Agrimony Glycerite Liquid Extract
Also known as: Agrimony, Common Agrimony, Agrimony Glycerite Liquid Extract, Agrimonia eupatoria L.
Overview
Agrimony glycerite liquid extract is derived from the above-ground parts of Agrimonia eupatoria, a perennial herb with a long history of traditional medicinal use. The glycerite form utilizes a blend of purified water and vegetable glycerin as a solvent, which helps preserve the herb's bioactive compounds without the use of alcohol. Traditionally, agrimony has been employed for various ailments, including issues related to the respiratory and urinary systems, digestive complaints, and for wound healing. The extract is known to contain compounds with antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. While there is a moderate amount of research on agrimony, primarily consisting of in vivo animal studies and some in vitro work, human clinical trials are limited and often of variable quality. Consequently, regulatory bodies like the European Medicines Agency (EMA) do not currently recognize agrimony as a well-established medicinal product due to insufficient clinical evidence.
Benefits
Agrimony shows promising effects, primarily supported by preclinical research. It exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, with animal studies demonstrating its ability to reduce markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. For instance, in rodent models, agrimony extracts have been shown to inhibit pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines. Furthermore, agrimony has demonstrated antidiabetic effects in streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, where decoctions lowered plasma glucose, reduced polydipsia, and stimulated insulin secretion and glucose uptake in pancreatic beta cells and muscle tissue. Animal studies also indicate diuretic and uricolytic activity, with agrimony preventing electrolyte loss and promoting diuresis. Some murine studies suggest immunomodulatory effects, enhancing phagocytic activity and lysozyme/peroxidase enzyme activity. While traditional use and some in vitro data suggest wound healing and antimicrobial potential, these lack robust clinical validation. It is crucial to note that the strength of evidence for these benefits is largely derived from animal models or cell lines, meaning direct extrapolation to humans is limited, and clinical significance remains unclear due to the absence of high-quality randomized controlled trials.
How it works
The mechanism of action for agrimony's beneficial effects is multifaceted. Its antioxidant activity is primarily attributed to its rich content of polyphenols and flavonoids, which effectively scavenge free radicals. The anti-inflammatory effects are thought to involve the inhibition of pro-inflammatory enzymes and cytokines, as observed in rodent models. The antidiabetic effects appear to be mediated by a dual action: stimulating insulin secretion from pancreatic beta cells and enhancing glucose uptake and glycogenesis in muscle cells. Immunomodulation involves an increase in phagocytic activity and improved enzyme function within immune cells. While the specific bioavailability of glycerite extracts is not extensively characterized, glycerin as a solvent is believed to preserve active compounds more effectively than alcohol extraction, especially at low temperatures, contributing to the extract's efficacy.
Side effects
Agrimony extracts are generally considered safe based on traditional use, but formal safety data in humans are limited. There are no well-documented common or rare side effects reported in controlled clinical studies. However, as with any botanical, potential allergic reactions or mild gastrointestinal discomfort cannot be entirely ruled out, though they remain unreported in controlled settings. There are no well-documented drug interactions, but caution is advised when using agrimony with antidiabetic medications due to its potential for additive hypoglycemic effects, which could lead to excessively low blood sugar. Contraindications are not formally established. Due to the lack of sufficient safety data, pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid the use of agrimony glycerite liquid extract. Overall, while traditional use suggests a low toxicity profile, comprehensive human safety data, including long-term effects and interactions, are still needed.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose for agrimony glycerite liquid extract has not been established in humans. Animal studies have utilized doses equivalent to 1-3 g/kg of dry herb in decoctions, but these do not directly translate to human dosing. Consequently, an optimal human dosage remains unknown, and current recommendations are largely guided by traditional use and preclinical studies, rather than standardized human trials. A maximum safe dose has also not been defined, though no toxicity has been reported at traditional usage levels. Agrimony glycerite is typically administered orally, and the liquid extract form allows for flexible dosing. The glycerite formulation, being alcohol-free, is particularly suitable for individuals sensitive to alcohol. Due to the lack of robust human clinical data, it is crucial to approach dosing with caution and ideally under the guidance of a healthcare professional, especially when considering its potential effects on blood sugar.
FAQs
Is agrimony glycerite extract effective for diabetes?
Animal studies show promising glucose-lowering effects, but robust human evidence is currently lacking. It should not replace prescribed diabetes medications.
Is it safe to use agrimony glycerite long-term?
Traditional use suggests a good safety profile, but comprehensive clinical safety data for long-term human use are insufficient. Consult a healthcare professional for extended use.
Can agrimony glycerite replace conventional medications?
No, agrimony should not be used as a substitute for prescribed medical treatments without direct supervision and advice from a qualified healthcare provider.
How quickly do the effects of agrimony glycerite appear?
In animal studies, effects have been observed within days to weeks. However, the timeline for effects in humans is currently unknown due to limited clinical research.
Research Sources
- https://www.biomed.cas.cz/physiolres/pdf/2020/69_S555.pdf – This review summarizes agrimony's antioxidant, antimicrobial, antidiarrheal, diuretic, and antidiabetic effects, primarily drawing from animal studies. It highlights findings such as the prevention of electrolyte loss in rats and glucose-lowering effects in diabetic mice, while acknowledging the significant limitation of a lack of human randomized controlled trials.
- https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-report/final-assessment-report-agrimonia-eupatoria-l-herba-first-version_en.pdf – This comprehensive assessment by the European Medicines Agency concludes that current evidence is insufficient to support agrimony as a well-established medicinal product. It notes observed immunostimulant activity in mice and antihyperglycemic effects but emphasizes the absence of adequate human clinical trials meeting regulatory standards for efficacy and safety.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5405390/ – This experimental study in rats and mice investigated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Agrimonia eupatoria infusion and fractions. The research demonstrated a significant reduction in inflammation and pain behaviors in vivo, providing preclinical support for these traditional uses. However, the study's findings are limited by its reliance on animal models and the absence of human data.
