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Alchemilla vulgaris

Also known as: Lady's mantle, Alchemilla vulgaris

Overview

Alchemilla vulgaris, commonly known as Lady's mantle, is a perennial herb historically utilized in European folk medicine. Its traditional applications primarily revolve around women's health concerns, wound healing, and its anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is rich in various phenolic compounds, such as gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, and quercetin, which are believed to be responsible for its diverse biological activities. Research into A. vulgaris is ongoing, with a moderate level of maturity, encompassing in vitro, animal, and some human studies. While preclinical data show promise, high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) specifically on this species are limited, and more rigorous human studies are needed to draw definitive conclusions regarding its efficacy and safety. It is available as a herbal supplement and medicinal plant extract.

Benefits

Alchemilla vulgaris exhibits several potential benefits, though the strength of evidence varies. In vitro studies, particularly with ethyl-acetate extracts, have demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and inhibitory effects on enzymes linked to oxidative stress and inflammation, suggesting its potential in managing inflammatory conditions. Preliminary in vitro research also indicates cytotoxic effects against certain cancer cell lines, although the clinical relevance of these findings is not yet established. Clinical and preclinical evidence supports the use of A. vulgaris extracts for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects, which may contribute to cutaneous wound healing. Traditionally, it has been used for gynecological issues like menstrual pain and uterine bleeding, but robust clinical evidence to support these uses is currently lacking. One randomized controlled trial found no significant difference between topical A. vulgaris spray and dexamethasone in preventing postoperative sore throat, indicating limited efficacy in this specific context. While a herbal combination including A. vulgaris showed significant weight loss in a clinical study, this effect cannot be solely attributed to A. vulgaris without further isolated research.

How it works

The biological effects of Alchemilla vulgaris are primarily attributed to its rich content of phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and tannins. These compounds possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. They are believed to exert their effects by scavenging free radicals, thereby reducing oxidative stress, and by inhibiting enzymes such as cyclooxygenase, which are involved in inflammatory pathways. This modulation of inflammatory processes contributes to its observed anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. While the exact molecular targets are still under investigation, these active constituents interact with various biological systems to produce their therapeutic effects. Bioavailability data for these phenolics are limited, but they are generally understood to have moderate absorption and metabolism in humans.

Side effects

Alchemilla vulgaris is generally considered safe, with no major adverse effects reported in clinical studies at typical doses. The available literature does not document any significant side effects or drug interactions. However, due to a lack of sufficient safety data, caution is advised for special populations, including pregnant and breastfeeding individuals. As with any herbal supplement, individual sensitivities can vary, and it is always recommended to consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have pre-existing health conditions or are taking other medications. Long-term safety data are also limited, so prolonged use should be approached with consideration.

Dosage

There is no standardized dosing established for Alchemilla vulgaris due to the variability in extracts and the limited clinical data available. Studies have utilized various forms, such as topical sprays or oral herbal combinations, but a well-defined optimal dosage for isolated A. vulgaris is not yet determined. Traditional use often involves infusions or tinctures. Clinical trials have employed extract forms, but a consensus on the most effective or safe dose range has not been reached. Without clear guidelines, it is difficult to specify recommended dosage ranges, timing considerations, or different dosages for various purposes. Upper limits and safety thresholds are also not well-defined, underscoring the need for more rigorous clinical research to establish appropriate dosing protocols.

FAQs

Is Alchemilla vulgaris effective for menstrual pain?

Traditional use suggests it may help with menstrual pain, but rigorous clinical trials are currently lacking to confirm its efficacy for this specific application.

Can it prevent sore throat after intubation?

Clinical evidence from one study showed no significant benefit of Alchemilla vulgaris spray compared to dexamethasone for preventing postoperative sore throat.

Is Alchemilla vulgaris safe for long-term use?

Limited data suggest it is generally safe, but comprehensive long-term studies are missing, so caution is advised for extended use.

Does Alchemilla vulgaris alone cause weight loss?

Weight loss effects have been observed in studies using Alchemilla vulgaris as part of a herbal combination, but not when isolated, so its individual contribution is unclear.

Research Sources

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9075513/ – This in vitro and phytochemical analysis identified 26 phenolic compounds in Alchemilla vulgaris. The ethyl-acetate extract demonstrated strong antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, and preliminary anticancer activity, providing preclinical evidence for its biological potential.
https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8107251/ – This randomized controlled trial compared a topical Alchemilla vulgaris spray to dexamethasone for preventing postoperative sore throat. The study found no significant difference in incidence or severity, suggesting limited efficacy for this specific indication.
https://vitaminretailer.com/alchemilla-vulgaris-olea-europaea-mentha-longifolia-cuminum-cyminum-clinical-research-for-weight-loss/ – An open-label clinical trial involving 66 overweight/obese adults showed that a herbal combination including Alchemilla vulgaris led to significant weight loss over three months. However, the effect cannot be solely attributed to A. vulgaris as it was part of a multi-ingredient formulation.
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1155/2018/7354250 – This systematic review on medicinal plants for wound healing highlighted that Alchemilla vulgaris extracts possess antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties that may aid in wound healing. The review synthesized existing evidence, noting the heterogeneous nature of studies and the limited number of RCTs.