Agrimonia Eupatoria Herb (Agrimonia eupatoria): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does agrimony work as an astringent?

Agrimony exerts its astringent action primarily through its high tannin content, particularly agrimoniin. Tannins bind to proteins in mucous membranes, creating a protective layer that reduces secretions, tightens tissues, and promotes healing. This mechanism explains agrimony's traditional use for wound healing, diarrhea, and sore throats. The flavonoids luteolin and apigenin contribute additional anti-inflammatory effects that complement this astringent action (Evidence Level: C, Traditional).

Does agrimony interact with any medications?

Agrimony contains significant tannin levels, which may reduce the absorption of certain medications, particularly alkaloid-containing drugs and iron supplements. Theoretically, agrimony could interfere with anticoagulant medications due to its vitamin K content, though clinical evidence remains limited. Patients taking prescription medications should separate agrimony dosing by at least two hours and consult a healthcare provider. No well-documented clinical drug interactions have been established (Evidence Level: C, Theoretical).

What is the recommended dosage for agrimony herb?

The standard adult dosage for agrimony is 3-6 grams of dried herb prepared as a tea, taken up to three times daily. For liquid extracts, 4 mL of tincture (1:5 ratio) is commonly used. To prepare tea, steep the dried aerial parts in boiling water for 10-15 minutes. Dosage may vary based on the specific condition being treated. Always follow product label instructions or consult a qualified herbal practitioner (Evidence Level: Traditional).

Is agrimony safe to take during pregnancy?

Agrimony is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue properties, meaning it may stimulate uterine contractions and potentially cause miscarriage. The herb's astringent tannins and traditional use to promote menstrual flow contraindicate its use in pregnant women. Safety during breastfeeding has not been established, and use is not recommended. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should avoid agrimony unless specifically prescribed by a qualified healthcare provider (Evidence Level: C, Traditional).

What is agrimony herb used for?

Agrimony has been used in European folk medicine for centuries as a gentle astringent for digestive complaints, including diarrhea and indigestion. It serves as a urinary tract tonic for mild bladder issues. The herb is traditionally used as a gargle for sore throats and mouth inflammation, and externally for wound healing. Historical use also includes liver support and as a general digestive tonic. Modern herbalists continue these traditional applications (Evidence Level: C, Traditional).

What are the side effects of taking agrimony?

Agrimony is generally well-tolerated when used at recommended doses. The most common side effect is mild constipation, particularly with excessive or prolonged use, due to its significant tannin content. Individuals with existing constipation should avoid agrimony. Rare allergic reactions may occur in sensitive individuals. Long-term use of high doses is not recommended due to potential tannin-related effects on nutrient absorption. Discontinue use if digestive discomfort occurs (Evidence Level: Traditional).

PubMed-compiled information sheet

This sheet was compiled from PubMed (NIH) abstracts using AI assistance. Every factual claim is cited to a real PubMed article (see the source list). It has not yet been human-reviewed — confirm with a healthcare provider before use.

Compiled from 30 PubMed articles · model: gemma4:31b

Summary

Agrimonia eupatoria L. is a member of the Rosaceae family used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and astringent properties [PMID:35752261, PMID:33646008].

Background

Agrimonia eupatoria L. is a plant widespread in temperate regions, particularly the northern hemisphere [PMID:35752261]. It is recognized as the only source of the plant drug Agrimoniae herba according to the European Pharmacopoeia [PMID:26092224].

Traditional uses

In folk medicine, it has been used for astringent, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and hypotensive properties, as well as for gastrointestinal disorders [PMID:35752261]. Water extracts (infusions and decoctions) are used to treat airway and urinary system diseases, digestive tract diseases, and chronic wounds [PMID:33646008].

Active compounds

The herb contains phenolic acids (gallic, ellagic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, ferulic, sinapic, cinnamic, and quinic acids), flavonoids (quercetin-3-D-glucoside, neohesperidin, naringenin, luteolin, apigenin), tannins (including agrimoniin), triterpenoids, volatile oils, and a polyphenolic-polysaccharide complex [PMID:36145771, PMID:34946788, PMID:33646008, PMID:30521917].

Mechanism of action

The herb exhibits antioxidant activity via radical scavenging (DPPH and ABTS) [PMID:17215090, PMID:37103272]. It may act as an indirect thrombin inhibitor in the intrinsic pathway of blood coagulation [PMID:30521917]. In vascular studies, it demonstrated vasorelaxant potential in human arteries [PMID:35631463].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BElevated Alanine Transaminase (ALT) levels

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial evaluated the effect of aqueous extract on subjects with mildly to moderately elevated ALT levels [PMID:29486131].

Evidence BGeneral Inflammation and Oxidative Status

One month of agrimony tea consumption in healthy volunteers significantly lowered interleukin 6 levels and elevated plasma total antioxidant capacity [PMID:23078582].

Evidence BLipid Metabolism

Agrimony tea supplementation was associated with an improved lipid profile, specifically increased high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol [PMID:23078582].

Evidence DNeuropathic Pain (Animal Model)

Extract administered to rats with cisplatin-induced neuropathy showed anti-nociceptive effects, including higher withdrawal thresholds in paw-withdrawal tests [PMID:28487904].

Evidence DSkin Wound Healing (In Vitro/In Vivo)

Aqueous extract induced myofibroblast-like phenotype and enhanced extracellular matrix deposition, improving wound tensile strength and contraction rates in rats [PMID:35478102].

Evidence summary

Evidence ranges from traditional use and in vitro/animal models (D) to small-scale human intervention trials (B) supporting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective effects.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 37895122 (2023) — Plant Extracts as Skin Care and Therapeutic Agents. · International journal of molecular sciences
2.PMID: 36145771 (2022) — Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research in Agrimonia eupatoria L. Herb Extract with Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Properties. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 35752261 (2022) — Agrimonia eupatoria L.: An integrative perspective on ethnomedicinal use, phenolic composition and pharmacological activity. · Journal of ethnopharmacology
4.PMID: 33646008 (2020) — The therapeutic effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. · Physiological research
5.PMID: 36836930 (2023) — In Situ Gel with Silver Nanoparticles Prepared Using Agrimonia eupatoria L. Shows Antibacterial Activity. · Life (Basel, Switzerland)

Agrimonia Eupatoria Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Agrimonia Eupatoria Herb