Liverwort: The Unsung Hero Of Herbal Medicine

Liverworts are small, non-vascular plants that grow in moist, tropical environments. They are called liverworts because their thallus (body) resembles a lobed liver. While liverworts have long been used in herbal medicine, particularly by the Maori people in New Zealand, recent studies have discovered that they contain a compound called perrottetinene (cis-Pet or PET) that is structurally similar to THC, the psychoactive compound in weed. This discovery has led to a surge in interest in liverworts as a potential source of medicinal benefits similar to those of cannabis, but without the high. While the levels of cis-PET in liverworts are too low to produce a psychoactive effect, it has been found to reduce inflammation in the brain and may have therapeutic advantages over THC. With further research, liverwort could prove to be a valuable medicinal plant, offering a range of benefits without the negative connotations and legal restrictions associated with cannabis.

Liverwort is a plant that people use to make medicine from the fresh or dried parts that grow above the ground

Liverwort is a plant that has been used medicinally by the Maori people of New Zealand and Tasmania. The fresh or dried parts of the plant that grow above the ground are used to make medicine.

Liverwort contains a compound called cis-PET (perrottetinene), or PET, which has a similar structure to THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. While the levels of cis-PET in liverwort are too low to produce a "high" effect, it is believed that this compound could have medicinal benefits without the psychoactive effects associated with THC.

Liverwort has been used to treat various conditions, including gallstones, liver conditions (such as jaundice, liver enlargement, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis), stomach and digestive issues, varicose veins, high cholesterol, poor blood circulation, and menopausal symptoms. It is also said to stimulate the pancreas, strengthen nerves, stimulate metabolism, promote relaxation, and "purify" the blood.

However, it is important to note that there are serious safety concerns associated with liverwort. Fresh liverwort is considered unsafe when consumed orally or applied to the skin, as it can cause side effects such as diarrhoea, stomach irritation, kidney and urinary tract irritation, skin irritation, itching, and pus-filled blisters. There is insufficient information to determine the safety of dried liverwort, and it is especially important for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals to avoid using liverwort.

While liverwort has a long history of medicinal use, more research is needed to fully understand its effectiveness and safety. It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal or plant-based medicine.

Liverwort is used to treat gallstones, liver conditions, stomach and digestive disorders, hemorrhoids, and many other conditions

Liverwort is a plant used in traditional medicine. People make medicine from the fresh or dried parts of the plant that grow above the ground.

Despite serious safety concerns, liverwort is used to treat gallstones and liver conditions. It is also used to treat stomach and digestive disorders, as well as hemorrhoids.

Liver Conditions

Liverwort is used to treat liver conditions including jaundice, liver enlargement, hepatitis, and liver cirrhosis.

Gallstones

Gallstones are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder. Liverwort is used to help break up gallstones and empty the gallbladder.

Stomach and Digestive Disorders

Liverwort is used to treat stomach and digestive tract discomfort, stimulate appetite, relieve the sensation of fullness, regulate bowel function, and stimulate the pancreas.

Hemorrhoids

Liverwort is sometimes applied directly to hemorrhoids.

There is no scientific evidence to support liverwort's effectiveness in treating these conditions

Liverwort is a plant that has been used for centuries in various traditional medicines. Despite this, there is currently insufficient scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of liverwort in treating a range of conditions.

Liverwort has been used to treat gallstones and liver conditions, including jaundice, hepatitis, and cirrhosis. It is also said to relieve stomach and digestive issues, stimulate appetite, regulate bowel function, and stimulate the pancreas. Some people have used it to treat varicose veins, lower cholesterol, and stimulate blood circulation. Women have also used it to relieve menopausal symptoms.

However, it is important to note that there is limited scientific evidence to support these uses. While liverwort contains a compound called perrottetinene (cis-Pet) that has structural similarities to THC, the levels of cis-Pet found in the plant are too low to produce the same effects as THC.

