Convallaria majalis（Lily of the Valley）- A review of its cardiac glycosides, medicinal applications, and safety profile

Aug 20, 2026

Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) is a perennial flowering plant with long-standing traditional use in treating cardiovascular disorders such as heart weakness, tachycardia, and arrhythmias. Central benefits are linked to cardiac glycosides, especially convallatoxin, which increase cardiac contractility, though the narrow therapeutic index creates serious toxicity risks. Despite poisonous berries and roots, modern studies describe anticancer, neuroprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities, alongside safety constraints that limit clinical application.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages15

Reading Time38 min

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Abstract

Introduction

Historical and Traditional Uses in Medicine

Modern Pharmacological Potential and Safety Considerations

Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease 2025; 8(9): 350 – 364 Review Article Open Access Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley): A review of its cardiac glycosides, medicinal applications, and safety profile Nvard Pahutyan1, Hrachik Gasparyan1, Sona Sargsyan2, Gayane Melyan3, Milena Shahinyan1,4, Qristine Navoyan1, Ivan Gabrielyan5, Gohar Arajyan*1,4,6,7 1Scientific Technological Center of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry NAS RA, 26 Azatutyan Ave., 0014, Yerevan, Armenia; 2Yerevan State University, 1 Alek Manukyan St., 0025, Yerevan, Armenia; 3Scientific Center of Agrobiotechnology, Branch of the Armenian National Agrarian University, 1 Isi le Mulino St., Ejmiatsin 1101, Armenia; 4 Eurasian International University RA; 5 Department of Palaeobotany, A.Takhtajan Institute of Botany of the NAS RA, 1 Acharyan, 0040, Yerevan, Armenia; 6Armenian State Pedagogical University after KH. Abovyan, 17 Tigran Mets St., 0010, Yerevan, Armenia; 7 University of Traditional Medicine, 38a Marshal Babajanyan Str., Yerevan, Armenia. *Corresponding author: Gohar Arajyan, PhD., Associate professor, Pharmacology and Pathohistology laboratory; Scientific Technological Center of Organic and Pharmaceutical Chemistry NAS RA, 26 Azatutyan Ave, 0014, Yerevan, Armenia Submission Date: July 2nd, 2025, Acceptance Date: August 28th, 2025, Publication Date: September 2nd, 2025 Please cite this article as: Pahutyan N., Gasparyan H., Sargsyan S., Melya G., Shahinyan M., Navoyan Q., Gabrielyan I., Arajyan G. Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley): A review of its cardiac glycosides, medicinal applications, and safety profile. Bioactive Compounds in Health and Disease 2025; 8(9): 402– 416. DOI: [https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v8i9.1737](https://doi.org/10.31989/bchd.v8i9.1737) ABSTRACT Convallaria majalis (Lily of the Valley) is a perennial flowering plant historically used in traditional medicine, especially for cardiovascular conditions such as heart weakness, tachycardia, and arrhythmias. Its therapeutic effects were primarily attributed to its high content of cardiac glycosides, particularly convallatoxin, which enhance cardiac contractility. However, the plant’s narrow therapeutic index presents significant toxicity risks. All parts—especially the berries and roots—are poisonous, and ingestion can result in nausea, vomiting, diarrhea. Despite its toxicity, modern research highlights the pharmacological potential of C. majalis. Convallatoxin has demonstrated anticancer effects, including inhibition of cell proliferation, induction of apoptosis, and suppression ofangiogenesis in various cancers such as breast and colorectal, often independently of p53 status. Additionally, certain glycosides and flavonoids from the plant show neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, likely through modulation of GABAergic activity. C. majalis also exhibits notable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and diuretic properties, suggesting possible roles in managing chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, and fluid retention. However, the plant’s cytotoxic constituents, including specific saponins and steroidal glycosides, raise safety concerns that limit its clinical use. While topical or dermatological applications are occasionally proposed, the high toxicity of C. majalis warrants extreme caution. This review underscores the dual nature of C. majalis—a plant of considerable medicinal promise but also significant toxicological risk—highlighting the importance of further research to safely harness its bioactive compounds. Novelty of the Study: This review uniquely integrates traditional medicinal uses of Convallaria majalis with recent pharmacological and molecular research, highlighting its cardiotonic glycosides not only in cardiovascular applications but also in emerging areas such as oncology and neuroprotection. It also discusses advancements in molecular identification techniques to prevent toxic misidentification, providing a comprehensi

FAQs

What are the main bioactive components of Convallaria majalis discussed in the review?

The review highlights cardiac glycosides, particularly convallatoxin, as the primary compounds linked to therapeutic cardiovascular effects.

Why does Convallaria majalis have a significant safety concern?

It has a narrow therapeutic index and all parts—especially berries and roots—are poisonous, with ingestion associated with gastrointestinal toxicity and other harmful outcomes.

What additional pharmacological benefits beyond cardiovascular applications are covered?

The review reports evidence for anticancer effects, neuroprotective and anticonvulsant properties, and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that may support roles in oxidative stress and chronic inflammation management.

Aug 20, 2026

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