Field Bindweed

Botanical

What is it

Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis) is a creeping perennial vine widely regarded as an agricultural weed. The leaves contain a proteoglycan mixture that has been studied for antiangiogenic activity, alongside alkaloids responsible for its traditional laxative use.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Cancer or angiogenesis-related conditions

Mixed Evidence

Small clinical studies of bindweed proteoglycan extracts have suggested possible activity, but evidence is preliminary.

How it works

Bindweed leaves contain proteoglycan complexes (sometimes marketed as PGM) that have shown antiangiogenic effects (suppression of new blood vessel growth) in laboratory and limited clinical studies. The plant also contains tropane alkaloids (such as pseudotropine) that have laxative and mild GI-irritating effects. Clinical research on field bindweed proteoglycans has been mostly small-scale and concentrated on cancer, vascular conditions, and inflammation. Evidence is preliminary; the herb is not approved for any specific clinical indication.

Dosage

There is no established dose. Studied proteoglycan products vary; some clinical work has used a few hundred milligrams of standardized extract daily. Self-administration is not advised.

When and how to take it

Not for self-use. Any clinical protocols specify their own dosing.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Standardized field bindweed proteoglycan extract

Used in some specialty supplements.

Proteoglycans are large molecules; absorption is uncertain.

Safety

Field bindweed at higher doses causes GI symptoms including cramping and diarrhea due to its alkaloid content. Long-term safety has not been formally studied. Concentrated proteoglycan products have limited safety data.

Who should be cautious

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and historical laxative use. People with cancer should not self-treat with field bindweed and should discuss any supplement with their oncologist.

Interactions

Theoretical interactions with anticoagulants and chemotherapy regimens based on the proposed antiangiogenic mechanism. Specific clinical interaction data are sparse.

Frequently asked questions

Is field bindweed a recognized cancer treatment?⌄

No. It is not approved as a cancer therapy. Some preliminary research has explored proteoglycan extracts, but evidence does not support replacing established treatments.

Can I use bindweed for constipation?⌄

Folk use exists, but the alkaloid-mediated effects are unpredictable and cause cramping. Standard fiber and proven laxatives are far more reliable and safer.

References

Field Bindweed on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Field Bindweed on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Field Bindweed (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.