Agrimony

Scientific Name(s): Agrimonia eupatoria L.
Common Name(s): Cocklebur, Guan Chang Fu Fang, Liverwort, Stickwort

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 17, 2022.

Clinical Overview

Use

Agrimony is used as a tea and gargle for sore throat, and externally as a mild antiseptic and astringent.

Dosing

There is limited published clinical evidence for a safe or effective dose; 200 mL boiled water was added to 1 g dried aerial parts of A. eupatoria and consumed twice a day for 1 month in a small study evaluating the effect on lipid profile and antioxidant status.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Agrimony reportedly can produce photodermatitis.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Rosaceae

Botany

Agrimony is a perennial herb with small, star-shaped yellow flowers. The plant possesses a short rhizome and is supported by a firm, hairy stem. The basal leaves are arrayed in a rosette and they, as well as the alternate sessile stem leaves, are pinnate, serrate and glabrous. The flowers and fruit (achene) grow at the top of the stem in a long, terminal spike. Agrimony is common in grasslands throughout Europe. It is imported from Bulgaria, Hungary and the former Yugoslavia.Bisset 1994, Bunney 1984, USDA 2016 Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. is recognized as the relevant plant species of "Herba Agrimonia" in some countries,Li 2015, Pu 2016, Yu 2015 and a report suggests the chemical composition of Agrimonia procera Wallr. to also be equivalent to Agrimonia eupatoria L. as a valid source of Agrimoniae herba.Granica 2015

History

The name Agrimonia may have its origin in the Greek "agremone" which refers to plants which supposedly healed cataracts of the eye. The species name eupatoria relates to Mithradates Eupator, King of Pontus, who is credited with introducing many herbal remedies. Its ancient uses include treatment for catarrh (mucous membrane inflammation with discharge), bleeding, tuberculosis and skin diseases. 1984 In folk medicine, it has been reported, without verification, to be useful in gallbladder disorders. Numerous other reported uses include use as a dye, flavoring, gargle for performers and speakers, antitumor agent, astringent, cardiotonic, coagulant, diuretic, sedative, antiasthmatic and for corns or warts.Duke 2003 This plant is often included in phytomedicine mixtures for "liver and bile teas," again without true scientific verification. Agrimony extracts are often used in small amounts in prepared European cholagogues and stomach and bowel remedies (eg, Neo-Gallonorm-Dragees) and urological products (eg, Rhoival). Agrimony is also a component of the British product "Potter's Piletabs."Bisset 1994, Drozd 1983, Hoppe 1975, von Gizycki 1949

Chemistry

The aerial parts of the plant contain 4% to 10% condensed tannins, small amounts of ellagitannins and traces of gallotannins.Bisset 1994, von Gizycki 1949 Also reported are some 20% polysaccharides.von Gizycki 1949 A triterpenoid, ursolic acid, has been isolated. Silicic acid, traces of essential oil, and the flavonoids luteolin ...