Convolvulus arvensis, often known as field bindweed, is a rhizomatous bindweed that is indigenous to Europe and Asia and belongs to the morning glory family (Convolvulaceae).
It is a climbing or creeping herbaceous plant with stems that grow 0.5–2 meters long and tiny, beautiful white and pink flowers that bloom at ground level.
Traditional medicine has used the leaves of this plant and extracts from the leaves are sold as dietary supplements.
These extracts have been shown in lab tests to activate the immune system and inhibit the development of new blood vessels.
It may also diminish tumour growth in mice, according to a few animal studies.
However, no clinical trials have been done, thus it is unknown whether this effect might occur in humans.
Furthermore, there may be negative consequences.
These extracts, for example, may interfere with wound healing by affecting the development of new blood vessels.
The dietary supplements made from the extracts of this plant are sold by the names C-statin and VascuStatin.
Uses :
Tumor and cancer growth : It inhibits the development of blood vessels and has shown to cause shrinking in tumor cells. Bindweed extracts have been shown in lab tests to slow the development of blood vessels and cancers.
This impact, however, has not been tested in humans.
Immune system boosting :
According to an animal research, field bindweed extract activates certain immune system cells.
Another lab investigation found that it may have an impact on the development of white blood cells. Thus, increasing the body’s ability to fight off infections.
To treat hypertension : Traditional medicine has used it to treat high blood pressure, but no human trials have been done.
To prevent constipation : It works as a laxative and is used in traditional chinese medicine to prevent and treat constipation.
To make tea : The leaves of this plant are used to make tea which helps to relieve heavy periods. It can also be used to treat spider or insect bites. The tea made from the flower is used to treat fever and for healing wounds.
Clinical Data
C. arvensis is a noxious weed in US farmlands owing to its invasive nature, but it has a long history of usage as a medicinal plant in Europe for hypertension and as a laxative, as well as in traditional Chinese medicine for itching, discomfort, and toothache treatment .The leaf extract is sold as a dietary supplement that promotes vascular health by preventing the formation of new blood vessels.As a natural cancer therapy, related goods are also marketed.
Water extracts from the plant’s aerial sections are high in proteoglycans and possess antiangiogenic and immune-stimulating effects, according to in vitro and animal studies.
Other research revealed that these compounds enhanced vasodilation and circulatory function in animals, as well as lowering blood pressure. Alkaloids found in raw bindweed are considered poisonous to animals, though the supplements made are free of the alkaloids.
C. arvensis should not be taken before or after surgery since it has the potential to impede new blood vessel development.
This product should not be used by infants, children, teenagers, or pregnant women.
Human trials using field bindweed extracts as a cancer therapy have not been conducted.
They aren’t meant to be used in place of anticancer medications prescribed by a doctor.
