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
Achillea millefolium (Yarrow) is a medicinal plant used globally for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective properties [PMID:19075697, PMID:42282446].
Background
Yarrow is a herbaceous plant in the Asteraceae family of Greek origin [PMID:38076118, PMID:35639782]. It is one of the oldest known botanicals used by humans and is significant in the pharmaceutical field [PMID:38076118].
Traditional uses
Historically used to treat malaria, hepatitis, jaundice, liver disorders, inflammatory and spasmodic gastro-intestinal disorders, and hepato-biliary complaints [PMID:23959026, PMID:17704978]. Other traditional indications include menstrual irregularities, cramps, fever, wound healing, cough, influenza, pneumonia, kidney stones, high blood pressure, rheumatoid arthritis, gout, osteoarthritis, hemorrhagic disorders, chicken pox, cystitis, diabetes mellitus, indigestion, dyspepsia, eczema, psoriasis, and boils [PMID:23959026, PMID:19075697].
Active compounds
Bioactive components include flavonoids (kaempferol, luteolin, apigenin, chrysoeriol), sesquiterpene lactones (guaianolides such as millefoliumins and millefolactons), phenolic acids (caffeoylquinic acids, chlorogenic acid), polyacetylenes, simple coumarins, and monoterpenes [PMID:11558643, PMID:28868116, PMID:33761376, PMID:36963706, PMID:38869958, PMID:32722270, PMID:32325741].
Mechanism of action
Anti-inflammatory effects are mediated through the inhibition of nitric oxide (NO) release and repression of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6 [PMID:36963706, PMID:37839587, PMID:38869958]. It may modulate signaling pathways including NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and RAS/RAF [PMID:42282446]. Antispasmodic properties are mediated by flavonoids, while choleretic effects are caused by dicaffeoylquinic acids [PMID:17704978]. Gastroprotective actions against ethanol-induced ulcers are linked to the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway [PMID:36432009].
Clinical evidence
Evidence CAnxiety
Showed promising effects in animal models [PMID:33480339]
Evidence DLocalized Bleeding
Hydroalcoholic extract significantly reduced bleeding time in rat liver models [PMID:38283274]
Evidence DDoxorubicin-induced renal injury
Ameliorated injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation in rats [PMID:39734352]
Evidence DCisplatin-induced ocular toxicity
Evaluated for biochemical and histopathological effects in rats [PMID:34180746]
Evidence DGastrointestinal Spasms
Hydroalcoholic extract showed antispasmodic effects in the isolated ileum of rats [PMID:24311877]
Safety & adverse effects
Generally considered safe for supplemental use [PMID:23959026, PMID:28868116]. However, guinea pigs were sensitized to crude extracts of the whole plant and flowers [PMID:11558643]. Yarrow tea showed weak genotoxicity in a Drosophila melanogaster test [PMID:11558643]. In cosmetics, concerns were raised regarding components like linalool, thujone, quercetin, hydroquinone, or α-peroxyachifolid [PMID:27913788].
Drug interactions
May interact with hormonal, antibiotic, and anticancer drugs, potentially altering concentrations of drugs such as Erythromycin, Diazepam, and Cyclosporine by affecting Cytochromes P450 metabolism enzymes [PMID:38076118].
Evidence summary
The evidence is primarily based on review articles and animal/in vitro studies (Levels C and D). While traditional use is extensive and some pharmacological activities (anti-inflammatory, antioxidant) are supported by experimental data, human clinical trials are rare.
PubMed sources
- 1.PMID: 33480339 (2022) — Anti-anxiety Properties of Selected Medicinal Plants. · Current pharmaceutical biotechnology
- 2.PMID: 38076118 (2023) — Achillea millefolium: Mechanism of action, pharmacokinetic, clinical drug-drug interactions and tolerability. · Heliyon
- 3.PMID: 11558643 (2001) — Final report on the safety assessment of Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Extract. · International journal of toxicology
- 4.PMID: 23959026 (2013) — Minireview on Achillea millefolium Linn. · The Journal of membrane biology
- 5.PMID: 27913788 (2016) — Safety Assessment of Achillea millefolium as Used in Cosmetics. · International journal of toxicology