Home > Herbs > Galium

Bedstraw

Galium · Accepted scientific name

Scientific literature: Very Sparse (4 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆

Bedstraw, scientifically known as Galium, is a diverse genus of herbaceous plants widely recognized for its unique, whorled leaf patterns. Often found in meadows and woodlands, various species possess significant ethnobotanical value, traditionally used in folk medicine to treat skin conditions, support kidney health, and reduce inflammation.

Family
Rubiaceae
Native range
Europe
Parts used
Not available
Common names
Bedstraw · Cleavers · 1 more
Scientific synonyms
Chlorostemma · Aspera · 9 more

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Galium

Synonyms

Regional and Traditional Names

Spanish:

  • Gallium
  • galios o cuajaleches

German:

  • Labkräuter
  • Labkraut
  • Labkraut
  • Labkräuter

French:

  • Gaillet
  • Caille-lait
  • gaillets
  • Gaillet

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. Within the order Gentianaales, it is a member of the Rubiaceae family. Its taxonomic classification concludes with the genus Galium.

Rank Classification
Kingdom Plantae
Phylum Streptophyta
Class Equisetopsida
Subclass Magnoliidae
Order Gentianales
Family Rubiaceae
Genus Galium

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across several northern regions. In Northern Europe, it can be found growing in the landscapes of Denmark and Finland. Its presence also extends to the islands of Føroyar and Iceland. Furthermore, the species is documented within the territory of Great Britain. These locations highlight its preference for northern latitudes.

Region Area
Northern Europe Denmark
Northern Europe Finland
Northern Europe Føroyar
Northern Europe Great Britain
Northern Europe Iceland
Northern Europe Ireland
Northern Europe Norway
Northern Europe Svalbard
Northern Europe Sweden
Middle Europe Austria

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Activities

Galium has 3 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant, Diuretic.

Activities reported in Galium
Activity Supporting sources Consensus
Antimicrobial 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Antioxidant 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆
Diuretic 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Antimicrobial

  1. Infectious disorders drug targets

Antioxidant

  1. Infectious disorders drug targets

Diuretic

  1. Infectious disorders drug targets

Preparations

Galium has 1 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include ethyl acetate fraction of L.aspera (EALA).

Preparations reported for Galium
Preparation Supporting sources Consensus
Ethyl acetate fraction of l.aspera (eala) 1 supporting sources ★☆☆☆☆

Ethyl acetate fraction of l.aspera (eala)

  1. Pharmacognosy magazine