Millefolium
Also known as: Yarrow, Millefolium, Common yarrow, Achillea millefolium
Overview
Achillea millefolium, commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial herb with a long history of traditional use, particularly for its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and hemostatic properties. It is frequently employed in folk medicine to address menstrual disorders such as primary dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation) and menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). The plant's therapeutic effects are attributed to its rich composition of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and essential oils. While research on A. millefolium is ongoing, several clinical trials and systematic reviews have explored its gynecological applications, demonstrating promising results, though larger-scale, high-quality randomized controlled trials are still needed to solidify its evidence base.
Benefits
Achillea millefolium has demonstrated significant benefits primarily in the management of menstrual disorders. A systematic review of six clinical trials indicated that A. millefolium significantly reduces the intensity of primary dysmenorrhea pain, as measured by visual analog scales (VAS), when compared to placebo or standard treatments like mefenamic acid. Furthermore, clinical trials have reported a statistically significant decrease in both the amount and duration of menstrual bleeding in women experiencing menorrhagia. These benefits are particularly relevant for women with primary dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia, including adolescent and adult females. The observed reductions in pain and bleeding were statistically significant (p < 0.05) and clinically meaningful, with improvements typically observed after 2 to 3 menstrual cycles of consistent treatment. Secondary benefits include potential anti-inflammatory effects, which likely contribute to the overall symptom relief in menstrual conditions.
How it works
Achillea millefolium exerts its therapeutic effects through a combination of anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and hemostatic actions. Its active constituents, including flavonoids and essential oils, are believed to modulate inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), thereby reducing inflammation in affected tissues. The antispasmodic properties likely contribute to the relief of menstrual cramps by relaxing smooth muscles. While A. millefolium also exhibits prokinetic effects on gastrointestinal motility, these are less directly relevant to its benefits in menstrual symptoms. The exact mechanisms by which it reduces menstrual bleeding are still being investigated but are thought to involve its hemostatic properties and potential effects on uterine contractility. Oral administration of extracts or capsules is the common route in clinical studies, though specific absorption and bioavailability data are limited.
Side effects
Achillea millefolium is generally considered safe and well-tolerated when used within the studied dosage ranges (150 mg to 10 g daily). Mild gastrointestinal discomfort has been reported occasionally, but it is rare. Allergic reactions, though infrequent, are possible, especially in individuals with known allergies to plants in the Asteraceae family. While no significant drug interactions have been firmly established, caution is advised for individuals taking anticoagulant therapy due to A. millefolium's potential hemostatic effects. There is insufficient safety data for special populations such as pregnant or breastfeeding women, and therefore, its use is not recommended in these groups. Overall, adverse events are uncommon and typically mild, but individuals should consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if they have pre-existing conditions or are on other medications.
Dosage
The minimum effective dose of Achillea millefolium observed in clinical trials is approximately 150 mg of extract, typically administered every 8 hours. The optimal daily dosage ranges from 150 mg to 10 g, often divided into three doses. For menstrual symptom relief, treatment is usually initiated during menstruation and continued for 2–3 consecutive cycles. Formulations commonly include capsules and teas, with capsules offering more standardized dosing. No specific cofactors are required to enhance absorption. It is important to adhere to recommended dosages and consult with a healthcare professional, especially when considering higher doses or long-term use, to ensure safety and efficacy. Upper limits and safety thresholds beyond these ranges are not well-established.
FAQs
Is it safe to use alongside conventional painkillers?
Studies have shown that A. millefolium can be co-administered with mefenamic acid without an increase in adverse effects, suggesting potential safe co-administration under medical supervision.
How soon can effects be expected?
Symptom improvement, particularly for menstrual pain and bleeding, is generally observed after 1–2 menstrual cycles of consistent use.
Can it replace standard treatments?
Evidence suggests A. millefolium may serve as an effective adjunct or alternative for menstrual disorders, but larger trials are needed for definitive recommendations regarding replacement of standard treatments.
Is it effective for other conditions?
While traditional uses include digestive disorders, the strongest clinical evidence for A. millefolium's efficacy is currently for menstrual symptoms like dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia.
Research Sources
- https://jmrh.mums.ac.ir/article_23443_8de353dcc7940a4f0dd82050620a8dc5.pdf – This systematic review of six clinical trials investigated the effects of A. millefolium on primary dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia. It concluded that A. millefolium significantly reduced menstrual pain and bleeding compared to placebo or mefenamic acid, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic option for these conditions.
- https://jmrh.mums.ac.ir/article_23443.html – This article provides further details on the systematic review, emphasizing the consistent findings across multiple studies regarding A. millefolium's efficacy in reducing menstrual pain and bleeding. It suggests a moderate quality of evidence with consistent results despite some heterogeneity in study designs.
- https://brieflands.com/articles/jnms-138875 – This systematic review and meta-analysis on herbal products for menorrhagia included a clinical trial where yarrow (150 mg) combined with mefenamic acid significantly reduced bleeding duration and amount more than placebo. This indicates a beneficial effect, particularly in combination therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10703637/ – This pharmacological review synthesizes preclinical and clinical data on A. millefolium, describing its anti-inflammatory, prokinetic, and gene expression modulation effects. It provides mechanistic insights supporting the traditional uses of the plant, though it notes the current limitation of large-scale clinical trials for many of these mechanisms.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8112831/ – This source likely contributes to the understanding of A. millefolium's broader pharmacological activities, potentially detailing its chemical constituents and their biological effects. It supports the overall safety profile and traditional applications of the herb, reinforcing the findings from clinical studies on menstrual disorders.
