Alchemilla sp. / Vrouwenmantel

ALCHEMILLA  VULGARIS  L.  / Vrouwenmantel 

Algemene en Botanische Informatie 

Familie: Rosaceae - roosachtigen. Naam: Alchémille (fr.), Frauenmantel (d.), Ladies mantle (e.). Volksnamen: Synnauw, Onzervrouwenmantel. Etymologie: Alchemilla (arabisch alkemelich) = alchemie. Vrouwenmantel: vorm van blad als mantel. Soorten: A. xantochlora Rothm. = A. vulgaris Auct., 

Teelt, ecologie: Hemikrypt in weiden, graslanden, wegbermen en bosranden. Gemakkelijk te vermeerderen door scheuren van de wortelstok. 

Het blad heeft last van de schimmel Uromyces alchemil lae. 


Materia Medica, gebruikte delen van Alchemilla 

Alchemillae herba, de hele bovengrondse bloeiende plant van Alchemilla vul garis auct. Non L. (= Alchemilla xantochlora Rothm.). 

Ganzdroge: Aussehen. Hohle, dicht seidigschimmernd behaarte Stiele; Rosettenblätter langgestielt, 5- bis 7fingerig, 1 bis 2 cm lang, länglich-elliptisch bis lanzettlich, fiedernervig, an der Spitze gesägt, oberseits kahl, am Rande und unterseits dicht silberglänzend seidig behaart; Nebenblätter 1 bis 2 cm lang, hoch hinauf unter sich und mit dem Blattstiel verbunden; wenige Stengelblätter, rasch an Größe abnehmend, im Blütenstand auf die Nebenblätter reduziert; Blüten klein, kurz gestielt, mit kreiselförmigem, behaartem Kelchbecher, zu mehr oder weniger kleinen, kugeligen, traubig-rispigen Gesamtblütenständen vereinigte Knäuel; Außenkelchblätter verkümmert, Kelchblätter gelb, vier Staubblätter zwischen den Kelchblättern stehend.

Mikroskopisches Bild: Obere Epidermiszellen der Blätter in der Flächenansicht derbwandig, reichlich getüpfelt, nahezu geradlinig-polygonal; Zellen der unteren Epidermis in der Flächenansicht wellig, zart; im Gegensatz zur oberen Epidermis zahlreiche Spaltöffnungen vom anomocytischen Typ und dicht anliegende, schmale, dickwandige Haare; Mesophyll bifacial gebaut, zahlreiche Kristallkammern mit relativ großen Oxalateinzelkristallen insbesondere unter der oberen Epidermis. 


Samenstelling, inhoudsstoffen van Alchemilla 


Farmacologie, algemene fysiologische werking

Several Rosaceae species, including A. xanthochlora , have high tannin content and elastase inhibitin activity. In a similar vein, flavonoids extracted from Alchemilla inhibit the activity of the proteolytic enzymes elastase, trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. These results suggest a possible role by these inhibitors in the protection of conjunctive and elastic tissues.


Indicatie, medisch gebruik van Alchemilla

Hormonaal - endocrinologie 

                R./ Alchemillae hb. 0,100 + Aesculi fol. 0,150  + Vitis fol. 0,150 ber.: poeder 1 capsule, 3x daags 1 

          R./ Alchemillae neb. 0,050 + Inulae pulv. 0,150 ber.: Voor 1 capsule, 3 x d. 1-2 capsule 

           R./ Ajugae hb. 30 + Millefolium hb. + 70 Alchemillae hb. 30 ber.: dec. 5', 50 g/1 l. als lotion 

Darm 

Huid - uitwendig (looistoffen) 


Receptuur en Bereidingswijzen van Alchemilla

Vinum / Wijn 

Species: R./ Leclerc (zalf) 

R./ recept dr. Gérault 

R./ tegen baarmoederfibromen (Mamaherb)


Geschiedenis en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek 


Referenties Alchemilla

Overzicht: Schimmer en Felser: Alchemilla xantochlora rothm. Ztschr. F. Phytoth. 13/207-214 - 1992. 


Typologie, het karakter van Alchemilla

M. Uyldert: samentrekkende kracht hebben alle roosachtigen en daar door geven zij ons zelfbeheersing, kuisheid, waardigheid en distinctie. Looistofplanten zijn yang planten. Signatuurleer: bladvorm zoals een mantel, betekent beschermend.

