not until Li Shizhen's detailed description in the Ben Cao Gang Mu, noting that the plant grows commonly in wheat fields with distinctive bell-shaped flowers and round seeds that are white when fresh and black when ripe, that the identity was firmly established as the Caryophyllaceae species.

SV has a long history, but the records of SV are confusing because different places may use different plants as SV, and the SV recorded in different regions are different.

TCM Functional Framework

In traditional Chinese medicine, vaccaria seeds have bitter and neutral properties and are associated with the Liver and Stomach meridians. Their main functions are to invigorate the blood and promote lactation. Wang Bu Liu Xing is traditionally one of the most important herbs for promoting lactation and has been called the "holy herb for promoting breast milk" (通乳圣药).

The herb promotes blood circulation, lactation, detumescence, and diuresis, relieves stranguria, and is primarily used to treat amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, postpartum hypogalactia, breast carbuncle swelling, stranguria, and other symptoms.

Traditional Preparations and Dosage Contexts

The seeds are used in Chinese medicine (Wang Bu Liu Xing) to increase milk supply orally as a decoction. A traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescription consists of 30 g of the seeds of V. segetalis and 6 g each of the roots of Angelica sinensis Diels, Chinese teasel, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and Salvia miltiorrhiza, administered as two doses via decoction. It has reportedly been used frequently with Liquidambar formosana (Lu Lu Tong) as a galactogogue combination known as the Wang Bu Liu Xing and Lu Lu Tong herb pair (WLHP).

More recent clinical applications have included treatment of shingles, gallstones, hypertension, and rhinitis. The plant can also be used to treat hypertension, headache, and gallstones through its unique ability to physically stimulate the corresponding acupuncture points on the ear or body.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Overview of Phytochemical Classes

The main ingredients in V. segetalis include flavonoids, cyclic peptides, saponins, and polysaccharides, but several active substances have not been identified, indicating the need for more systematic phytochemical research. A broader survey confirms additional classes: SV contains flavonoid glycosides, triterpenoid saponins, volatile oils, cyclic peptides, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and other chemical components. Phytochemical screenings have demonstrated that the phytochemical diversity of V. hispanica includes at least 63 distinct metabolites, embracing triterpenoid saponins, cyclic peptides, flavonoids, and others.

Flavonoids: Vaccarin and Related Compounds

Vaccarin, a flavonoid glycoside, is considered one of the major active constituents of Vaccaria segetalis. The seeds also contain quercetin and oleic acid as well as vaccarin. Additional flavonoid compounds isolated from the alcohol extract include apigenin-6-C-arabinosylglucoside and apigenin-6-C-glucosylglucoside. Key quantifiable constituents identified by HPLC include hypaphorine, vaccarin, isovitexin-2''-O-arabinoside, and vaccarin H.

Cyclic Peptides (Segetalins)

To date, eight cyclic peptides have been isolated from the seeds of V. segetalis. These cyclic peptides, designated segetalin A through I, have been isolated and identified from SV. Segetalin I showed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in vitro. Segetalin F showed vasodilatory activity against norepinephrine (NE)-induced contraction of the rat aorta.

Cyclic peptide molecules have antitumor activity, and they regulate uterine contraction, which implies estrogen-like activity for segetalins A, B, G, and H. Methanol and ethyl acetate extracts of Wang Bu Liu Xing and cyclic peptides (named segetalins A and B) obtained from these extracts have been shown to have estrogen-like activity.

Triterpenoid Saponins

Triterpenoid saponins from V. segetalis mostly have antioxidant, antitumor, and anti-inflammatory effects. They also protect the cardiovascular system through their antihypertensive, anti-atherosclerotic, and vasodilatory effects. A new triterpenoid saponin, named segetoside F, showing strong inhibition of luteal cell activity, has been isolated from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis. Its structure has been established by chemical reactions and spectral analyses.

Polysaccharides and Volatile Oils

Polysaccharides from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis have been shown to prevent urinary tract infection through the stimulation of kidney innate immunity. The volatile oil components of Vaccaria segetalis include alkanes, olefins, phenols, alcohols, ketones, esters, and amides.

