Felty Germander

Teucrium polium is a Mediterranean plant used in traditional folk medicine for digestive issues, diabetes, and weight loss. NO GRADED OUTCOMES and NO proven benefits. SERIOUS SAFETY WARNING: Germander species (including Teucrium chamaedrys) have caused FATAL HEPATOTOXICITY. Multiple case reports of acute hepatitis, liver failure, and deaths. The FDA issued warnings and products were banned in France after hepatotoxicity cases. Contains neo-clerodane diterpenoids that are metabolized to hepatotoxic compounds. DO NOT USE - the risk of liver damage is not justified by any proven benefit.

Quick Answer

What it is

Teucrium polium is a Mediterranean plant used in traditional folk medicine for digestive issues, diabetes, and weight loss. NO GRADED OUTCOMES and NO proven benefits.

Key findings

  • Grade C: Liver Damage Risk
  • Grade D: Blood Glucose
  • Grade D: Inflammation

Safety

  • SERIOUS SAFETY WARNING: Germander species (including Teucrium chamaedrys) have caused FATAL HEPATOTOXICITY.
  • DO NOT USE - the risk of liver damage is not justified by any proven benefit.
  • These findings have not been validated in human clinical trials, and use is contraindicated due to severe hepatotoxicity risk.
ℹ️ Quick Facts: Felty Germander

Quick Facts: Felty Germander

  • Best Evidence:Grade C
  • Conditions Studied:2
  • Research Outcomes:4
  • Key Effect:Acute Liver Failure
Outcomes by grade:
A0
B0
C1
D3
2 conditions · 4 outcomes

Detailed Outcomes

|
C
Liver Damage Risk
Multiple human case reports document acute hepatitis, liver failure, and fatalities following germander ingestion. Neo-clerodane diterpenoids are metabolized by CYP3A4 to reactive compounds that deplete hepatic glutathione and cause hepatocyte damage. These findings led to product bans in France (1992) and FDA warnings.
10 studies
largeWorsens
D
Blood Glucose
In diabetic rodent models, Teucrium polium extracts have shown hypoglycemic effects. These findings have not been validated in human clinical trials, and use is contraindicated due to severe hepatotoxicity risk.
2 studies
moderateImproves
D
Inflammation
Anti-inflammatory effects have been observed in rodent models. No human studies have been conducted for efficacy. Any potential benefit is negated by the well-documented hepatotoxicity risk.
2 studies
smallImproves
D
Antioxidant Status
In vitro studies demonstrate antioxidant activity of Teucrium polium extracts. This finding is preliminary and has no clinical relevance given the severe hepatotoxicity risk associated with ingestion.
1 study
smallImproves

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