Weblinks algemeen


Les Alchémilles sont douées de vertus ‘progestérone mimétiques’ 

C'est-à-dire agissent à la manière de la progestérone ; il est bien connu que l’un des multiples effets de la progestérone sécrétée naturellement au niveau ovarien est de contribuer à l’élimination de l’eau des tissus (les oestrogènes agissent de manière inverse).

Il n’est pas clairement établi si les Alchémilles renferment un ou plusieurs composants qui ‘mimeraient’ la progestérone, mais les effets observés rappellent ceux de la progestérone. Dans les règles douloureuses, chez la jeune fille, les extraits d’Alchémilles peuvent contribuer à améliorer un équilibre hormonal déficient : certaines jeunes filles paraissent fortement perturbées par la venue de leurs premières règles, ou par leur absence (aménorrhées dites ‘primaires’, c'est-à-dire qui concernent les jeunes filles qui n’ont jamais eu de règles) ; il est vrai que des plantes à effets ‘œstrogène-mimétique’ peuvent aussi aider, telle la Sauge sclarée par exemple ; les deux catégories de plantes ont des effets complémentaires, apportent des informations complémentaires à l’organisme.

Chez la femme, les Alchémilles peuvent être efficaces dans le syndrome pré menstruel et les dysménorrhées, comme chez la jeune fille : elles conviennent à des femmes qui ont tendance à grossir en fin de cycle ou même dès le milieu du cycle (rétention d’eau), au niveau des seins, des hanches : elles se sentent mal à l’aise et attendent avec impatience la venue de leurs règles. Les Alchémilles doivent alors être prises en commençant vers le dixième jour du cycle, et jusqu’à la fin des règles.

Les Alchémilles peuvent favoriser la fécondité, dans certains cas : elles sont indiquées pour les femmes chez lesquelles ‘la nidation’ ne peut pas se réaliser, ou bien qui ne peuvent pas poursuivre normalement une grossesse après quelque temps (fausses couches après une période plus ou moins longue, quelques semaines ou quelques mois…). Les Alchémilles semblent ici agir en ‘calmant’ l’utérus, en favorisant ce qui est parfois appelé ‘le silence utérin’.

L’on sait bien que cet effet est opposé à celui des oestrogènes. Il est bienvenu aussi en fin de grossesse, quand il y a risque de contractions prématurées. En fait les Alchémilles peuvent être conseillées en cures régulières, entrecoupées de périodes d’arrêt, tout au long de la grossesse.

Après l’accouchement, les Alchémilles ont l’effet bienvenu de favoriser la ‘remise en place de l’utérus’, de cicatriser les plaies au niveau utérin, de réparer les plaies d’éventuelles épisiotomies, voire de césariennes. Elles sont indiquées après tout accouchement ! Elles ont un geste de ‘resserrement’, après la période de la grossesse pendant laquelle tous les tissus de la région gynécologique étaient distendus.

Elles contribuent au rétablissement du cycle, aident la maman à se ‘ressaisir’ après la période très particulière de la grossesse.

Pendant l’allaitement, elles sont très utiles en cas de montée de lait excessive.

Elles sont données dans les leucorrhées, le prurit vulvaire (dans ce dernier cas la teinture mère diluée au dixième peut être appliquée localement en compresses).

En cas d’interruption volontaire de grossesse, ou de fausse couche, elles facilitent la cicatrisation et le retour de l’équilibre hormonal.

Elles sont intéressantes dans nombre de pathologies accompagnées d’une carence en progestérone ou d’un excès d’oestrogènes : fibrome utérin, kystes ovariens, endométriose, mastoses…

Lors de la pré-ménopause et de la ménopause, elles contribuent à la venue d’un nouvel équilibre hormonal : elles sont indiquées dans les ménorragies et les métrorragies, aux côtés de l’Achillée millefeuille. Elles sont utiles chez les femmes qui ont tendance à grossir pendant cette période.

> POSOLOGIE

Deux fois 30 gouttes à quatre fois 30 gouttes par jour, par cures de trois semaines renouvelables après arrêt de huit jours. Il faut faire coïncider ces cures, dans certains cas (syndrome pré menstruel, dysménorrhées......