Hypaphorine

Vaccaria hypaphorine is the main active compound of the traditionally used Chinese herb Vaccaria segetalis and has anti-inflammatory activity. V. segetalis extract, along with its hypaphorine, has displayed anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo.

4. Established Mechanisms of Action

Prolactin-Like / Lactogenic Mechanism

Vaccarin has a prolactin-like effect on mammary epithelial cells and increases the number of prolactin receptors in animal studies. At the molecular level, a study assessing the stimulatory effect of vaccarin on proliferation and milk synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells (BMECs) found that vaccarin affected cell proliferation and milk fat and protein synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, with the best stimulatory effects at 0.5 μg/ml concentration. At this concentration, vaccarin had similar effects as prolactin on cell proliferation, milk fat and protein synthesis, expression of Cyclin D1, phosphorylation of mTOR, and expression of SREBP-1c. Vaccarin stimulated these signaling pathways via the prolactin receptor–phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathway. In addition, vaccarin can promote the expression of prolactin receptors. In summary, vaccarin promotes breast epithelial cell proliferation and enhances secretory function via the PRL receptor–PI3K–Cyclin D1/SREBP-1c/mTOR signaling pathways.

Estrogenic Mechanism

Vaccaria seeds may also have mild estrogenic activity. The cyclic peptides segetalins A, B, G, and H are thought to be the structural basis for this activity; they regulate uterine contraction, implying estrogen-like activity.

Anti-inflammatory Mechanism

Vaccaria hypaphorine has been shown for the first time to significantly inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastic differentiation in vitro and alleviate LPS-induced bone loss in vivo. Further study showed that vaccaria hypaphorine decreased osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner, and was confirmed to inhibit osteoclast differentiation at early stage but not at later stage. A vaccaria n-butanol extract (VNE) eliminated the upregulation of inflammatory factors at the transcriptional level, and significantly reduced IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in muscle tissue. In addition, VNE significantly reduced the expression of COX-2, indicating anti-inflammatory effects.

Vasodilatory Mechanism

A few studies have illustrated that segetalins A, D, F, and G have vasodilatory activity against norepinephrine-induced aortic contraction in rats.

Anti-angiogenic and Anticancer Mechanisms

V. segetalis extract reduced the expression of CD31 in peripheral endothelial cells and reduced microvessel density in surrounding tissues. Further research revealed that V. segetalis water extract significantly inhibits the proliferation and migration of human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs) in a concentration-dependent manner. This indicates that the main function of the extract is to block the proliferation and migration of endothelial cells.

Bone Metabolism Mechanism

Vaccaria segetalis extract (VSE) and 17β-estradiol reduced the amount of urinary deoxypyridinoline (DPD), indicating that VSE improved bone loss caused by ovariectomy by inhibiting bone resorption but did not stimulate bone formation.

5. Scientific Evidence by Area of Use

5.1 Lactation Support (Galactogogue Effect — Oral)

Evidence level: Weak (animal and in vitro data only; no well-controlled human clinical trials).

Vaccarin has a prolactin-like effect on mammary epithelial cells and increases the number of prolactin receptors in animal studies. Vaccaria seeds may also have mild estrogenic activity. No well-performed clinical trials have been reported in English on the galactogogue effect of Vaccaria seeds taken orally in humans.

In vitro, vaccarin has been shown to promote proliferation of and milk synthesis in bovine mammary epithelial cells through the prolactin receptor–PI3K signaling pathway, suggesting that vaccarin might be the main active component promoting milk production. A 2025 study referenced in LactMed (Xue et al., J Ethnopharmacol) also identified a further signaling route — vaccarin treats lactation insufficiency through the ALKBH5-SFRP2-Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.

