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The agrimony herb (Agrimonia eupatoria) has been used in traditional remedies to make brews, tonics and solutions used to treat a wide range of health disorders.
In-vitro and animal research suggests that this herb might be useful in viral/bacterial infections, slowing down tumor growth, managing the symptoms of diabetes, reducing hypertension (high blood pressure), and healing wounds.
It has demonstrated coagulative, diuretic, astringent and anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, anticancer and various other effects (more below).
However, little human research has been conducted on agrimony. More research is needed to understand how it affects human health. [1][2]
This article will review what is known about the agrimony herb’s constituents and how they are believed to work inside the body, possible health benefits, safety, side effects and interactions. Some dosage recommendations from herbalists will also be listed.
Wound Healing
Inflamm-ation
Throat Soreness- High content of astringent tannins
- Inflammation-reducing properties
- Used traditionally for wound healing
Top Agrimony Products* ❯Agrimony Plant Description
Agrimony is the name of a botanical genus comprised of 15 different species.
Different varieties of this perennial herb can be found throughout much of the northern hemisphere; particularly in Canada, England and the US. [2]
Common agrimony (A. eupatoria) grows roughly 2 feet tall. It has a woody stem, and large dark-green leaves around the rosette base, with smaller leaves higher up.
Between June and early-September, agrimony develops a long pinnate stem that forms tightly-arranged, small, yellow flowers. [2]
This herb also develops silky down on its stems and leaves; a trait which led it to be called “hairy agrimony” by some. [2]
Agrimony herb leaf and flower are said to smell like a cross between lemon and apricot. When the flowers dry up, they are replaced by burrs that cling readily to fur and clothing. Some people call agrimony “sticklewort” and/or “cockleburr”. [2]
History of Agrimony Medicinal Use
The ancient Egyptians used agrimony for tuberculosis, bleeding, skin disorders and catarrh (inflamed mucous membranes with discharge). [1]
Ancient Greeks used the agrimony herb as a treatment for eye ailments. In fact, the word “agrimony” is thought to be a derivative of the Greek word “agrimoner”; which refers to plants that benefit the eyes. [1]
Anglo-Saxons used agrimony to help speed up wound healing, and to stop bleeding. [1]
Chinese healers have been using the herb for many centuries as a sleep aid, and for improving menstruation difficulties. [1]
Native American Indians used it to treat various health disorders, and in Europe agrimony has been used for sore throat, cough, diarrhea and various skin conditions. [1]
Agrimony Health Benefits
Wood Herbs states that agrimony herb is: [3]
- Effective for improving hepatitis and cirrhosis from chronic alcoholism;
- Good for any condition that cause you to hold your breath to ease pain;
- An excellent remedy for both physical and mental tension;
- Acts to improve kidney function;
- Causes the release of endorphins;
These traditional uses for agrimony have not been demonstrated in human trials. More research is needed to tell if this herb is effective for its purported medicinal uses.
Agrimony Supplement Uses
The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database (NMCD) states that people use oral agrimony herbal supplements today for [1]:
- IBS (irritable bowel syndrome);
- Gallbladder disorders;
- Upset stomach;
- Mild diarrhea;
- Tuberculosis;
- Sore throat;
Oral agrimony extract supplements are also used for diabetes, corns, warts and bleeding. Agrimony is also used as a diuretic, cardiotonic, antihistamine and a sedative.
Because of mild astringent and anti-inflammatory effects, topical agrimony creams and liquids are used for improving mild cases of skin inflammation. Agrimony ethanolic extracts are used against viral infections. [1]
Some people make tea out of agrimony leaf. This can be consumed or gargled for improving sore throat and cough. [1]
How does the Agrimony Herb Work Inside the Body?