Lady's Mantle Drugs.com

Scientific Name(s): Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm. (Syn. Alchemilla vulgaris auct. non L.). Family: Rosaceae

Botany

Lady's mantle is a perennial herb with a short rhizome carrying ascending or sprawling stems, and a rosette of basal leaves with dentate lobes of a circular or kidney-shaped outline. The inflorescence is a compound terminal cyme made up of dense clusters of small yellow-green flowers. Sepals are seen in two rings of four without petals. The fruit is of the achene type. Overall, the plant is softly pubescent. It is found throughout Europe in meadows, woodland clearings, pastures and in the lowland areas of the British Isles. Currently, it is distributed in Europe, North America, and Asia. 1 , 2

History

Alchemilla is one of an aggregate of species collectively referred to as lady's mantle, all possessing similar medicinal properties. Many are cultivated. Medieval alchemists collected rain water or dew collected in the leaf center and used it for its purported magical and medicinal powers. This custom derived from the plant's generic name, alchemilla , which is from the Arabic word, “alkimiya” (universal cure for disease). In medieval tradition, it was used to treat wounds and female ailments. It has long been dedicated to the Virgin Mary, since the leaf lobes resemble the edges of a mantle. Among lady's mantle's historical uses are as a mild astringent, anti-inflammatory, diuretic, menstrual cycle regulator, treatment for digestive disorders, and relaxant for muscular spasms. Externally, it was used widely in bath preparations, wound healing, skin bruises, and as an herbal cosmetic. 1 , 2

Chemistry

Lady's mantle contains 6% to 8% tannins (elagitannins, such as pedunculagin and alchemillin) and flavonoids (quercetin 3-O-β-D-glucuronide). 2 , 3

Lady's Mantle Uses and Pharmacology

The historical uses of lady's mantle as an astringent against bleeding and as a treatment for diarrhea seem justified on the bases of its tannin content. 2 Newer studies show that the water extract of A. xanthochlora possesses lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion scavenging activity. 4

Several Rosaceae species, including A. xanthochlora , have high tannin content and elastase inhibitin activity. 5 In a similar vein, flavonoids extracted from Alchemilla inhibit the activity of the proteolytic enzymes elastase, trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin. 6 These results suggest a possible role by these inhibitors in the protection of conjunctive and elastic tissues.

Animal data

A number of traditional plant treatments have been studied for diabetes in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice, but no useful effects for lady's mantle have been found in this disorder. 7

A study on the mutagenic potencies of several plant extracts (including Tinctura Alchemillae) containing quercetin in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100 found that the mutagenic potential of the plant extracts correlates well with their quercetin content. 8 The cytostatic activity of a lactone fraction from Alchemilla pastoralis also has been reported. 9

Clinical data

Research reveals no clinical data regarding the use of lady's mantle.

Dosage

There is no clinical evidence to support specific dosage recommendations for lady's mantle. Classical use of the herb for treatment of diarrhea was 5 to 10 g of herb daily.

Pregnancy/Lactation

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

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

Research reveals little or no information regarding adverse reactions with the use of this product.

Toxicology

No significant toxicological studies appear to have been carried out on lady's mantle and long use for various purposes (internal and external) seem to bear out the fact that it is safe in low doses. The warning in the Standard License about possible liver damage appears to be exaggerated. 2

Bibliography

1. Bunney S, ed. The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Herbs . New York, NY: Dorset Press; 1984.

2. Bisset NG, ed. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals . Stuttgart, Germany: Medpharm Scientific Publishers; 1994.

3. Lamaison JL, Carnat A, Petitjean-Freytet C, Carnat AP. Quercetin-3-glucuronide, main flavonoid of Alchemilla, Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm. (Rosaceae) [in French]. Ann Pharm Fr . 1991;49:186.

4. Filipek J. Effect of Alchemilla xanthochlora water extracts on lipid peroxidation and superoxide anion scavenging activity. Pharmazie . 1992;47:717-718.

5. Lamaison JL, Carnat A, Petitjean-Freytet C. Tannin content and inhibiting activity of elastase in Rosaceae [in French]. Ann Pharm Fr . 1990;48:335.

6. Jonadet M, Meunier MT, Villie F, Bastide JP, Lamaison JL. Flavonoids extracted from Ribes nigrum L. and Alchemilla vulgaris L.: 1. In vitro inhibitory activities on elastase, trypsin and chymotrypsin. 2. Angioprotective activities compared in vivo.] [in French]. J Pharmacol . 1986;17:21-27.

