Achillea millefolium

Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a European herb containing phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid and essential oils including nerol that provide antioxidant activity. The plant demonstrates significant free radical scavenging capacity through its polyphenolic constituents, with FRAP values reaching 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹.

Origin & History

Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is a perennial herb from the Asteraceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North America. The aerial parts are processed via hydrodistillation or solvent extraction methods to obtain essential oils and phenolic compounds, with modern techniques like microwave-assisted hydrodistillation yielding oils rich in nerol (39.65%) and neryl acetate (34.52%).

Historical & Cultural Context

The research dossier contains no information about traditional or historical medicinal uses of yarrow. Studies focus solely on modern extraction and analytical methods without addressing cultural context.

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant activity demonstrated in vitro (ABTS up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹, FRAP up to 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹) - Preliminary evidence only
• High phenolic content including chlorogenic acid (2.65-3.29 mg/g) - Preliminary evidence from extraction studies
• Essential oil compounds (nerol, neryl acetate) identified but health effects unstudied - No clinical evidence
• Potential anti-inflammatory effects suggested by phenolic profile - No clinical evidence
• Traditional medicinal use implied but not documented in available research - No evidence provided

How It Works

Yarrow's antioxidant effects primarily result from phenolic compounds like chlorogenic acid (2.65-3.29 mg/g) that neutralize free radicals through electron donation. Essential oil constituents including nerol and neryl acetate may modulate inflammatory pathways, though specific molecular targets require further investigation. The cumulative polyphenolic content contributes to ABTS radical scavenging activity up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses for Achillea millefolium were found in the research dossier. Evidence is limited to in vitro antioxidant assays and chemical characterization studies without human data or PubMed PMIDs.

Clinical Summary

Current evidence for yarrow is limited to preliminary in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant capacity. ABTS assays show radical scavenging up to 51.66 µg TE mL⁻¹, while FRAP measurements reach 58.52 µg TE mL⁻¹. Extraction studies have quantified chlorogenic acid content at 2.65-3.29 mg/g dry weight. No human clinical trials have been conducted to establish therapeutic efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.

Nutritional Profile

Achillea millefolium (yarrow) nutritional composition is primarily documented through phytochemical analyses rather than standard nutritional studies. Bioactive phenolic compounds are the most characterized constituents: chlorogenic acid is present at 2.65–3.29 mg/g dry weight (identified as a dominant phenolic acid), alongside luteolin, apigenin, and quercetin glycosides at trace-to-moderate concentrations varying by extraction method and plant part. Total phenolic content ranges approximately 10–50 mg GAE/g depending on solvent and plant fraction, with hydroethanolic extracts yielding higher values. Antioxidant capacity is measurable: ABTS assay values up to 51.66 µg Trolox equivalents/mL and FRAP values up to 58.52 µg TE/mL under in vitro conditions. Essential oil fraction (typically 0.2–1.0% of dry aerial parts) contains identified monoterpenes including nerol and neryl acetate, plus camphor, borneol, and 1,8-cineole in variable proportions depending on chemotype and geographic origin. Sesquiterpene lactones (achillin, achillicin) are present in small quantities and are considered key bitter principles. Flavonoids including apigenin-7-glucoside contribute to the phenolic pool. Standard macronutrient data (protein, fat, carbohydrate) is not formally documented at culinary-use quantities, as the herb is consumed in very small amounts (herbal tea or garnish). Fiber content is present structurally but not quantified in isolation. Bioavailability of phenolic compounds is presumed moderate based on comparable flavonoid glycoside absorption data from related Asteraceae species, but no pharmacokinetic studies specific to yarrow phenolics in humans have been published. Micronutrient data (vitamins, minerals) is not established in peer-reviewed literature for this species.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no human trials have been conducted. Extraction studies characterize compounds like chlorogenic acid (~3 mg/g) but do not establish therapeutic doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Other antioxidant herbs, chlorogenic acid sources, essential oil botanicals, phenolic-rich plants, traditional European herbs

Safety & Interactions

Yarrow may cause allergic reactions in individuals sensitive to Asteraceae family plants, including skin rash or respiratory symptoms. The herb may potentiate anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on blood clotting. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety has not been established through clinical studies. Individuals with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult healthcare providers before use due to potential estrogenic activity.