Agrimony Flowering Tops Extract
Also known as: Agrimony, Common Agrimony, Church Steeples, Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb., Agrimonia eupatoria L.
Overview
Agrimony flowering tops extract is derived from the aerial parts of *Agrimonia* species, primarily *Agrimonia eupatoria* L., a plant traditionally used in folk medicine for its purported benefits in liver disorders, inflammation, and wound healing. This herbal extract is rich in bioactive compounds such as polyphenols, flavonoids (e.g., quercetin, luteolin, catechin), and tannins (e.g., potentillin, pedunculagin), which are believed to be responsible for its pharmacological properties. It is primarily recognized for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, with some research suggesting potential hepatoprotective activity. While traditional uses are extensive, the scientific evidence for agrimony is still emerging, with most studies being in vitro or animal-based, and human clinical data remaining limited, often characterized by small sample sizes.
Benefits
Agrimony extract exhibits strong antioxidant activity, demonstrated by its ability to scavenge various free radicals (DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide anion radicals). A human study showed significant increases in plasma antioxidant capacity and reductions in interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels after 30 days of consuming agrimony tea (1g twice daily). This suggests its potential in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation. Secondary benefits include antimicrobial activity, particularly against Gram-positive bacteria, likely due to its ability to disrupt bacterial cell walls. While traditionally used for liver support, robust clinical evidence for hepatoprotective effects is currently lacking. The most promising evidence points towards its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in healthy adults, with observed effects appearing after approximately 30 days of consistent intake.
How it works
The primary mechanism of action for agrimony's antioxidant effects stems from its high content of polyphenols and flavonoids, which directly neutralize reactive oxygen species (ROS) like DPPH and hydroxyl radicals. Tannins and organic acids further contribute to free radical scavenging and inhibit lipid peroxidation, protecting cellular components from oxidative damage. Beyond direct antioxidant activity, agrimony extracts may influence cellular pathways, such as the forkhead transcription factor DAF-16 (a mammalian FoxO orthologue) and Sonic hedgehog signaling, which have been linked to cellular protection and longevity in animal models. Its antibacterial action is thought to involve the disruption of bacterial cell walls, particularly in Gram-positive bacteria. The bioavailability of its active compounds is not fully characterized, but polar solvent extracts, such as methanol, tend to yield higher antioxidant potency in vitro.
Side effects
Agrimony flowering tops extract appears to have a favorable safety profile based on its traditional use and limited clinical data, with no major adverse effects reported in the reviewed literature. However, due to the scarcity of large-scale human clinical trials, common side effects are not well documented. There are no significant drug interactions or contraindications explicitly reported. Despite this, caution is advised, especially for pregnant or lactating individuals, and those on concurrent medications, as comprehensive safety data for these populations are lacking. As with any herbal supplement, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is prudent to consult a healthcare professional before use, particularly if you have underlying health conditions or are taking other medications.
Dosage
Based on the available human research, a common dosage involves consuming 1 gram of dried agrimony aerial parts, brewed as a tea, twice daily for a period of 30 days. It is important to note that optimal dosage ranges and maximum safe doses for agrimony extract have not been definitively established due to the limited number of large-scale randomized controlled trials. The form of the extract and the solvent used during extraction can significantly influence its phytochemical content and, consequently, its potency; for instance, methanol extracts have shown higher in vitro antioxidant activity. There are no specific cofactor requirements identified for its efficacy. Users should be aware that dosages may vary depending on the specific product and its concentration.
FAQs
Is agrimony extract safe?
Limited human data suggest it is well tolerated, but comprehensive safety studies are lacking, so caution is advised.
How quickly do benefits appear?
Antioxidant effects have been observed after approximately 30 days of regular consumption in human studies.
Does it interact with drugs?
No documented drug interactions exist, but due to limited research, caution is warranted, especially with concurrent medications.
Is it effective for liver health?
Traditional use supports liver benefits, but robust clinical evidence to confirm this specific effect is currently insufficient.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8603700/ – This systematic review and experimental study by Paluch et al. (2020) investigated the antioxidant and antibacterial properties of *Agrimonia eupatoria* extracts. It found that methanol extracts exhibited the highest antioxidant capacity, correlating with their flavonoid content. A small human trial (n=19) included in the review demonstrated increased plasma antioxidant capacity and decreased IL-6 levels after 30 days of agrimony tea consumption, though it was limited by its small sample size and lack of placebo control.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9076299/ – Jin et al. (2022) provided a phytochemical and pharmacological review focusing on *Agrimonia pilosa*, detailing its tannin and flavonoid content and their associated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. The review offered mechanistic insights into how these compounds scavenge free radicals and activate protective cellular signaling pathways. The findings were primarily based on preclinical data, highlighting the need for clinical trials.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/agrimony.html – This source provides general information on agrimony, including its traditional uses and some reported pharmacological activities. It serves as a general reference for common knowledge about the herb, but does not typically contain detailed scientific study summaries or primary research data.
- https://botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/a/agrim015.html – This source offers historical and traditional perspectives on agrimony, detailing its uses in folk medicine and herbalism. It provides context for the plant's long-standing use but does not present modern scientific research or clinical trial data.
- https://www.stonybrookmedicine.edu/sites/default/files/herbal_medicines_interactions-1.pdf – This document from Stony Brook Medicine is a general guide on herbal medicine interactions. While it may mention agrimony, its primary purpose is to inform about potential interactions between various herbal remedies and conventional medications, rather than providing specific research summaries on agrimony's efficacy or safety.