7. Swanston-Flatt SK, Day C, Bailey CJ, Flatt PR. Traditional plant treatments for diabetes. Studies in normal and streptozotocin diabetic mice. Diabetologia . 1990;33:462-464.

8. Schimmer O, Hafele F, Kruger A. The mutagenic potencies of plant extracts containing quercetin in Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and TA100. Mutation Res . 1988;206:201-208.

9. Sokolowska-Wozniak A. Cytostatic activity of the lactone fraction of Alchemilla pastoralis B u s [in Polish]. Ann Univ Mariae Curie Sklodowska [Med] . 1985;40:107-112.

Wetenschappelijk onderzoek

Planta Med 2011; 77 - PL4. Antioxidant Properties and Phenolic Composition of Alchemilla mollis from Turkey. S Ertürk 1, G Şeker Karatoprak 1, M Koşar 1. 1Erciyes University, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Kayseri, Turkey

Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) is also known as Lady's Mantle and native to southern Europe and grown throughout the world as an ornamental garden plant (Evenor et al., 2001). In folk medicine, lady's mantle was also used to soothe infections of the mucous membranes of mouth and throat. The leaf tea and dewdrops from the leaves of the living plant are most commonly employed to help female conditions such as menorrhagia, menopause and painful periods. Lady's mantle was also used traditionally for treating blood sugar control diseases, although no evidence exists to support its usefulness (Kisilova et al., 2006; Shrivastava et al., 2007).

Air-dried A. mollis herb material (100g) was powdered and sequentially extracted with hexane, ethyl acetate, methanol, and n-butanol using a Soxhlet apparatus for 8h for each. Thereafter, the extract was filtered and evaporated to dryness in vacuo at 40°C. All the extracts were analyzed in in vitro antioxidant assays.

The free radical scavenging activity of the extracts were investigated using 1,1-diphenylpicrylhydrazin (DPPH°) and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS+°) radicals. Total phenols, flavonoids and flavonols, and reductive activity of the extracts were also analyzed. BHT, BHA, ascorbic acid, and gallic acid were used as positive controls. Polar fractions were found to be more active as antiradical assays. These active fractions were contained more tannins, especially galloyl tannins. Chemical composition and antiradical activity results of the A. mollis are the first report in the same research.

References: 


Bull Exp Biol Med. 2017 Jul;163(3):374-377. doi: 10.1007/s10517-017-3807-x. Epub 2017 Jul 25. Antiviral Activity of Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.) Extracts against Orthopoxviruses. Filippova EI1.

We studied toxicity and antiviral activity of bioactive substances extracted from the roots (ethylacetate extracts) and aerial parts (ethanol extracts) of lady's mantle (Alchemilla vilgaris L.). Plant extracts are characterized by low toxicity for continuous Vero cell culture, but inhibit the reproduction of orthopoxviruses (vaccinia virus and ectromelia virus) in these cells. Of all studied extracts, ethylacetate extract from lady's mantle roots characterized by the highest content of catechins in comparison with other samples demonstrated the highest activity in vitro towards the studied viruses (neutralization index for vaccinia and ectromelia viruses were 4.0 and 3.5 lg, respectively). The antiviral effect of Alchemilla vulgaris L. extracts was shown to be dose dependent.


Pharmacogn Mag. 2015 Jan-Mar;11(41):163-9. doi: 10.4103/0973-1296.149733.. Vasorelaxant and blood pressure lowering effects of alchemilla vulgaris: A comparative study of methanol and aqueous extracts. Takır S1, Altun IH1, Sezgi B2, Süzgeç-Selçuk S3, Mat A4, Uydeş-Doǧan BS1.

BACKGROUND:

In the last decade, a growing interest particularly in determining the cardiovascular effects of herbal extracts took place among researchers.

OBJECTIVE:

Herein, we aimed to investigate the microvascular and blood pressure lowering effects of two differently processed extracts of the same herb, Alchemilla vulgaris (Rosaceaea), which was revealed to contain high levels of vasoactive compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

For the purpose, endothelium intact rat mesenteric arteries were mounted in a myograph system and contracted with prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α: 3 × 10(-5) M) or potassium chloride (K(+): 40 mM). Then, aqueous and methanol extracts were added at 0.01-10 mg/ml concentrations in a cumulative manner.

