Shepherds purse
Shepherds purse (Capsella bursa pastoris)
Brief Background:
Shepherds purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), a member of the Brassicaceae family, is one of the most common and widely distributed flowering plants in the world.
Shepherd’s purse grows and flourishes in most soil types. It is grows in the wild and is also extensively cultivated in some areas of the world.
The seeds, leaves, and flowering shoots of shepherd’s purse are edible and may be consumed raw or cooked. Seed oil, seed pods, and dried roots are used as flavorings in food.
A recent survey revealed that shepherd’s purse is among several plants used medicinally in certified organic livestock in British Columbia, Canada. It is specifically used to treat wounds and injuries.
Shepherd’s purse has been used in humans as a folk remedy to treat numerous conditions, including diarrhea and bleeding. It has also been used to stimulate uterine contractions. In the late 1960s, extracts of shepherd’s purse were investigated for potential pharmacologic activity.
Expert Opinion and Historic Precedent:
Shepherd’s purse is not included in the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) “Everything Added to Food in the U.S.” (EAFUS) list. This list contains ingredients that are added directly to food that the FDA has either approved as a food additive or listed or affirmed as Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS).