A large registry-based study in Taiwan investigated herbal galactogogue use over 19 years. Using a network analysis approach to explore potential compounds and targets in the most frequently used Chinese herbal preparation — the Wang Bu Liu Xing and Lu Lu Tong herb pair (WLHP) combination — researchers found that out of 490 patients, 81% were Chinese herbal preparation users. A detailed examination revealed the predominance of WLHP. Comprehensive analysis identified 29 major compounds in WLHP, which were associated with 215 unique targets. Intersection analysis revealed 101 overlapping targets between WLHP and lactation, suggesting their potential as therapeutic targets. This study is observational and network-pharmacology-based, not a randomized clinical trial, and does not establish clinical efficacy independently.

5.2 Lactation Support (Auricular Acupressure with Vaccaria Seeds)

Evidence level: Mixed; two systematic reviews reached differing conclusions.

Vaccaria seeds are topically applied with pressure to the earlobes in auricular therapy. Auricular therapy uses stimulation of acupoints on the ear corresponding to various anatomical sites and functions of the body. Two systematic reviews on auricular therapy to increase milk supply have come to differing conclusions. One review found a positive effect on milk production, onset of lactation, serum prolactin, breast fullness, neonate states, and frequency of newborn urination and defecation. A more recent review found varying efficacy between studies and poor methodology that did not allow for a definitive conclusion on efficacy as a galactogogue. No adverse effects were reported in any studies.

5.3 Bone Health / Osteoporosis

Evidence level: Preliminary (animal studies only; no human clinical trial data available).

A study investigated the ameliorative effects of a crude extract of Vaccaria segetalis (VSE) on osteopenia in ovariectomized (OVX) rats over 12 weeks. Rats were divided into sham and OVX groups, and the OVX rats were allowed to lose bone for 6 weeks. At 6 weeks post-OVX, the OVX rats were divided into four groups treated with water, 17β-estradiol (30 μg/kg, daily subcutaneous injection), or VSE (0.5 or 1.0 g/kg, daily, orally) for 6 weeks. In OVX rats, the increases of serum total cholesterol were significantly decreased by VSE or 17β-estradiol treatment. There were decreases in bone density and calcium content, including the left femur and the fourth lumbar vertebra, when compared with the sham control rats. Treatment with 17β-estradiol or VSE ameliorated these changes induced by OVX.

At the cellular level, vaccaria hypaphorine could significantly inhibit RANKL-induced osteoclastic differentiation in vitro and alleviate LPS-induced bone loss in vivo. Further study showed that vaccaria hypaphorine decreased osteoclastogenesis in a dose-dependent manner. Currently, research on the chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of SV has made little progress; however, the understanding of specific therapeutic mechanisms of action on clinical conditions, such as cardiovascular, prostate, and osteoporosis remains to be improved.

5.4 Anticancer Activity

Evidence level: Preclinical only (in vitro and in vivo animal models; no human clinical trials).

Many studies have suggested that V. segetalis has anticancer and anti-angiogenic effects. The results illustrated that V. segetalis extract has anticancer effects in various cancer cells. V. segetalis has anticancer effects in vitro, and these effects are markedly enhanced in select cancer cells. Many studies support the apoptotic effect of V. segetalis in cancer cells. All reported anticancer evidence comes from cell culture or rodent models; no human clinical trial data exist for this indication.

5.5 Anti-inflammatory Effects

Evidence level: Preclinical (in vitro and animal studies); no human clinical trial data.

Hypaphorine from V. segetalis exhibits anti-inflammatory properties. The extract, along with its hypaphorine, displayed anti-inflammatory activity both in vitro and in vivo. In one study, mice intraperitoneally injected with 200 mg/kg of a 6.019% Vaccaria hydroalcoholic extract showed significant inhibition of xylene-induced ear edema and reduced peritoneal inflammation.

5.6 Auricular Acupressure for Pain (Dysmenorrhea, Low Back Pain, Cancer-Related Pain)

Evidence level: Moderate for pain (multiple RCTs and systematic reviews); vaccaria seeds serve as the most common acupressure material.