RESULTS:

Both extracts produced relaxations in PGF2α (3 × 10(-5) M) precontracted arteries which were insensitive to the inhibitors of endothelium derived vasoactive substances namely, L(G)-nitro-L-arginine (10(-4) M), ODQ (10(-5) M) and indomethacin (10(-5) M) or removal of endothelium. Opposite vascular effects were observed when extracts were applied in K(+) precontracted arteries. In addition, oral administration of the methanol extract of Alchemilla vulgaris, but not the aqueous extract, reduced blood pressure significantly in L-NAME hypertensive rats.

CONCLUSION:

Our results demonstrated that the methanol extract of Alchemilla vulgaris has more prominent and favourable vascular effects in normal and experimental hypertensive conditions reinforcing its traditional use in cardiovascular disorders, in particular hypertension. These results most likely give rise to further studies to reveal its mechanism of action and clinical value of this herb.


Arch Gynecol Obstet. 2015 Sep;292(3):619-28. doi: 10.1007/s00404-015-3665-6. Epub 2015 Feb 21. Phytochemical analyses and effects of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in rat endometriosis model. Küpeli Akkol E1, Demirel MA, Bahadır Acıkara O, Süntar I, Ergene B, Ilhan M, Ozbilgin S, Saltan G, Keleş H, Tekin M.

PURPOSE:

The aim of the present study is to evaluate the treatment potential of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in the experimentally induced endometriosis model in rats.

METHODS:

Endometriosis was surgically induced in rats by autotransplanting endometrial tissue to abdominal wall. Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into six groups. The groups were orally treated with the methanol:water (80:20) extracts of aerial parts and roots of A. mollis and A. persica. Buserelin acetate (20 mg) was used as the reference drug. The phytochemical contents of the most active extracts were determined by high performance liquid chromatography.

RESULTS:

The cystic formation was determined to be significantly decreased with the aerial part extract of A. mollis. A reduction in the endometrioma was also determined for the aerial part extract of A. persica group. However, significant reduction on the levels of cytokine were recorded for the A. mollis aerial part extract group. Therefore, the phytochemical contents of the aerial part extracts of A. mollis. and A. persica were analyzed.

CONCLUSION: The results of the present study revealed that the aerial part extracts of A. mollis and A. persica could be beneficial in the treatment of endometriosis.


Biomed Pharmacother. 2017 Feb;86:172-176. doi: 10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.005. Epub 2016 Dec 12. Evaluation of hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activity of Alchemilla mollis.

Ozbek H1, Acikara OB2, Keskin I3, Kirmizi NI4, Ozbilgin S2, Oz BE2, Kurtul E2, Ozrenk BC5, Tekin M6, Saltan G2.

Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm aerial part and root methanolic-water extracts were evaluated for their hepatoprotective activity on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity and hypoglycemic activity on alloxan-induced diabetic mice. None of the tested extracts exhibited effects on blood glucose levels. However hepatoprotective activity results have revealed that serum ALT levels were significantly lowered by both the aerial part and root extracts at doses of 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg. Histopathological examination showed that A. mollis aerial parts and roots induced significant recovery from cellular damage; when compared to the carbon tetrachloride group, the most significant activity was observed with A. mollis aerial part extracts at a dose of 200mg/kg. There is evidence of a hepatoprotective activity of A. mollis on the phenolic content of the plant, especially in the case of flavonoids, which have potent antioxidant properties.


Chem Biodivers. 2017 Sep;14(9). doi: 10.1002/cbdv.201700150. Epub 2017 Aug 20. Phenolic Composition, Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Antimicrobial Activities of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. Şeker Karatoprak G1, İlgün S2, Koşar M3.

