Lady’s Mantle.
Alchemilla vulgaris
Also Known As:
Lion's Foot,
Manto de la Virgen, Nine Hooks, Nueve Ganchos, Pie de León,
Silerkraut.
CAUTION: See
separate listing for Alpine Lady's Mantle.
Scientific
Name:
Alchemilla
xanthochlora; Alchemilla vulgaris.
Family:
Rosaceae.
People Use This
For:
Alchemilla is
used for mild diarrhoea, heavy menstrual flow, diabetes,
menopausal
complaints,
painful menses, gastrointestinal disorders, as a relaxant for
muscle spasms, an anti-inflammatory, a diuretic, and as a
garglefor mouth and throat inflammation.
Topically,
alchemilla is used as an astringent for bleeding, to improve
wound healing, for ulcers, eczema, skin rashes, and as a bath
additive for treating lower-abdominal ailments.
Safety:
Alchemilla has
been used for many years without reports of significant
toxicity (2, 3,
4).
No
scientific studies have been carried out for topical use of
alchemilla.
Pregnancy:
There are no scientific studies available. A 2012 pharmaceutical
review assessment describes it as safe in pregnancy
Breastfeeding:
There are no scientific studies available.The above review has no
comment for avoiding or for indications for use.
Effectiveness:
There is
insufficient reliable information available about the
effectiveness of alchemilla.
Mechanism of
Action:
The
above ground parts are used. Alchemilla contains 6-8%
tannins (3),
which are
likely to account for its perceived astringent activity
(2).
A
water extract of Alchemilla xanthochlora demonstrates lipid
peroxidation and superoxide anion scavenging activity
(2).
Flavonoid
extracts inhibit proteolytic enzymes, including elastase,
trypsin, and alpha-chymotrypsin. This property suggests
alchemilla might have a role in protecting conjunctive and
elastic tissues (2).
Adverse
Reactions:
Although one
reference refers to an association with liver damage no cases
have
been reported
and the association is likely to be spurious (3).
Interactions
with Herbs & Supplements:
None
known.
Interactions
with Drugs:
None
known.
Interactions
with Foods:
None
known.
Interactions
with Lab Tests:
None
known
Interactions
with Diseases or Conditions:
None
known
Dosage/Administration:
Oral: For
diarrhoea, a typical dose is one cup tea, prepared by steeping
1-4 grams above ground parts in boiling water for 10 minutes and
then straining (3),
used up to
three times per day between meals. The average amount used per
day is 5-10 grams. Equivalent preparations can also be
used (1).
Diarrhoea
persisting for more than 3-4 days should be medically
evaluated (3).
Topical: No
typical dosage.
Specific
References: LADY’S MANTLE
1.
Blumenthal M, ed. The Complete German Commission E Monographs:
Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Trans. S. Klein. Boston,
MA: American Botanical Council, 1998.
2.
The Review of Natural Products by Facts and Comparisons. St.
Louis, MO: Wolters Kluwer Co., 1999.
3.
Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M.
Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers,
1994.
4.
McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal
Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton,FL:
CRC Press, LLC 1997