Quick Summary

Wintergreen (Gaultheria procumbens) leaves and essential oils contain polyphenols and salicylate-yielding compounds with demonstrated antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities in vitro. Traditionally, it has been used in phytotherapy. Preclinical studies suggest potential antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical evidence supporting health benefits and safety for human use is limited and requires further investigation.

What is it?

Wintergreen is a perennial plant native to North America, known scientifically as Gaultheria procumbens. The leaves and essential oils derived from this plant have been used in herbal medicine, predominantly for their bioactive compounds such as polyphenols and methyl salicylate.

Traditional Uses

Traditionally, wintergreen has been employed for its purported anti-inflammatory properties and to alleviate symptoms related to inflammation. It has also been associated with immune response modulation in folk and botanical medicine practices.

Active Compounds

  • Polyphenols – antioxidants found in the leaves.
  • Salicylate-yielding compounds (including methyl salicylate) – associated with anti-inflammatory effects.

Potential Benefits with Evidence Levels

  • Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity (Preclinical in vitro): Extracts of Gaultheria procumbens leaves show dose-dependent antioxidant activity and inhibition of inflammatory enzymes such as lipoxygenase and hyaluronidase (Michel P et al., 2014).
  • Potential antimicrobial effects (Preclinical review): Phytochemicals in wintergreen and related salicylate-yielding herbs have demonstrated antimicrobial properties in vitro, although no approved antimicrobial drugs are directly derived from these compounds (Cowan MM, 1999).
  • Traditional use and immunomodulatory potential (Traditional and preclinical): Wintergreen has been traditionally used for inflammation and symptom relief, with suggested immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects, yet robust clinical trials are lacking (Brendler T et al., 2020; Kim JJH et al., 2026).

Side Effects

No specific adverse effects of Gaultheria procumbens have been documented in the clinical literature. However, due to insufficient safety studies and the complex phytochemical composition typical of herbal products, potential adverse reactions cannot be ruled out (Mssusa AK et al., 2023; Cowan MM, 1999).

Drug Interactions

No clinical data on drug interactions with wintergreen were found. Because it contains salicylate-related compounds, theoretical interactions similar to those observed with salicylic acid derivatives are possible but have not been clinically validated.

Who Should Avoid It

Caution is advised for individuals with known sensitivity or allergy to salicylates or related compounds. Due to limited safety data, use should be considered with caution in these populations. There are no other specific contraindications identified.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

There is no direct clinical evidence regarding the safety of wintergreen for use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Some related topical salicylate-containing products appear safe when used as directed, but these findings cannot be generalized to wintergreen without dedicated research (Alsaad AM et al., 2015).

Evidence Limitations

  • Predominantly preclinical and in vitro data with limited clinical validation on efficacy and safety.
  • Lack of randomized controlled or human clinical trials assessing therapeutic benefits and adverse effects.
  • Variability in plant extract composition and insufficient characterization of active constituents in commercial products.
  • Limited safety data provided by manufacturers during regulatory approval processes worldwide.
  • No documented systematic evaluations of drug interactions or contraindications specific to wintergreen.

References

  • Michel P, Dobrowolska A, Kicel A, et al. Polyphenolic Profile, Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Eastern Teaberry (Gaultheria procumbens L.) Leaf Extracts. Molecules. 2014; DOI: 10.3390/molecules191220498.
  • Cowan MM. Plant products as antimicrobial agents. Clinical Microbiology Reviews. 1999; DOI: 10.1128/cmr.12.4.564.
  • Brendler T, Al-Harrasi A, Bauer R, et al. Botanical Drugs and Supplements Affecting the Immune Response in the Time of COVID-19: Implications for Research and Clinical Practice. 2020; DOI: 10.22541/au.160654690.05977025/v1.
  • Kim JJH, Yang TB, Zhang X, et al. Harnessing phytochemicals for engineering health solutions. 2026; DOI: 10.1186/s40246-025-00882-y.
  • Mssusa AK, Holst L, Kagashe G, Maregesi S. Safety profile of herbal medicines submitted for marketing authorization in Tanzania: a cross-sectional retrospective study. 2023; DOI: 10.1186/s40545-023-00661-x.
  • Alsaad AM, Fox C, Koren G. Toxicology and teratology of the active ingredients of professional therapy MuscleCare products during pregnancy and lactation: a systematic review. 2015; DOI: 10.1186/s12906-015-0585-8.

Last Reviewed

June 2024

Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider before using any herbal products, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, have a medical condition, or are taking medications.