Herbs (Global Traditional) · European
Cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta) (Potentilla erecta)
Moderate Evidencebotanical1 PubMed Study
Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta) is an astringent herb containing high concentrations of condensed tannins that bind to proteins and reduce inflammation. The plant's tannin content creates a vasoconstricting effect on tissues while inhibiting pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6.
Cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta), also known as tormentil, is a perennial herb native to the Northern Hemisphere, belonging to the Rosaceae (rose) family. The plant grows in meadows and grasslands, and its rhizomes are harvested, dried, and typically prepared as extracts, decoctions, or powders for therapeutic use. It contains high levels of tannins, classifying it chemically as a polyphenolic astringent herb.
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses are identified for Potentilla erecta; evidence is limited to preclinical studies. One in vitro study (PMID: 28400287) tested Potentilla erecta extract on irradiated or TNF-α-stimulated HaCaT keratinocytes, showing reduced inflammation markers and vasoconstrictive effects comparable to hydrocortisone.
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available from human trials. Traditional preparations include strong decoctions of the rhizome for washes or teas, or dried rhizome powder, but no standardization is specified in studies. Topical use requires caution to avoid scarring from high tannin concentrations. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Cinquefoil (Potentilla erecta) rhizome is not consumed as a food source and therefore lacks a conventional macronutrient profile (negligible protein, fat, and carbohydrate contribution at typical medicinal doses of 2–4 g dried rhizome or 4–6 mL tincture). Its pharmacological relevance derives from a dense concentration of bioactive polyphenolic compounds: • **Tannins (condensed and hydrolyzable):** 15–22% of dried rhizome weight, predominantly catechin-derived proanthocyanidins (procyanidins B1–B3) and ellagitannins (agrimoniin, pedunculagin, laevigatin); these are the principal astringent and anti-inflammatory constituents; oral bioavailability of condensed tannins is generally low (<5%) due to protein binding and poor intestinal absorption, though local GI tract activity (astringent/antidiarrheal) remains relevant. • **Tormentol (triterpenoid):** ~0.3–0.5% of dried rhizome; a 3β-hydroxy-urs-12-en-28-oic acid derivative contributing to anti-inflammatory and wound-healing activity. • **Ellagic acid (free and glycosylated):** approximately 0.5–1.5% of dried rhizome; moderate bioavailability enhanced by gut microbial conversion to urolithins. • **Catechin and epicatechin (flavanols):** approximately 0.5–1.0%; bioavailability ~10–30% depending on matrix and formulation. • **Gallic acid:** ~0.3–0.8%; relatively high oral bioavailability (~30–40%) with rapid conjugation and excretion. • **Flavonoids (kaempferol glycosides, quercetin glycosides):** trace to ~0.2%; low to moderate bioavailability (~2–10% for aglycones). • **Minerals:** Rhizome contains modest amounts of calcium (~200–400 mg/100 g dry weight), potassium (~300–600 mg/100 g), iron (~5–15 mg/100 g), and manganese (~2–5 mg/100 g), though these are not meaningfully consumed at medicinal doses. • **Vitamins:** No significant vitamin content documented. • **Starch and polysaccharides:** Present in rhizome (~10–15%) but not nutritionally relevant at typical dose. • **Bioavailability notes:** Topical preparations (creams, poultices) deliver tannins and tormentol directly to skin/mucosal surfaces, bypassing low oral bioavailability. For oral use (teas, tinctures), tannin-protein complexation in the gut lumen is the primary mechanism of astringent/antidiarrheal action, meaning systemic absorption is less important than local mucosal contact. Alcohol-based tinctures (40–60% ethanol) enhance extraction of both hydrophilic tannins and lipophilic terpenoids compared to aqueous decoctions.
Cinquefoil's condensed tannins bind to cellular proteins and mucous membranes, creating astringent effects through protein precipitation. These tannins specifically reduce production of inflammatory mediators IL-6 and PGE2 in skin cells. The vasoconstricting action occurs through tannin-induced tissue contraction comparable to hydrocortisone's effects.
Current evidence comes primarily from in vitro studies showing cinquefoil extracts reduce inflammatory cytokine production in skin cell cultures. Patch test studies demonstrate vasoconstriction effects comparable to hydrocortisone in collagen assays, though sample sizes and methodologies are not well-documented. Traditional use for diarrhea is supported by the herb's high tannin content, but controlled clinical trials are lacking. Evidence remains preliminary and largely limited to laboratory and traditional use data.
Cinquefoil is generally considered safe when used topically or in small oral doses due to its food-grade tannin content. High oral doses may cause stomach irritation, nausea, or constipation due to tannin astringency. The herb may reduce absorption of medications when taken orally due to tannin-drug binding interactions. Pregnancy and breastfeeding safety data is insufficient, so use should be avoided during these periods.