The current study was designed to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial activities of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. (Rosaceae) aerial parts extracts. Chemical composition was analyzed by spectrophotometric and chromatographic (HPLC) techniques. The antioxidant properties assessed included DPPH· and ABTS·+ radical scavenging, β-carotene-linoleic acid co-oxidation assay. Antimicrobial activity was evaluated with disc diffusion and micro dilution method. In order to evaluate toxicity of the extracts, with the sulforhodamine B colorimetric assay L929 cell line (mouse fibroblast) was used. The anti-inflammatory activities of the potent antioxidant extracts (methanol, 70% methanol, and water extracts) were determined by measuring the inhibitory effects on NO production and pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α levels in lipopolysaccharide stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. 70% methanol and water extracts which were found to be rich in phenolic compounds (184.79 and 172.60 mg GAE/g extract) showed higher antioxidant activity. Luteolin-7-O-glucoside was the main compound in the extracts. Ethyl acetate and 70% methanol extracts showed higher antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Salmonella enteritidis with MIC value of 125 μg/ml. 70% methanol extract potentially inhibited the NO and TNF-α production (18.43 μm and 1556.22 pg/ml, respectively, 6 h).

The common lady’s mantle – Alchemilla vulgaris L.s.1 –of the Rosaceae family, a perennial herbaceous plant, is com-mon throughout virtually the whole of Europe, along with alarge proportion of the European territory of the USSR andSiberia, except for the most southern regions. Published dataindicate that the above-ground part of the common lady’smantle contains a complex of diverse biologically active sub-stances (BAS), dominated by phenolic substances (up to9.6% depending on the developmental phase and site of plantcollection): flavonoids, coumarols, and phenylcarbonic ac-ids, as well as polysaccharides (up to 23%). The flavonoidsconsist mainly of lutein-7-glucoside, luteolin, quercetin,apigenin, rutin, apigenin-7-glucoside, and kaempferol [1, 2].Common lady’s mantle herb is used in folk medicine asan expectorant, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, diuretic, andangioprotective substance, in agents improving metabolism,and in the treatment of atherosclerosis, anemia, and hemor-rhages [3]. Common lady’s mantle can also be recommendedfor the treatment of diabetes mellitus as a hypoglycemic andanti-inflammatory [4]; infusions of the herb have antime-tastatic activity [5]. There is particular interest in experimen-tal data demonstrating the efficacy of a polyphenol extract ofthe above-ground part of the common lady’s mantle andsome of the flavonoids identified in this plant for normaliz-ing the rheological properties of the blood [6].

1. V. Yu. Andreeva and G. I. Kalinkina, Khim. Rastit. Syr’ya,No. 2, 79 – 85 (2000).2. V. M. Baeva and S. A. Sasov, Farmatsiya, No. 2, 9 – 10(2007).3. G. S. Minidzhan, Handbook of Folk Medicine and Non-Tradi-tional Treatment Methods [in Russian], Bagira, Moscow (1994),Vol. 2.4. A. B. Sedova, Medicinal Herbs in the Treatment of DiabetesMellitus [in Russian], Perm (2006).5. V. M. Baeva, Author’s Abstract of Doctoral Thesis in Pharma-ceutical Sciences, Moscow (2009).6. M. B. Plotnikov, A. A. Koltunov, O. I. Aliev, et al., Rast.Resursy, No. 1, 87 – 91 (1998)


Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro. Molecules 2022 Nov 22;27(23):8113. 

Sanja Jelača 1, Zora Dajić-Stevanović 2, Nenad Vuković 3, Stefan Kolašinac 2, Antoaneta Trendafilova 4, Paraskev Nedialkov 5, Miroslava Stanković 6, Nasta Tanić 6, Nikola T Tanić 1, Aleksandar Acović 7, Sanja Mijatović 1, Danijela Maksimović-Ivanić 1

Alchemilla vulgaris L. (lady's mantle) was used for centuries in Europe and Balkan countries for treatments of numerous conditions and diseases of the reproductive system, yet some of the biological activities of lady's mantle have been poorly studied and neglected. The present study aimed to estimate the potential of A. vulgaris ethanolic extract from Southeast Serbia to prevent and suppress tumor development in vitro, validated by antioxidant, genoprotective, and cytotoxic properties. A total of 45 compounds were detected by UHPLC-HRMS analysis in A. vulgaris ethanolic extract. Measurement of antioxidant activity revealed the significant potential of the tested extract to scavenge free radicals. In addition, the analysis of micronuclei showed an in vitro protective effect on chromosome aberrations in peripheral human lymphocytes. A. vulgaris extract strongly suppressed the growth of human cell lines derived from different types of tumors (MCF-7, A375, A549, and HCT116). The observed antitumor effect is realized through the blockade of cell division, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagic cell death. Our study has shown that Alchemilla vulgaris L. is a valuable source of bioactive compounds able to protect the subcellular structure from damage, thus preventing tumorigenesis as well as suppressing tumor cell growth.