NMCD asserts that the tannin constituent of agrimony herb is responsible for most of medicinal value. Between 4-21% of agrimony is tannin constituents like agrimonia, ellagitannin and gallotannin. [1]
According to the Oxford Dictionary, tannins are “yellowish or brownish bitter-tasting organic substances present in some galls, barks, and other plant tissues, consisting of derivatives of gallic acid”. [4]
The tannin constituents in agrimony are believed to be responsible for the herb’s astringent effects. Agrimony is believed to be beneficial for various gastrointestinal complaints, particularly mild cases of diarrhea. [1]
Herb Wisdom states that agrimony herb contains: [2]
- An antioxidant/anti-inflammatory called quercetin;
- A water-soluble polyphenol called catechin;
- Ursolic, stearic and palmitic acids;
Palmitic acid has been suggested as a possible anticancer agent in recent studies. Silicic acid is comprised of oxygen, silicon and hydrogen, and said to be beneficial for the nails, skin and hair. Ursolic acid is a triterpenoid that has demonstrated anti-inflammatory and diuretic effects. [2]
In addition to those above, NMCD states that agrimony also contains nutrients including: [1]
- Flavonoids such as apigenin, glycosides, kaempferol, quercetin, and quercitrin;
- Vitamins B1 (thiamine), C (ascorbic acid) and K (phylloquinone);
- Triterpenes such as alpha-amyrin, and euscapic acid;
Agrimony plant extract also contains plant sterols, polyphenolic compounds, and volatile oils.
According to Herb Wisdom, “While many of the potential benefits are still somewhat in contention, hundreds of years of tradition and countless confirmations of its effects have made it an important element of many herbalist practices and treatments.”. [2]
Despite this, the FDA has not approved the use of Agrimony as a medicine for the treatment of any health conditions or diseases.
NMCD states that the components of the agrimony herb best-researched for their medicinal properties are the aerial components.
Extracts from the above-ground parts of this plant have demonstrated various pharmacological effects in in-vitro and animal studies. Some of these include: [1]
Anticancer effects:
In-vivo (in a living organism) studies using mice reported antitumor activities associated with agrimoney. Results suggested that agrimony slowed down tumor cell growth, and induced natural cell death (apoptosis) in tumor tissue. [1]
Antioxidant effects:
Agrimony herb seed extracts have demonstrated ability to scavenge free radicals. One in-vitro study assessed the antioxidant strengths of 21 plant medicines commonly used in Bulgaria. Of those, agrimony was reported to have the 4rd highest total phenolics. [1]
Effects on Diabetes:
Studies using mice with diabetes have shown that agrimony possesses insulin-like effects. In some studies, agrimony added to foods and water helped to decrease symptoms of hyperglycemia (high blood glucose levels).
However, these effects have not been duplicated in humans trials yet. [1]
Antiviral effects:
Extract of A. pilosa demonstrated antiviral activity against HSV 1 (herpes simplex virus 1). Researchers think these effects are due to the polyphenol constituents. [1]
Estrogen-like effects:
Along with herbs like witch hazel, chaste tree, black cohosh and dong quai (Chinese chamomile), agrimony is said to benefit vaginal dryness. However, there is no reliable evidence to support this claim. [1]
NMCD states “More human studies are needed to confirm these findings and other reported uses for agrimony.”. [1]
Agrimony Herb Health Benefits
Human research on possible health benefits of agrimony is lacking. There are no conditions that this herb has been shown to be reliably effective for. All uses for agrimony require substantially more research to validate.
Some of the most common traditional uses of agrimony herb are reviewed next:
Menstruation:
Agrimony herb induces coagulant effects which are said to benefit bleeding, and help to heal wounds faster. Although menstruation is not a literal “wound”, some women use agrimony in times of heavy menstrual bleeding.
Oral administration is said to lighten bleeding during the menstrual cycle, and reduce inflammation and associated pain as well. [5]
However, human research is needed to determine if agrimony is actually helpful for improving menstruation-based complaints.
Digestive disorders:
Agrimony herbal tea is said to soothe the stomach and ease various digestive complaints. It seems especially useful for diarrhea and IBS.
Researchers think it might benefit these and similar conditions by reducing swelling in soft tissues inside the GI tract. [5]
However, human research is lacking. Clinical trials are needed to determine any specific gastrointestinal benefits of agrimony herbal supplements.
Diabetes:
As stated above, the only antidiabetes effects of agrimony have been witnessed in mice studies; not humans.
