Agrimony Powder
Also known as: Agrimony, common agrimony, church steeples, Agrimonia pilosa, Agrimonia eupatoria
Overview
Agrimony powder is derived from the dried aerial parts of *Agrimonia* species, primarily *Agrimonia eupatoria*. It is traditionally used in herbal medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiparasitic properties. The powder is obtained by drying and grinding the plant material, often consumed as a tea or extract. Its key characteristics include a high content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which contribute to its observed antioxidant activity. While traditional uses are widespread, the scientific research on agrimony powder is still developing, with a moderate level of maturity. Most available evidence comes from in vitro studies, animal models, and some small-scale human trials, indicating promising effects. However, large-scale, high-quality clinical trials and systematic reviews are currently limited.
Benefits
Agrimony powder offers several potential benefits, primarily supported by preclinical and some human studies. Its most robustly studied benefit is its **antioxidant effect**, with multiple studies demonstrating significant radical scavenging activity against various free radicals (DPPH, hydroxyl, superoxide anion radicals). Methanol extracts, rich in bioflavonoids, show particularly high antioxidant capacity. A human study also indicated that agrimony tea increased total antioxidant capacity in blood plasma. Secondly, it exhibits **anti-inflammatory properties**; a human study showed that consuming agrimony tea (1 g/200 ml twice daily for 30 days) significantly reduced levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6. Thirdly, **antiparasitic activity** has been observed, particularly with *Agrimonia pilosa* extracts, which demonstrate anthelmintic effects by inhibiting parasite metabolism and microtubule aggregation, showing potential against tapeworms and *Haemonchus* parasites in vitro. Essential oils from agrimony have also shown inhibition of *Leishmania* parasites without host toxicity. Other traditional uses, such as for diarrhea, vaginitis, and tumors, are reported in ethnomedicine but lack rigorous clinical validation.
How it works
The mechanism of action for agrimony powder is primarily attributed to its rich content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids. Its **antioxidant activity** stems from these compounds' ability to neutralize free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress in the body. The **anti-inflammatory effects** are thought to involve the downregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, as observed in human studies. For its **antiparasitic effects**, *Agrimonia pilosa* extracts have been shown to inhibit glycogen metabolism and disrupt microtubule aggregation in parasites, leading to their death. Additionally, preclinical studies in *C. elegans* models suggest that agrimony extracts can activate transcription factors related to stress resistance and longevity, such as the DAF-16/FoxO orthologue, indicating broader cellular protective mechanisms.
Side effects
Agrimony powder is generally considered safe, with traditional use and animal studies indicating low toxicity. No significant adverse effects have been reported in the limited human studies conducted using agrimony tea at the studied doses. However, comprehensive safety data, especially concerning long-term use, specific populations like pregnant women, and potential drug interactions, are currently lacking. There are no documented serious side effects or contraindications in the reviewed literature. Due to the absence of extensive research, individuals with pre-existing medical conditions, those taking prescription medications, or pregnant/nursing women should exercise caution and consult a healthcare professional before using agrimony powder. While no specific drug interactions have been identified, the potential for interaction with medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver or affecting blood clotting, cannot be entirely ruled out without further research.
Dosage
Based on the available human research, a common dosage for agrimony tea involves using 1 gram of agrimony powder per 200 ml of water, consumed twice daily for a duration of 30 days. It is important to note that there is no established standardized dosing regimen or a defined maximum safe dose due to the limited number of clinical trials. The potency of agrimony extracts can vary significantly depending on the extraction method and solvent polarity, with methanol extracts often showing higher antioxidant activity. Specific timing considerations or requirements for cofactors to enhance absorption or efficacy have not been reported. Given the lack of comprehensive clinical data, individuals should adhere to traditional usage guidelines or consult with a healthcare professional for personalized dosage recommendations, especially when considering higher doses or prolonged use.
FAQs
Is agrimony powder effective as an antioxidant?
Yes, evidence from in vitro studies and a human clinical trial supports significant antioxidant activity, including radical scavenging and increased plasma antioxidant capacity.
Can agrimony powder treat parasitic infections?
Preclinical data, particularly for *Agrimonia pilosa* extracts, suggest promising antiparasitic potential by inhibiting parasite metabolism, but clinical trials in humans are currently lacking.
Is it safe for long-term use?
Limited data suggest safety at studied doses for short durations (e.g., 30 days). However, long-term safety and potential cumulative effects are not well established.
Does agrimony interact with medications?
No specific drug interactions have been documented. However, due to limited research, caution is advised, and consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended if taking other medications.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8603700/ – This source, likely referring to Ivanova et al. (2013) and Saier et al. (2018), provides evidence for agrimony's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. A human study showed agrimony tea reduced IL-6 and increased plasma antioxidant capacity, while an animal model indicated reduced oxidative stress and extended lifespan via DAF-16 activation.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9076299/ – This source, likely referring to Zhang et al. (2022), is a review of pharmacological studies on *Agrimonia pilosa*. It highlights the anthelmintic activity of its extracts, showing inhibition of parasite metabolism and microtubule aggregation, and notes its low toxicity, primarily based on in vitro and animal studies.