lithospermum officinale

Lithospermum officinale is a perennial herb native to Eurasia and widely known as "gromwell" or "European stoneseed."[2][5] Traditionally employed in ethnomedicine across Europe, Asia, and North America, all plant parts are used for various indications, most notably as a diuretic and for the management of urinary system disorders, bladder stones, arthritis, febrile conditions, and as a sedative.[1][2][5][6] The seeds are ground into a powder for bladder stones and arthritis; leaves are used as a sedative; decoctions of root and twigs address eruptive diseases such as measles and smallpox.[2][1][5] Phytochemical investigations reveal alkaloids (including pyrrolizidine alkaloids), quinones (alkannin, shikonin), phenolics (rosmarinic, lithospermic, caffeic, chlorogenic acids), flavonoids (rutin, luteolin-7 beta-glucuronide), and lipids (γ-linolenic, stearidonic acids, Δ^5^-avenasterol).[3][4] Documented effects include anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, diuretic, antimicrobial, wound healing, antithyrotropic, vasoprotective, neuroprotective, and contraceptive activities, with some compounds reported hepatotoxic (lycopsamine, echimidine).[3][4][5] Preclinical research demonstrates inhibition of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) action and pituitary gonadotropins (FSH, LH), and positive effects in models of burn wound healing, neuroinflammation, and hormone regulation.[3][4] Used mainly as a dietary supplement or herbal medicine; not approved as a pharmaceutical drug.

Other names

gromwelleuropean stoneseed