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) by Leslie Lekos

The tea of the leaves sipped throughout the weeks post partum also assists the uterus to regain its natural inherent tone. It is a specific herb to think of if there is a prolapse of organs, like the uterus or bladder, post birth. In this case, I recommend both drinking the tea daily and partaking in sitz baths multiple times a day with just Lady’s Mantle.  Of course, for prolapsed organs it is very important to consult your medical practitioner! Adding Lady’s Mantle to sitz bath preparations is also helpful for healing the perianal and vaginal tissues if there has been any tearing. (Recipe below).  Additionally, Matthew Wood writes how Lady’s Mantle strengthens fibers and is helpful for restoring tone to lax tissues like pelvic floor muscles and also hernia and rectal tears (2008)

Lady’s Mantle can also be helpful emotionally after birth. Herbalist jim mcdonald told me he finds Lady’s Mantle useful for people who suffer from disappointment after a birth that did not go as planned. Maybe there is a feeling like the body couldn’t do it or a feeling that the body let you down. According to jim, who learned about this from Robin Rose Bennett, Lady’s Mantle not only helps us to heal emotionally from these disappointments, but also from trauma past or present, related to the “female” organs/anatomy. Women have found emotional support from Lady’s Mantle after abortion, miscarriage and also for working through issues of sexual trauma.

It is mentioned in the literature that Lady’s Mantle is helpful for hemorrhage. However, postpartum bleeding can be a very serious situation and can quickly lead to fatality.  Therefore, it always makes me nervous when I see this suggested use in our herbals.  Historically, relying on herbs such as this was of more importance because other modern day drugs like Pitocin and others were not available.  However, for non-urgent post partum bleeding, Lady’s Mantle might be a good choice; however, I urge extreme caution in cases of acute post partum bleeding. I am glad though to see that these references are still known even though medically we live in a different world today where this use is not as relevant.

Vroeger gebruik van Alchemilla

Vroeger werd het zo gebruikt.  ‘Voor in- en uitwendige kwetsingen en wonden: Maak een afkooksel van dit kruid alleen of met andere wondkruiden vermengt en laat hiervan dikwijls drinken en druppel het in de wonden. Brunfelsus.

Tegen bloedspuwen, rode loop en onmatige vloeden van de vrouwen: Kook dit kruid in water of wijn en laat hiervan drinken. C. Durantus.

De chirurgen gebruiken dit kruid om de breuken en inwendige kwetsingen te genezen en de uitwendige te laten sluiten en vooral in de schenen daar het vel af gestoten is. De vrouwenmantel is nuttig in alle wonden en gebreken daar sanikel goed toe is als het op dezelfde manier als de sanikel gebruikt wordt.

De alchimisten willen verzekeren dat ze met dit kruid hun Mercurius stremmen kunnen, immers ze doen alle dagen hun best omdat te proberen en te beproeven, maar of het naar hun hoop lukt dat willen we iedereen niet bekend maken.

Ze stelpt het bloed en de maandstonden die onmatig vloeden. Hetzelfde gestampt en op de vrouwen en maagdenborsten gelegd maakt die hard en stijf en belet dat ze niet te zeer zwellen en te bol of dik worden. Omdat het zo drogend en tezamen trekkend is daarom wordt het zeer geprezen tegen de witte vloed van de vrouwen en waterachtige vloeden die de baarmoeder zo nat en glad maken dat het zaad weer afschiet en het ontvangen van de vrucht belet wordt. Dit kruid wordt van de vrouwen veel geacht omdat het vooral goed is om de onvruchtbare vrouwen tot ontvangen te brengen, te weten een lepel vol van dit droge kruid twintig dagen achter elkaar met wijn of vleessap drinken.  Dit water heeft zo’n kracht om het vlees bijeen te halen en de huid stijf en vast te maken dat sommige jonge dochters, nadat ze geschonden zijn geweest, door het gebruik van dit water voor maagden aangezien zijn geweest en vooral als ze ettelijke dagen gezeten hadden in het water daar dit kruid in gekookt is’.

Culpeper meldt dat vrouwen 20 dagen het water moesten drinken om te ontvangen, zo ook met geboorte.

