Herbe de Léonure (Leonurus japonicus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Leonurus japonicus work to regulate menstruation?

Leonurus japonicus contains alkaloids, particularly leonurine and stachydrine, which act as uterotonic agents. These compounds stimulate uterine smooth muscle contractions and promote blood flow to the pelvic region. The herb's mechanism involves improving microcirculation and reducing blood stasis, which explains its traditional use for regulating menstrual cycles and promoting postpartum uterine recovery. Evidence level: C (preclinical and traditional use data).

Does Leonurus herb interact with any medications?

Leonurus japonicus may interact with anticoagulant and antiplatelet medications due to its blood-invigorating properties. Theoretically, combining it with warfarin, aspirin, or other blood thinners could increase bleeding risk. It may also potentiate the effects of uterine-stimulating medications. Limited clinical interaction data exists, so patients taking prescription medications should consult a healthcare provider before use. Evidence level: C (theoretical based on pharmacological activity).

What is the recommended dosage for Leonurus japonicus?

The typical adult dosage of Leonurus japonicus is 9-30 grams of fresh herb or 6-12 grams of dried herb daily, prepared as a decoction. Dosage varies based on the condition being treated and whether fresh or dried material is used. In TCM practice, higher doses may be used for acute conditions. Standardized extracts are also available, though product-specific dosing should be followed. Evidence level: Traditional use recommendations.

Is Leonurus safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Leonurus japonicus is contraindicated during pregnancy. The herb contains uterine-stimulating compounds (leonurine and stachydrine) that can cause uterine contractions and potentially trigger miscarriage or premature labor. Traditional Chinese Medicine classifies it as unsafe for pregnant women. However, it is commonly used postpartum to help the uterus return to normal size and reduce lochia. Women who are pregnant or trying to conceive should avoid this herb entirely.

What is Leonurus herb used for in traditional medicine?

Leonurus japonicus (Yi Mu Cao) is a primary gynecological herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine, used primarily to invigorate blood circulation and regulate menstruation. It treats menstrual irregularities, dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and amenorrhea (absent periods). The herb also promotes urination and reduces edema, making it useful for water retention. Postpartum, it helps with uterine recovery and lochia discharge. Evidence level: C (traditional use with some preclinical support).

What are the side effects of Leonurus japonicus?

Leonurus japonicus is generally well-tolerated at recommended doses. Reported side effects include mild gastrointestinal upset, such as nausea or stomach discomfort. Due to its uterine-stimulating effects, excessive doses may cause strong uterine contractions. The herb is contraindicated in cases of Yin deficiency without blood stasis, as it may worsen this pattern. Those with heavy menstrual bleeding should use caution. Evidence level: C (traditional use data and theoretical concerns).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Leonurus japonicus, known as Chinese motherwort, is a traditional medicinal herb widely used in Asia primarily for treating obstetrical and gynecological diseases [PMID:31195353, PMID:38195564].

Contexte

Leonurus japonicus Houtt. (Lamiaceae) is an herbaceous flowering plant native to Asia [PMID:24412548, PMID:38195564]. The aerial parts of the plant are typically used as the medicinal herb [PMID:35272128, PMID:39904422].

Usages traditionnels

It has been used for thousands of years in traditional Chinese medicine to treat menstrual and delivery disorders caused by blood stasis, including dysmenorrhea, amenorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, lochia, and breast pain [PMID:31195353, PMID:24412548, PMID:29360539]. It is also traditionally used for diuresis, detumescence, and clearing heat [PMID:40540192, PMID:33300684].

Composés actifs

The herb contains over 280 chemical compounds [PMID:31195353, PMID:38195564]. Major bioactive components include alkaloids (specifically leonurine and stachydrine), diterpenes, and flavones [PMID:24412548, PMID:32113063]. Other identified compounds include glucaric acids and lignans [PMID:26526024, PMID:34390972].

Mécanisme d'action

Leonurine exhibits anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic properties [PMID:31069695, PMID:39409181]. Stachydrine acts as an angiogenic promoter and provides cardioprotection by inhibiting ECM deposition and decreasing inflammatory stress via pathways such as NF-κB and JAK/STAT [PMID:36940619, PMID:32173585]. In the liver, leonurine may ameliorate NAFLD via the ADRA1a/AMPK/SCD1 axis [PMID:39409181].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve APostpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)

Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin is used for PPH prevention [PMID:40527062]; a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs indicates benefits of motherwort injection for preventing post-abortion uterine hemorrhage [PMID:35935833].

Preuve CMenstrual Disorders

Widely used to treat menstrual disorders, including dysmenorrhea and amenorrhea [PMID:33017723, PMID:31195353].

Preuve CCardiovascular and CNS Diseases

Leonurine and stachydrine are identified as potential agents for treating cardiovascular and central nervous system diseases due to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective activities [PMID:36940619, PMID:33300684].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

While many components show low toxicity, motherwort essential oil was found to be toxic to zebrafish embryos even at low concentrations [PMID:29729400].

Grossesse et allaitement

Used traditionally and clinically for postpartum hemorrhage and delivery disorders [PMID:31195353, PMID:40527062].

Synthèse des preuves

Strong evidence (Meta-analyses) supports its use in preventing uterine hemorrhage. Moderate to low evidence (Reviews and animal/in vitro studies) supports its use for menstrual disorders, cardiovascular protection, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 36775079 (2023) — Jinfeng pills ameliorate premature ovarian insufficiency induced by cyclophosphamide in rats and correlate to modulating IL-17A/IL-6 axis and MEK/ERK signals. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
2.PMID: 40527062 (2025) — Motherwort synergized with oxytocin for postpartum hemorrhage prevention: Integrated clinical efficacy and mechanism exploration. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology
3.PMID: 33017723 (2020) — Uncovering the pharmacological mechanism of motherwort (Leonurus japonicus Houtt.) for treating menstrual disorders: A systems pharmacology approach. · Computational biology and chemistry
4.PMID: 31195353 (2019) — Leonurus japonicus (Chinese motherwort), an excellent traditional medicine for obstetrical and gynecological diseases: A comprehensive overview. · Biomedicine & pharmacotherapy = Biomedecine & pharmacotherapie
5.PMID: 24412548

Herbe de Léonure

Sources et citations

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