Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria)

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a European herb containing high phenolic compounds that demonstrate significant antioxidant activity with DPPH radical scavenging capabilities. The herb's primary mechanism involves phenolic compounds neutralizing free radicals and providing traditional wound healing support.

Origin & History

Agrimonia eupatoria, commonly known as agrimony, is a perennial herbaceous plant in the Rosaceae family, native to Europe, western Asia, and North Africa, where it grows in grasslands, roadsides, and waste areas. The aerial parts (leaves, stems, flowers) are harvested and typically extracted using solvents like water, acetone, ethanol, or diethyl ether to yield polyphenolic-rich extracts.

Historical & Cultural Context

Agrimonia eupatoria has been used in European traditional medicine for centuries to treat wounds, diarrhea, inflammation, and as a diuretic/astringent, with all plant parts employed. Historical records span global traditional systems including European and Asian herbalism.

Health Benefits

• Antioxidant activity: In vitro studies show DPPH radical scavenging (IC50=38.03±0.01μg/mL) due to high phenolic content (220.31 mgGA/g) - evidence quality: preliminary
• Traditional wound healing: Historically used in European medicine for wound treatment, though clinical evidence lacking - evidence quality: traditional only
• Traditional anti-diarrheal effects: Used in folk medicine as an astringent for diarrhea, attributed to high tannin content (3-21%) - evidence quality: traditional only
• Traditional anti-inflammatory support: Used historically for inflammation, potentially due to flavonoid content (97.06 mgRU/g) - evidence quality: traditional only
• Traditional diuretic properties: Employed in European herbalism as a diuretic, though mechanism unconfirmed - evidence quality: traditional only

How It Works

Agrimony's antioxidant effects stem from its high phenolic content (220.31 mgGA/g), which enables DPPH radical scavenging with an IC50 of 38.03±0.01μg/mL. These phenolic compounds donate hydrogen atoms to neutralize free radicals, protecting cellular components from oxidative damage. The herb's traditional wound healing properties may involve astringent tannins that help contract tissues and reduce inflammation.

Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses for Agrimonia eupatoria were found in the research dossier. Evidence is limited to phytochemical profiling and in vitro antioxidant activity studies, with no PubMed PMIDs for human studies provided.

Clinical Summary

Current research on agrimony is limited to preliminary in vitro studies demonstrating antioxidant activity through DPPH radical scavenging assays. These laboratory studies show promising antioxidant potential with quantifiable IC50 values, but human clinical trials are lacking. The herb's traditional use for wound healing in European folk medicine spans centuries, though this application has not been validated through modern clinical research. Evidence quality remains preliminary, requiring controlled human studies to establish therapeutic efficacy.

Nutritional Profile

Agrimony (Agrimonia eupatoria) is a medicinal herb consumed primarily as an infusion/tea rather than a food source, so macronutrient intake per serving is negligible. Key bioactive compounds are the primary nutritional/phytochemical interest: Polyphenols: Total phenolic content measured at 220.31 mgGA/g dry extract, among the highest documented for European medicinal herbs. Tannins: Ellagitannins and condensed tannins (catechins, procyanidins) estimated at 4–10% dry weight, contributing strongly to astringent properties and antioxidant activity. Flavonoids: Luteolin, apigenin, quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides present; total flavonoid content approximately 15–30 mg/g dry herb in various studies. Phenolic acids: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, rosmarinic acid, and ellagic acid identified via HPLC. Triterpenes: Ursolic acid and related pentacyclic triterpenes present in leaf fraction. Volatile compounds: Minor essential oil fraction (<0.2% dry weight) containing limonene, linalool, and α-pinene. Minerals: Moderate potassium (estimated 8–12 mg/g dry herb), calcium, and silica reported in traditional literature; precise quantification limited. Vitamins: Vitamin K1 (phylloquinone) present in green leaf tissue at low levels, consistent with other Rosaceae family herbs; no precise quantification available in current literature. Fiber: Present as structural plant material but not nutritionally relevant in tea infusion form. Bioavailability notes: Tannins may reduce bioavailability of co-ingested iron and proteins; polyphenol absorption from aqueous infusion is estimated at 10–20% of total phenolic content based on comparable herb studies.

Preparation & Dosage

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent. Standardized extracts have been characterized (e.g., acetone extracts with 220.31 mgGA/g total phenols), but lack dosing data from clinical studies. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Synergy & Pairings

Green tea, milk thistle, dandelion, turmeric, ginger

Safety & Interactions

Agrimony is generally considered safe when used traditionally, but comprehensive safety data from clinical trials is unavailable. Potential side effects may include gastrointestinal upset due to tannin content, and individuals with plant allergies should exercise caution. Drug interactions have not been well-studied, though theoretically the herb's astringent properties could affect absorption of medications. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data.