Local species of the tribe Stellateae

Following the article "Galiosinase in the Shoots of Stellateae", appended, I am investigating the following species.

1. Cleavers: Galium aparine
2. Hedge Bedstraw: Galium mollugo
3. Woodruff: Galium odorata

I am gathering and drying both the first two above and storing separately their leaves and stems. In the case of cleavers the stem seems to have more coumarin as it makes a slightly reddish-brown brew and tastes distinctly rich.

Since finding info on 'coumarin' see link above, I am will be looking out for 'Woodruff' whilst Mullein. mullein does grow here.

 
Hedge Bedstraw: Galium mollugo Easily reaching 4 feet on occasion.

 

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Glycosidase Galiosinase in the Shoots of Stellateae
A. R. TRIM Biochemical Laboratory Cambridge

. . .
3. The distribution of the enzyme in the shoots of 14 species of Stellateae, representing genera, has been investigated.
4. In the leaves and stem galiosinase occurs in high concentrations in the cambium and in lower concentrations in the developing phloem and xylem.
5. In some parts of the stem near the base of the shoot and at the nodes the enzyme may also occur in the medulla and cortex.
6. When galiosinase occurs outside the cambium it may be accompanied by its specific substrates, the glucoside and primveroside of purpurin-3-carboxylic acid.
7. In the parts which accumulate the purpurin-3-carboxylic acid glycosides there is an approximately direct proportionality between the concentrations of enzyme and glycoside.
8. When kept in water for a few days the excised leaves and stems of some species produce large amounts of galiosinase.
9. The formation of enzyme in excised parts is closely followed by the accumulation of purpunn-3-carboxylic acid glycosides.
. . .

This page is still being edited: See diary 15th June

Rubiaceae > Stellateae > {Asperula, Galium, Rubia, Sheradia}
Although known by various names denoting its use or qualities, my interest is medicinal. The two notable issues being the 'galiosin' from the root and its general diuretic use. The first may help curtail bladder tumours the second will ensure I pee enough to wash out any debris. I'm wondering if the whole plants contains some galiosin so as not to dig up the roots. See stellateae

Medicinal Applications

Considered to have diuretic properties Cleavers is used to relieve oedema and to promote urine production to wash out bladder infections. It has also been used by people with lymph gland swellings, jaundice, and wounds. (citation needed)

The active constituents include: (Citation for the following needed)

1. galiosin (an anthraquinone glycoside), the red dye extracted from the root has specific anti-inflammatory and spasmolytic effects on the urinary tract.
   Researching 'Glycosides'
2. There are also other glycosides, tannins (which have astringent3 properties)
3. flavonoids
4. Asperuloside a mild laxative, convertible to prostaglandins4, makes the genus of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.
5. Coumarins, structurally related to vitamin K act as indirect anticoagulants by blocking vitamin K in the 'clotting cascade'.

Preparation: Authority: Traditional and sensible.
Gather when it is just about to flower in late spring(Locally mid-May).

Use 2–3 teaspoons of the herb in one cup (250ml) of hot water for ten to fifteen minutes. 26th May Currently using about 6 stems per pot and making three cups.

Galiosinase in the Shoots of Stellateae.

8. When kept in water for a few days the excised leaves and stems of some species produce large amounts of galiosinase.

(Citation for the following needed)

"Individuals can safely consume three or more cups per day; there are no known side effects and the preparation is considered to be safe for use by children and pregnant or nursing women." (Citation needed)

Culinary Uses

"Being of the Rubiacea (madder) family, Galium aparine is related to the Arabian coffee tree (Coffea arabica). Thus, the bean-shaped seeds are often dried and lightly roasted, and used as a coffee substitute. The advantage of this is that the beverage retains the taste of coffee but lacks caffeine, thus making an acceptable but healthier alternative to its more illustrious relative."

Reference is also found to it being used as a vegetable, but having tried it in late May, I found the stems too tough and the slight bitter taste would not be to many person's liking. Maybe when they are younger they are more palatable. I was hoping that being edible would alleviate the need to make teas for medicinal use. Eating small amount (12 stems) of the leaves only with or without other vegetables seems fine.

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Sourcing

Given the seasonal harvesting specifics, Cleavers is such a common plant that there is little need to purchase it, unless you live in a concrete jungle. Even then it would be beneficial to go to the countryside and find some if your timing is apt.

Habitat and Location.
Galium aparine thrives in hedgerows and cultivated fields were it can be a pest due to its ability to smother other plants and ranges across Europe and North America.

Appearance
Cleavers often forms a dense tangled mass, scramble and climbing over adjacent plants, bushes and shrubs. On mature plants, stems may reach 2 meters in length and 4mm square in section with whorls of usually 7 or 8 narrow leaves some 6cm long by 6mm wide every 9 to 16 cm on.

The four petalled, white flowers are 3 to 4 mm across, grow in the axils of the leaves on smaller leaf shoots, from Mid May to August.

The fruit, which can number in the thousands per plants, are some 4 to 6mm across and form in pairs. Green at first, becoming purple as they ripen, the fruit is covered with even more elaborate hooks that the leaves and stem. Many of the hard seeds withstand the winter enabling the next growth to get a head-start on competitors in the springtime. The seeds are easily dispersed by means of these fruits becoming attached to the fur of animals and thus being transported to new locations.

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Names

Goosegrass is so named from the habit of feeding it to geese, especially when they are young(cite)

Cleavers is a more commonly know name, one of many that refer to its ability to cling or 'cleave to' other plants and animals, due to the multitude of small hooks on its stem, leaves and fruits. Other localised names include {catchweed, everlasting friendship, grip grass, hooked on cleavers, loveman, sticky weed, sticky willy and sweethearts.}

Milk sweet derives from its use as a vegetable renet for cheese making, or could that be tofu making, as Galiums contain enzymes which encourage the curdling of milk.

Galium aparine
Aparine, the species name, comes from the Greek word meaning 'to seize'.
Galium, the genus name is derived from gala, the Greek word for milk. According to Dioscorides, Greek shepherds used the stems to make a rough sieve in order to strain milk and, apparently, this practice is still continued in Sweden.

Stellateae, herbaceous plants with leaf-like stipules; each ovarychamber contains one ovule only. Includes the four British genera Rubia, one species of which, R. tinctorum, is madder; Galium, including G. verum (lady's bedstraw), G. Afiarine (goose-grass or cleavers), and other British species; Asperula, including A. odorata (woodruff) and Sherardia. The order is closely allied to Caprifoliaceae, the chief distinction being the absence of stipules in the latter. 1911encyclopedia.org
See Galiosinase in the Shoots of Stellateae

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Next Page: Others Uses

Pages: 1 · 2

In a wholistic approach it seems sensible to use those herbs that are here and about. A few have been identified as traditionally used. A list of which follows. Details on each will follow including {traditional uses, identification, collection, storage, preparation and consumption}.

The list so far.

English	Local	Latin
Cleavers	Goosegrass	Galium aparine
Horsetail	Marsh Horsetail	Equisetum fluviante
Shepherd's Purse		Capsella bursa-pastoris

Uses, Availability and other notes:

1. Cleavers May 23rd - Abundant and probably a good time to gather.
   AKA {sticky willy, sticky weed, catchweed, everlasting friendship, grip grass, loveman, and sweethearts
2. Marsh Horsetail is a name I've penned to distinguish it from other species that commonly bear the simple name of just 'Horsetail'. This species is abundant in the far fields adjacent the river.
3. Shepherd's Purse May 23rd - A few plants in the vegetable beds, but not enough to use.