Alchemilla vulgaris (Alchemilla vulgaris): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does Alchemilla vulgaris work as a uterine tonic?

Alchemilla vulgaris, or Lady's Mantle, works primarily through its high tannin content and flavonoids like quercetin. The tannins provide astringent effects that tighten and tone smooth muscle tissue, which explains its traditional use as a uterine tonic. Additionally, the herb contains salicylic acid derivatives that offer mild anti-inflammatory properties. Evidence Level C suggests these mechanisms help reduce heavy menstrual bleeding by constricting blood vessels and toning the uterine lining, though robust clinical trials are limited.

Is Lady's Mantle safe to take during pregnancy?

No, Alchemilla vulgaris is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The herb acts as a uterine stimulant due to its astringent properties, which can potentially trigger uterine contractions and increase the risk of miscarriage. While it is sometimes used to facilitate labor at term under professional supervision, it should be strictly avoided throughout the first and second trimesters. Women attempting to conceive should also avoid high doses of this herb.

What is the recommended dosage for Alchemilla vulgaris tea?

The standard adult dosage for Alchemilla vulgaris is 3 to 6 grams of dried herb daily, prepared as a tea. To prepare, steep the herb in boiling water for 10 to 15 minutes to ensure proper extraction of the active tannins. Alternatively, 2 to 4 milliliters of a 1:5 tincture can be taken three times daily. This Evidence Level C recommendation is based on traditional use and pharmacopoeial standards rather than clinical trials.

Does Alchemilla vulgaris interact with any medications?

Alchemilla vulgaris has a high tannin content, which can interfere with the absorption of certain medications, particularly alkaloids and iron supplements. The tannins may bind to drugs in the digestive tract, reducing their bioavailability and efficacy. Patients taking prescription medications or iron supplements should separate their intake by at least two hours. Those with liver disease should also avoid this herb due to potential metabolic strain (Evidence Level D).

Can Lady's Mantle help with heavy menstrual bleeding?

Yes, Alchemilla vulgaris is traditionally used to manage heavy menstrual bleeding (menorrhagia). The herb's astringent tannins help constrict blood vessels and tone the endometrium, thereby reducing excessive blood loss. While Evidence Level C supports this use through pharmacological activity and historical data, clinical trials are lacking. It is often combined with other herbs like Shepherd's Purse for synergistic effects in regulating menstrual flow.

What are the side effects of taking Alchemilla vulgaris?

Alchemilla vulgaris is generally well-tolerated, but some users may experience mild gastrointestinal upset, including nausea or stomach cramping, due to its significant tannin concentration. Prolonged use or high doses may potentially strain liver function. Allergic reactions are rare but possible for individuals sensitive to the Rosaceae family. If gastrointestinal symptoms persist, users should discontinue use and consult a healthcare provider.

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

Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's mantle) is a medicinal herb used traditionally for gynecological and skin conditions, demonstrating antioxidant, anticancer, and antiviral activities in experimental models [PMID:37981119, 36500205, 28744637].

Background

Alchemilla vulgaris, commonly known as Lady's mantle, is a species within the Alchemilla genus of the Rosaceae family [PMID:37981119, 33209076]. It is a herbaceous perennial plant found in Europe and the Balkan countries [PMID:36500205, 35542286].

Traditional uses

Traditionally, Alchemilla species have been prescribed for dysmenorrhea, pruritus vulvae, menopausal complaints, and other reproductive system diseases in women [PMID:37981119, 36500205]. Topical preparations are used for wounds, rashes, eczema, and acne due to astringent and anti-inflammatory properties [PMID:40451493].

Active compounds

The plant contains phenolic acids (gallic acid, caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid), ellagitannins (pedunculagin, agrimoniin, sanguiin H-10, castalagin/vescalagin), and flavonoids (quercetin glucuronide, kaempferol glucuronide) [PMID:23413745, 23687690, 35214807, 35542286].

Mechanism of action

Mechanisms include scavenging free radicals (antioxidant activity) [PMID:36500205], inhibiting the reproduction of orthopoxviruses [PMID:28744637], and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagic cell death in cancer cells [PMID:38543072]. It also demonstrates endothelium-dependent vasorelaxant effects [PMID:24938755].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BPostoperative sore throat

Topical Alchemilla vulgaris in glycerine was compared to dexamethasone for reducing sore throat and hoarseness after tracheal intubation [PMID:33866772]

Evidence DCutaneous wounds

An ointment containing A. vulgaris and Mimosa tenuiflora promoted faster wound healing, re-epithelialization, and collagen synthesis in mice compared to fusidic acid [PMID:29966977]

Evidence DPolycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

Oral administration of A. vulgaris extract in a DHEA-induced rat model was investigated for effects on ovarian morphology and endocrine biomarkers [PMID:40550985]

Evidence DCardiotoxicity

A. vulgaris treatment mitigated isoproterenol-induced myocardial damage by enhancing SOD and CAT activities and reducing oxidative stress in mice [PMID:39170697]

Evidence DCancer (In Vitro/In Vivo)

Extracts suppressed growth of human tumor cell lines (MCF-7, A375, A549, HCT116) and showed antimelanoma activity in murine models [PMID:36500205, 38920557]

Safety & adverse effects

Root extracts showed low toxicity for continuous Vero cell culture [PMID:28744637]. In zebrafish embryos, ethyl acetate extract exhibited lower toxicity compared to PTU and kojic acid [PMID:42198388].

Evidence summary

The majority of evidence is derived from in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one randomized controlled trial (Level B) regarding postoperative sore throat. There is strong preclinical evidence for antioxidant and antiproliferative activities.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 28744637 (2017) — Antiviral Activity of Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.) Extracts against Orthopoxviruses. · Bulletin of experimental biology and medicine
2.PMID: 37981119 (2024) — A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical evidence for the use of the genus Alchemilla (Rosaceae). · Journal of ethnopharmacology
3.PMID: 36500205 (2022) — Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
4.PMID: 38920557 (2024) — Antimelanoma Effects of Alchemilla vulgaris: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Vivo Study. · Diseases (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 35542286 (2019) — Alchemilla vulgaris agg. (Lady's mantle) from central Balkan: antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme inhibition properties.

Alchemilla vulgaris

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Alchemilla vulgaris

Waltheria Indica

Sclerocarya Birrea

Ximenia Americana

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Alchemilla vulgaris

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Alchemilla vulgaris

Related Herbs

Waltheria Indica

Sclerocarya Birrea

Ximenia Americana

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources