agrimoniae herba

Agrimony is the common name for the flowering tops of the plant Agrimonia eupatoria L. The plant is cultivated or gathered to obtain the plant parts for medicinal use.

Agrimony preparations are obtained by comminuting (reducing into tiny pieces) the dried plant parts. These may also be used to prepare liquid extracts with water and alcohol.

Agrimoniae Herba has been used as an anti-inflammatory agent in traditional medicine. Nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokines produced by activated microglia may be a possible etiological factor of neurodegenerative disorders. We evaluated whether Agrimoniae Herba could have an anti-inflammatory effect on lipopolysaccharide-induced BV2 microglial cells.

The definition of Agrimoniae herba in the current European Pharmacopoeia 8th edition is “Dried flowering tops of Agrimonia eupatoria L”. Content: minimum 2.0% of tannins, expressed as pyrogallol (C6H6O3; Mr 126.1) (dried drug).

Agrimony is applied directly to the skin as a mild drying agent (astringent) and for mild skin redness and swelling (inflammation). Some chemicals taken from agrimony are used to fight viruses.

Ethanol extract of Agrimoniae Herba showed strong antimicarobial activity againt Listeria monocytogenes, Staphlococcus aureus, Salmonella typhimurium, Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila subsp. hydrophila The growth of tested organisms was significantly inhibited above 4 log in tryptic soy broth with about 0.12%(w/v) of Agrimoniae Herba after incubation for 12 hrs at 37℃.

Side Effects and Warnings

Agrimony is likely safe since its leaves are used as a substitute for tea. It is also likely safe when applied on the skin. No significant adverse effects for agrimony have been documented. When used as recommended for a short-term, agrimony is considered to be safe.
Agrimony is listed by the Council of Europe as a natural source of food flavoring. This use is possibly safe since it can be added to foodstuffs in small quantities with a possible limitation of an active principle (not yet specified) in the final product.

Preparation Methods & Dosage :Standard brew using 1 teaspoon of dried herb to each cup hot water. The longer you let it steep, the more tannins are extracted. Make a stronger decoction for external use in baths and skin washes Drink 2 to 3 cups per day. Used in ointment form for skin rashes, and as a gargle for sore throat.