Brunfels; ‘Een doekje daarin genat en welke vrouw weke borsten heeft en in de badkuip gaat en in dat uitgaan dat natte doekje oplegt dan worden haar borsten hard en sterk. Echter niemand veroorlooft men het om die wat bozere te voorkomen’.

De Duitse namen Frauenhilf en Aller Frauen Heil bewijzen zijn geneeskracht. “Manche Kinder hatten noch ihre Mutter und mancher geschlagene Witwer hatten noch seine Frau, wenn sie diese Gottesgabe gekannt hatten”,  zegt de Zwitserse kruidenpater J. Kunzle. Als men van een aftreksel hiervan een doek nat maakt dan zal daarvan de zachte borst wederom hard worden als men het erop legt. Dat doet het ook in baden waar men graag de vaak bestormde Venus-berg verjongt en maagdelijk wil hebben. Dit kruid in regenwater of in water waar de smid zijn gloeiend ijzer afgekoeld heeft gekookt en met dat water de heimelijke plaatsen van de vrouwen wassen, dringen die tezamen zodat ze als maagden worden. Het handelt hier toch meer om de bladeren dan om de druppels. De dauw geldt overals als een middel om schoonheid te krijgen.

De in juni en juli verzamelde bladeren geven in een afkooksel een wat bittere en tezamen trekkende thee die bij het volk tegen bloedvloed en doorval gebruikt werd.

Een aftreksel van de plant zou ook goed zijn om de vetzucht tegen te gaan en werd zo gebruikt als vermageringsmiddel. In Zwitserland werden de bladeren ook bij oogontstekingen gebruikt. In het algemeen werd de plant in het volk bij de etter van vingerworm (panaritium) gebruikte

Wandelen bij de vrouwenmantel, een impressie

Tijdens ons kruidenweekend wandelen we ook in het Domaine du Bonsoy. We vertrekken bij de receptie, waar we direct het beekvalleitje induiken, het beekje brengt ons bij de grote visvijver. Hier vinden we een groep bloeiende wilde vrouwenmantels. Verhalen zijn er bij de vleet bij deze alchemistenplant. De grote glinsterende druppels in het hart van het blad zouden ooit door de alchemisten gebruikt geweest zijn bij hun scheikundige en spirituele experimenten op zoek naar het levenselixir. Ik tip mijn wijsvinger in het gewijde water, het blad doet mij denken aan de wijwatervaten in de kerk. Alchemilladruppels, heidens heilig water uit de natuur. Religie voor ruige natuurmensen.

Maar ook water dat volgens oude literatuur voor vele vrouwenkwalen gebruikt kan worden. Een beschermende en versterkende mantel voor de vrouw. De naam Vrouwenmantel heeft de plant mogelijk gekregen omdat de bladeren als een ouderwetse mantel (mantilla) geplooid zijn en als zodanig lichamelijk en geestelijke bescherming bieden aan de vrouw. Mellie Uyldert beschrijft het op haar eigen romantische manier: ‘ telkens waar de stengel zich vertakt, omsluit zulk een blad zorgzaam het vertakkingspunt, terwijl de bladsteel zelf ook weer met een schede de stengel omsluit. Alles aan deze plant zegt: omhulling, koestering, bescherming. Ze heeft dan ook helemaal het wezen van de baarmoeder.’

Ook ter bescherming van de borsten vind je de vrouwenmantel zowel bij Dodoens, Matthiolus als Munting terug.  Dit cruyt ghestooten ende op der vrouwen ende maechden borsten gheleyt maeckt die hert vast ende stijf. lees ik bij Rembertus Dodonaeus.

En Abraham Munting, Beschryving der Kruyden, zegt:  Indien men in dit Water tweemaal vierentwintig uren te weyk legt een weynig Hypocistis, Equisetum (of Paardestaart), Granaatschellen, en gedroogde roode Roozen: dan daarmede een tijd lang dagelijks wascht de Borsten van een Vrouw, zoo zullen de zelve daar van rond, net, en stijf worden; dit zal ook beletten, dat ze niet groot oprijzen, maar kleyn blijven.

Ook de nuchtere looistoffen in de plant verwijzen naar die versterkende, beschermende werking . Hier in de mysterieuze ochtend, afdalend naar de dampende Maasvallei voel je de kracht van deze Alchemillas.