Leonurus Herb (Leonurus japonicus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

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).

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

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].

Background

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].

Traditional uses

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].

Active compounds

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].

Mechanism of 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].

Clinical evidence

Evidence 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].

Evidence CMenstrual Disorders

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

Evidence 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].

Safety & adverse effects

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

Pregnancy & lactation

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

Evidence summary

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.

PubMed sources

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

Leonurus Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Leonurus Herb

Prunus avium

Undaria pinnatifida

Ogiri Igbo

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Pregnancy & lactation

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Leonurus Herb

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Leonurus Herb

Related Herbs

Prunus avium

Undaria pinnatifida

Ogiri Igbo

Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Pregnancy & lactation

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources