Vexplore health

  Galega Officinalis: The Plant Behind Metformin Galega officinalis, commonly known as goat's rue or French lilac, is a perennial herb native to temperate regions and serves as the natural source for the antidiabetic drug metformin through its active compounds like galegine and guanidine. Traditionally used in medieval Europe for conditions such as plague, snake bites, and diabetes, the plant's aboveground parts contain alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins that contribute to its medicinal properties. Galega Officinalis | © Vexplorehealth  Botanical Properties This herb features white, blue, or purple flowers and grows widely in Europe and other temperate areas. Key phytochemicals include galegine, which lowers blood glucose by promoting peripheral tissue uptake and delaying intestinal absorption, and guanidine derivatives that inspired synthetic metformin. It also exhibits diuretic, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and diaphoretic effects, aiding in fluid retention, b...