Restharrow (Ononis spinosa): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Frequently asked questions

How does restharrow work as a diuretic?

Restharrow contains isoflavones including ononetin, formononetin, and ononin, which are believed to increase urine output by irritating the urinary tract mucosa, stimulating increased fluid excretion. The tannins provide astringent effects that may help tone urinary tissues. Traditional use suggests it helps flush urinary gravel and small stones. Evidence level: C (limited clinical data, primarily traditional and pharmacological basis).

Does restharrow interact with any medications?

Restharrow may interact with diuretic medications, potentially enhancing their effects and increasing the risk of dehydration or electrolyte imbalances. The isoflavone content (formononetin) may exert weak estrogen-like effects, potentially interacting with hormone therapies or hormonal contraceptives. Avoid combining with lithium, as increased urination may affect lithium clearance. Consult a healthcare provider before combining with prescription diuretics or hormonal medications.

What is the recommended dosage for restharrow root?

For adults, the traditional dosage is 2-3 cups of restharrow root tea daily, prepared by steeping 1-2 teaspoons of dried root in hot water. Alternatively, 1-2ml of tincture taken three times daily is commonly recommended. German Commission E approves restharrow for urinary conditions. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance. Evidence level: C. Always follow product labeling or consult a qualified herbalist for personalized dosing.

Is restharrow safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding?

Restharrow is considered unsafe during pregnancy due to its diuretic action, which may reduce amniotic fluid levels and potentially affect fetal development. There is insufficient safety data for breastfeeding. The isoflavone content may also exert estrogen-like effects, which is another reason to avoid use during pregnancy. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should avoid restharrow and consult their healthcare provider for suitable alternatives.

Can restharrow help with kidney stones?

Restharrow has a long history of traditional use for urinary gravel and kidney stones. Its diuretic action may help flush small stones and sediment from the urinary tract. German Commission E approves it for urinary conditions. However, clinical evidence is limited (Level C), and it should not be used during acute kidney inflammation. For existing kidney stones, consult a healthcare provider, as larger stones may require medical intervention rather than herbal treatment alone.

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

Ononis spinosa (spiny restharrow) is a medicinal plant traditionally used for urological and inflammatory conditions [PMID:42122901]. Its roots are particularly noted for diuretic and anti-inflammatory activities [PMID:32595508, PMID:31968378].

Background

Ononis spinosa L., belonging to the Fabaceae family, is a widely distributed medicinal plant used in European and Middle Eastern phytotherapy [PMID:42122901].

Traditional uses

Traditionally used for thousands of years in the management of urological conditions, inflammatory conditions [PMID:42122901], urinary tract infections [PMID:32595508, PMID:31968378], and bladder stones [PMID:29803686]. Other reported traditional uses include laxative, analgesic, antiviral, cytotoxic, antifungal, and wound healing effects [PMID:28531920].

Active compounds

The phytochemical profile is characterized predominantly by isoflavonoids, including isoflavones (formononetin, calycosin, pseudobaptigenin), pterocarpans (maackiain, medicarpin), and dihydroisoflavones (onogenin, sativanone) [PMID:26874257, PMID:29803686]. Other constituents include triterpenes (such as alpha-onocerin), phenolic acids, polyphenolic compounds [PMID:42122901, PMID:29203557], and the norneolignan clitorienolactone B [PMID:32595508].

Mechanism of action

Diuretic activity is attributed to the inhibition of renal human hyaluronidase-1 by isoflavonoids [PMID:32595508, PMID:30176279]. Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated via the inhibition of IL-8 and TNF-alpha release from LPS-stimulated human neutrophils through interactions with Toll-Like Receptor 4 [PMID:32595508]. In adipocytes, ononin and maackiain exhibit anti-adipogenic activity by inhibiting PPAR-gamma and upregulating AMPK [PMID:35367764]. Analgesic effects in rat models are associated with the modulation of transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) [PMID:34193633].

Clinical evidence

Evidence BAcute lower uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs)

A fixed combination of extracts (restharrow root, Java tea, and goldenrod) showed significant superiority over placebo in reducing symptom scores after one day and seven days of treatment [PMID:31817885].

Evidence DDistal ureteral stones with renal colic

A combination of boldine, Phyllanthus niruri, and Ononis spinosa plus tamsulosin was evaluated for efficacy and safety in medical expulsive therapy [PMID:39336496].

Evidence BUreteral stent-related symptoms

A phyto-complex containing Ononis spinosa was compared to tamsulosin; both treatments resulted in improvement from baseline [PMID:42244389].

Evidence DEthanol-induced gastric ulcer (rat model)

Oral administration of O. spinosa extract (0.5 and 1 g/kg) lowered ulcer indices by 80.39% and 98.71% respectively [PMID:33825407].

Safety & adverse effects

A methanolic extract of the herb showed no cytotoxicity to primary human cells [PMID:32344670]. A water extract showed no significant hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-induced acute liver toxicity in mice [PMID:16619345].

Evidence summary

Evidence consists primarily of in vitro studies, animal models (rats/mice), and a few clinical trials involving combination herbal therapies. Strongest evidence is found in the management of uUTI symptoms and stent-related morbidity.

PubMed sources

1.PMID: 26874257 (2016) — Characterization and identification of isoflavonoid glycosides in the root of Spiny restharrow (Ononis spinosa L.) by HPLC-QTOF-MS, HPLC-MS/MS and NMR. · Journal of pharmaceutical and biomedical analysis
2.PMID: 42122901 (2026) — Phytochemical Constituents and Biological Activities of Ononis spinosa: A Comprehensive Review. · Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
3.PMID: 32595508 (2020) — Root Extracts From Ononis spinosa Inhibit IL-8 Release via Interactions With Toll-Like Receptor 4 and Lipopolysaccharide. · Frontiers in pharmacology
4.PMID: 29803686 (2018) — Separation and characterization of homopipecolic acid isoflavonoid ester derivatives isolated from Ononis spinosa L. root. · Journal of chromatography. B, Analytical technologies in the biomedical and life sciences
5.PMID: 33584762 (2020)

Restharrow

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Restharrow

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources

Restharrow

Sources & Citations

Calculate a safe dose of Restharrow

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Frequently asked questions

Summary

Background

Traditional uses

Active compounds

Mechanism of action

Clinical evidence

Safety & adverse effects

Evidence summary

PubMed sources

Government sources