Auricular acupressure (AA) is a noninvasive treatment in TCM and has been studied as a strategy to improve menstrual symptoms by pressing vaccaria, magnetic beads, or cowherb seeds stuck on auricular acupoints corresponding to parts of the human body. AA stimulates acupoints by pressure from fingers or automatically by the seeds themselves.

Studies using auricular therapy have shown promising effects in the pain management of several conditions, including dysmenorrhea, postoperative pain, hip fracture, low back pain, and bone marrow aspiration. Regardless of pain intensity, auricular point acupressure effectively treated most acute pain when combined with other interventions. Although it was used alone to treat low back pain and dysmenorrhea, other chronic diseases typically underwent a combination with other interventions. Vaccaria seeds, the single-ear method (including the alternate-ear method), and daily seed replacement were commonly adopted protocols in these studies.

5.7 Auricular Acupressure for Insomnia

Evidence level: Moderate; systematic review and meta-analysis with positive trend but methodological caveats.

All included studies in a systematic review of auricular acupuncture for primary insomnia took either magnetic pearls or Semen Vaccariae for auricular pressing, the top two in clinical use. A systematic review of auricular acupressure for cancer patients with sleep disturbance found that auricular acupressure had a significant effect on reducing the total Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) score (MD = −3.88, 95% CI [−5.24, −2.53], P < 0.00001), as well as scores of five PSQI components including sleep latency, subjective sleep quality, sleep duration, daytime dysfunction, and sleep disturbances. The main intervention durations ranged from 10 to 42 days, and the pressing times of auricular acupoints were 1–6 times a day, 1–5 minutes each time.

5.8 Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia / Urinary Conditions

Evidence level: Very preliminary (in vivo animal models only).

According to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis can treat urinary diseases and kidney infections. Polysaccharides from the seeds of Vaccaria segetalis have been shown to prevent urinary tract infection through the stimulation of kidney innate immunity. Inhibitory effects of crude polysaccharides from Semen Vaccariae on benign prostatic hyperplasia in mice have also been reported in Journal of Ethnopharmacology. All such data are from animal models; no human clinical trials are available.

5.9 Liver Fibrosis

Evidence level: Preliminary (in vitro and experimental models; no clinical trial data).

Originally utilized in the treatment of metal knife wounds, through the accumulation of medical experience, processed (fried) VS was integrated into TCM formulations for the treatment of liver diseases. VS or stir-fried VS is indicated in patents related to TCM formulations for liver diseases (hepatitis, cirrhosis). VS is applied in traditional Chinese medicine formulations for chronic hepatitis B liver fibrosis. Laboratory investigation of carbon dots derived from carbonized Vaccaria Semen has demonstrated anti-fibrotic activity in experimental liver fibrosis models.

5.10 Additional Reported Pharmacological Effects

SV has also demonstrated antitumor, anti-depression, anti-fibrosis, hypolipidemic, liver and lung injury protective, and other effects in preclinical research. All of these are based on cell culture or animal studies, and no human data are available for these indications.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Cowherb

Reproductive / Female Health: Menstrual irregularities (amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea); postpartum lactation insufficiency; breast abscess and carbuncle.
Lactation / Mammary Function: Galactogogue use both orally (decoction) and via auricular acupressure; vaccarin targets the prolactin receptor–PI3K signaling axis in mammary epithelial cells.
Musculoskeletal / Bone: Postmenopausal bone loss; osteoclast-mediated bone resorption via hypaphorine's action on RANKL/NF-κB and ERK/JNK/p38 pathways.
Cardiovascular / Circulatory: Blood-activating and vessel-dilating effects attributed to segetalins and triterpenoid saponins; traditionally used to move blood stagnation.
Urinary Tract: Historically used for stranguria (painful urination); polysaccharide fraction has demonstrated kidney innate immunity stimulation in animal models.
Oncology (Preclinical): Anti-angiogenic and pro-apoptotic activity against various cancer cell lines in vitro.
Neurological / Sleep: Auricular acupressure application for insomnia and stress-related disorders.
Hepatic: Investigated in TCM-based formulas for liver fibrosis.

7. Dosage Forms and Dosages Reported in Studies

Oral Decoction

Traditional dosage ranges cited in major materia medica references are 4.5–9 grams (Bensky) or 6–10 grams (Chen) of raw seeds per decoction. For promoting lactation specifically, lower doses (4.5–6 g) are usually sufficient when combined with other galactogogue herbs. For blood stasis patterns such as amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea, doses toward the upper end of the range (6–9 g) are typically used.

The traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescription for blood stasis-related conditions uses 30 g of the seeds of V. segetalis and 6 g each of the roots of Angelica sinensis Diels, Chinese teasel, Paeonia lactiflora Pall., and Salvia miltiorrhiza, orally administered as two doses via decoction.

Animal Study Dosages (for Reference Only)

In the osteopenia study in OVX rats, VSE was administered at 0.5 or 1.0 g/kg daily, orally, for 6 weeks, compared against 17β-estradiol at 30 μg/kg by daily subcutaneous injection.

In the bovine mammary epithelial cell study, vaccarin affected cell proliferation and milk fat and protein synthesis in a concentration-dependent manner, with the best stimulatory effects observed at 0.5 μg/ml concentration.

Processing Considerations

Modern SV is mainly processed by stir-frying, though the wine-steaming method is also employed. Processing transforms the chemical profile: during the stir-frying process, vaccarin degrades and yields isovitexin-2''-O-arabinoside, with the preferable stir-frying temperature being around 120°C.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

Pregnancy Contraindication

Cowherb is contraindicated in pregnancy because its blood-invigorating action can stimulate uterine contraction and threaten the pregnancy. The cyclic peptides segetalins A, B, G, and H regulate uterine contraction, consistent with estrogen-like activity — a biochemical basis for this traditional contraindication.

Bleeding and Coagulation

Use should be cautious in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding, bleeding disorders, or recent surgery. Studies report effects on prolactin secretion, uterine motility, and antiplatelet activity. Use with caution alongside anticoagulants.

Traditional Cautions

This herb's nature is described as "moving without stopping" and should be used as a short-course treatment, not taken over extended periods. It should be avoided in patients with blood deficiency without stasis.

Auricular Application Adverse Events

Auricular acupressure-related adverse events were reported in 17 clinical trials, totaling 1,266 participants treated with auricular acupressure (true or sham), the majority of whom employed vaccaria seeds and/or magnetic pellets. More than half of the studies provided treatment for no less than two weeks. Commonly reported adverse events were local skin irritation, discomfort, tenderness or pain at the taped site, and dizziness, which were mostly mild, short-term, and well tolerated. Thirteen studies reported 63 cases suffering from local skin irritation with itchiness, allergy, or redness after receiving auricular acupressure. No serious adverse events were identified.

Lactation and Infant Safety

No well-controlled human clinical trials on the galactogogue effect taken orally have been published in English. No data on transfer of active compounds into breast milk or adverse effects on nursing infants are available.

Herb Incompatibilities (Classical TCM Framework)

Wang Bu Liu Xing is not listed in either of the two classical incompatibility texts — Shi Ba Fan (Eighteen Antagonisms) or Shi Jiu Wei (Nineteen Mutual Inhibitions).

Research Gaps and Limitations

Research into the chemical constituents of SV has progressed, but it is still relatively insufficient, and the utilization of the chemical components of SV has concentrated on only a few compounds; therefore, the research scope should be expanded. The totality of the evidence base for oral use of cowherb seeds in humans is limited. The great majority of available pharmacological data derives from in vitro cell models and rodent studies, with clinical evidence confined primarily to the auricular acupressure application of the physical seeds. No systematic reviews or meta-analyses of oral cowherb seed supplementation in humans for any indication have been published in the English-language peer-reviewed literature as of the sources reviewed.

References

Health Conditions

Health conditions that Cowherb may help support.

No conditions available.

Body Systems

Body systems that Cowherb may help support.

No body systems available.