agrimony

Agrimonia eupatoria, better known as agrimony, is a native wild plant from the rose family (Rosaceae). It grows preferentially along roadsides, on embankments, and in open woodlands in Europe and Asia. As early as the Middle Ages, agrimony was considered an important medicinal herb – not without reason did knights carry it as a "wound herb" in their healing pouches. Today, the plant is experiencing a renaissance in naturopathy due to its versatile, gentle healing effects. Characteristic features are the delicate yellow flower spikes and the pleasantly tart, slightly spicy scent. In phytotherapy, mainly the flowering herb is used – that is, the above-ground parts of the plant during the flowering period.

What health benefits does agrimony offer?

Agrimony is a plant that is used in naturopathy for numerous purposes. Scientific investigations point to a great medicinal potential, which emanates from the plant. However, the results of these studies must be viewed critically, as they are not readily transferable. In addition, the effects of agrimony have not been sufficiently researched to conclusively explain all of its modes of action.

  • Pain relief and inflammation: The potentially analgesic and anti-inflammatory effect demonstrated in investigations could be suitable for external application to minor wounds, skin irritations, and inflammation of the mouth and throat (1,2).
  • Antioxidant effect: Studies suggest antioxidant effects that stem from various constituents of the plant (3,4).
  • Antimicrobial effect: Active compounds of agrimony showed an antimicrobial effect in scientific investigations (3)
  • Calming for the stomach and intestines: Agrimony contains tannins, which have an astringent effect on mucous membranes and can be helpful for various symptoms (1,3).
  • Liver support: In folk medicine, agrimony was used for liver and gallbladder complaints. Studies show a positive effect on liver function (5,6).

How does agrimony work in the body?

The effect of agrimony is based on a complex interplay of bioactive plant compounds. Many of these plant compounds are responsible for the effects of numerous plants, including, for example, tannins (tanning agents), flavonoids, bitter compounds, essential oils, silicic acid (1,3,7).

Are there any side effects or risks?

  • Well tolerated: Agrimony is generally considered to have few side effects, provided it is used in the usual dosage.
  • Not for constipation: Due to the tannin-related effect, existing constipation could become worse.
  • Do not overdose: High amounts of tannins could lead to stomach irritation in sensitive individuals.

Conclusion

Agrimony is a versatile medicinal herb rich in tradition that has proven itself in naturopathy, particularly for gastrointestinal complaints, inflammation, and for strengthening the liver and skin. Its gentle yet effective mode of action makes it a potentially valuable component of modern phytotherapy – entirely in the spirit of old monastic medicine.

Sources:

  1. Santos, T. N., Costa, G., Ferreira, J. P., Liberal, J., Francisco, V., Paranhos, A., Cruz, M. T., Castelo-Branco, M., Figueiredo, I. V., & Batista, M. T. (2017). Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Analgesic Activities of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Infusion. Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine : eCAM, 2017, 8309894. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/8309894
  2. Malheiros, J., Simões, D. M., Figueirinha, A., Cotrim, M. D., & Fonseca, D. A. (2022). Agrimonia eupatoria L.: An integrative perspective on ethnomedicinal use, phenolic composition and pharmacological activity. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 296, 115498. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2022.115498
  3. Paluch, Z., Biriczová, L., Pallag, G., Carvalheiro Marques, E., Vargová, N., & Kmoníčková, E. (2020). The therapeutic effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Physiological research, 69(Suppl 4), S555–S571. https://doi.org/10.33549/physiolres.934641
  4. Ivanova, D., Tasinov, O., Vankova, D., & Kiselova-Kaneva, Y. (2011). Antioxidative potential of Agrimonia eupatoria L. Science & Technologies, 1, 20–24.
  5. Se, C. K., Chang, M. L., Hyun, J. K., Dong, H. A., Choi, H., Jae, H. L., Jong, P. B., Mi, H. L., Eui, S. C., Jong, H. K., Min, K. L., Joa, S. O., & Ok, P. Z. (2006). Hepatoprotective effects of aqueous extract from aerial part of agrimony. Korean Journal of Pharmacognosy, 37, 28–32.
  6. Moshtaghi, F., Azadbakht, M., Vaezi, G., Azizi, S., & Hojati, V. (2022). The hepatoprotective effect of Agrimonia eupatoria on hepatotoxicity caused by pyrrolizidine alkaloids in Senecio vulgaris extract in male rats. Journal of Pharmaceutical Negative Results, 13(S09), 2130–2143. https://doi.org/10.47750/pnr.2022.13.S09.257
  7. Huzio, N., Grytsyk, A., Raal, A., Grytsyk, L., & Koshovyi, O. (2022). Phytochemical and Pharmacological Research in Agrimonia eupatoria L. Herb Extract with Anti-Inflammatory and Hepatoprotective Properties. Plants (Basel, Switzerland), 11(18), 2371. https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11182371