Furthermore, fresh liverwort is considered unsafe for consumption and can cause side effects such as diarrhea, stomach irritation, and kidney and urinary tract irritation. It can also cause skin irritation, itching, and blisters when applied topically. Due to these serious safety concerns, it is especially important for pregnant and breastfeeding individuals to avoid using liverwort.

While liverwort has a long history of use in traditional medicine, more scientific research and evidence are needed to determine its effectiveness and safety for the above-mentioned conditions.

Liverwort likely causes negative side effects when consumed or applied to the skin in its fresh form

Liverwort is a plant that grows in humid tropical areas, mostly in shady places. It is also known as American Liverleaf, Anemone acutiloba, and Hepatica, among other names. People make medicine from the fresh or dried parts of the plant that grow above the ground.

Despite its many purported health benefits, liverwort has serious safety concerns. It is used to treat gallstones, liver conditions, stomach and digestive issues, hemorrhoids, and other conditions, but there is no scientific evidence to support these uses. There is insufficient information to understand how liverwort works or how it affects the body.

Fresh liverwort is likely unsafe and can cause negative side effects when consumed or applied to the skin in its fresh form. When taken orally, it can lead to diarrhea, stomach irritation, and kidney and urinary tract irritation. It is also likely unsafe for pregnant and breastfeeding women. When applied directly to the skin, fresh liverwort can cause irritation, itching, and pus-filled blisters.

The active compounds in liverwort are flavonoids and saponins, which are responsible for many of its potential health advantages. Flavonoids in liverwort are polyphenolic constituents with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, including anthocyanins, lactone-forming glycosides, and flavo-glycosides. Anthocyanins, for example, are believed to enhance heart health, improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels, and protect against oxidative stress, which can lead to serious heart diseases.

While liverwort has been traditionally used for medicinal purposes, particularly by the Maori people in New Zealand and Tasmania, and is sold as a THC-like legal high on the internet, it is important to exercise caution due to the lack of scientific evidence and potential negative side effects.

Liverwort is a nonvascular, spore-producing plant that grows on moist soil, damp rocks, and tree trunks

Liverworts are nonvascular, spore-producing plants. They are small in size, and there are over 7,500 species worldwide, with most species being found in the tropics. Liverworts grow in moist environments, typically on soil, damp rocks, or tree trunks. They are often found in cool, shady places, such as along stream banks, on terraces above streams, and in valleys on the north sides of slopes.

Liverworts can be divided into two main groups based on their growth form: thalloid (or thallose) liverworts and leafy (or scaly) liverworts. Thallose liverworts are branching and ribbon-like, growing flat against a surface. They have a Y-shaped branching pattern and lack clearly defined stems or leaves. The thallus (body) of thallose liverworts resembles a lobed liver, giving liverworts their common name. Leafy liverworts, on the other hand, are less familiar to people and may resemble mosses or tiny ferns. They have flattened stems with small, rounded, overlapping, leaf-like scales arranged in at least two rows, with the stems often producing side branches.

Liverworts reproduce both sexually and asexually. Sexually, liverworts produce free-swimming sperm in structures called antheridia. The sperm must travel through an aqueous environment to reach the egg-producing archegonia (female reproductive structures). After fertilisation, the embryo develops into a sporophyte, which forms a sporangium at its apex. The sporophyte eventually ruptures, releasing spores and marking the start of a new gametophytic generation. Asexual reproduction in liverworts can occur through the production of gemmae, which are disks of tissue produced by the gametophytic generation. Gemmae are held in special organs called gemma cups and are dispersed by rainfall.

Liverworts are not economically important to humans, but they play a crucial role in ecosystems. They provide food for animals, facilitate the decay of logs, and aid in the disintegration of rocks by retaining moisture. Additionally, liverworts, along with mosses and lichens, gradually break down rocks and create soil, adding organic material and nutrients to the environment.

Frequently asked questions