Some researchers think that unspecific agrimony constituents help to modulate insulin uptake into cells, and thereby help to keep blood glucose levels where they should be. [5]
Randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled human trials are needed to determine any antidiabetes effects of the agrimony herb.
Detoxification:
Agrimony herbal supplements are claimed to increase diuresis (urine production) inside the kidneys. By increasing the volume of urine excreted, agrimony might help to rid accumulated toxins from the body.
Some users say that this supplement helped reduce edema; the redness and swelling that stems from fluid retention. [5]
There have been no reliable human trials to prove or disprove the proposed diuretic effects of agrimony. More research is needed.
Respiratory disorders:
This herb has been used widely to improve respiratory-based conditions – like sore throat, cough, common cold, flu and bronchitis. It may help to speed up recovery times by easing pain inside the respiratory tract. [5]
However, there has been no human research to support these uses.
You should seek medical advice about any intended use you may have in mind for an agrimony supplement.
Agrimony Herb Supplements
Agrimony supplements are largely made with the ground-up leaf, but some may contain flower, stalk, stem and seed extracts as well. Agrimony products are available in tea, tablet, powder, capsule, liquid extract and tincture forms.
NMCD states that there are 62 different dietary supplement products available that are labelled to contain agrimony.
Look for organic, non-GMO and contaminant-free products from reputable manufacturers. Store your supplements in dark-colored containers – in a cool, dry, unlit location.
Recommended Agrimony Dosage
Agrimony is a natural remedy, not an approved pharmaceutical drug. Therefore, there are no standardized dosage guidelines available for this supplement.
However, the following dosing recommendations have been reported: [1][5]
- Application of agrimony compress several times daily for healing wounds;
- 4-5 mL agrimony leaf tincture every 2-4 hours for general purposes;
- Topical application of agrimony essential oil for skin conditions;
- Up to 6 cups weak agrimony tea daily for diarrhea;
NMCD states that there has not been enough research to say that agrimony herb products are safe for use in children. However, this herb has a long history of traditional use, in children and adults, for treating diarrhea. [2]
Because of agrimony’s possible effects on menstruation, it is considered Possibly Unsafe for use by pregnant and/or breastfeeding women. Avoid use without close medical supervision.
Agrimony Herb Side Effects
There have not been any serious or lasting side effects associated with proper use of agrimony supplements. This herb is considered generally safe for most healthy people to use.
However, excessive use should be avoided, as there is no toxicity data available. This supplement may exacerbate constipation. [2]
Agrimony Extract Drug Interactions
There is a possibility of interaction between herbal agrimony products and antidiabetes drugs. Be careful with this combination, and check blood glucose regularly.
Taking agrimony extracts with these types of medications might cause blood glucose to drop dangerously and induce a hypoglycemic state. [1]
Some types of antidiabetes drugs include alpha-glucosidase inhibitors, amylin analogs, antidiabetic combinations, dipeptidyl peptidase 4 inhibitors, incretin mimetics, insulin, meglitinides, non-sulfonylureas, SGLT-2 inhibitors, sulfonylureas, and thiazolidinediones. [1]
The high tannin content of agrimony herb supplements might cause precipitation (solidification) of oral medications. NMCD states that oral drugs and agrimony should be taken with the maximum possible time interval between them. [1]
Be careful mixing use of agrimony herb with other herbs and supplements that have hypoglycemic potentials. These combinations could cause blood glucose to drop too low.
Some of these include alpha-lipoic acid, devil’s claw, fenugreek, garlic, guar gum, horse chestnut, Panax ginseng, psyllium, Siberian ginseng, and others. [1]
There are no known interactions between agrimony herbal supplements and foods, or laboratory tests. [1]
Talk with your endocrinologist about using agrimony supplements if you have diabetes. You may need to adjust the amounts of antidiabetes medications you take if you begin using agrimony. Check blood glucose levels often, and self-monitor for adverse effects.
As with other dietary supplements, you should discontinue using agrimony herb at least a couple weeks prior to scheduled surgery. Failure to do so might cause problems maintaining blood glucose levels and/or blood pressure, during the procedure.
Article last updated on: July 22nd, 2018 by Nootriment