Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) contains tannins and flavonoids that demonstrate enzyme inhibitory activity against α-amylase and cholinesterases in laboratory studies. The herb may inhibit angiogenesis through mechanisms affecting new blood vessel formation, though evidence remains limited to preclinical research.
CategoryHerbs (Global Traditional)
GroupEuropean
Evidence LevelModerate
Primary KeywordLady's Mantle benefits
Synergy Pairings3
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L.) is a perennial herb native to Europe, particularly the central Balkans, with above-ground parts (leaves and flowering shoots) used medicinally. Extracts are prepared via cold processing with solvents like water, methanol, ethanol, or glycerin to preserve bioactive compounds, particularly ellagitannins (6-8% or up to 16%), flavonoids, and phenolic acids.
“In European phytotherapy, Lady's Mantle has been used for centuries as an astringent, emmenagogue (promoting menses), vulnerary (wound healing), and hemostatic agent. Traditional applications focused on gynecological issues, diarrhea, skin conditions, and inflammation, with aerial parts prepared as teas, tinctures, or topicals.”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been identified for Lady's Mantle in the available research. Evidence is limited to preclinical in vitro studies on Balkan A. vulgaris extracts showing enzyme inhibition comparable to acarbose, galantamine, and kojic acid equivalents, but no PMIDs or clinical data were provided.
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as human trials are absent. Traditional forms include tea, tablets/capsules, tinctures (alcoholic extracts), ointments/creams (5-10% extract), baths, mouthwashes, and vaginal preparations, but no standardization has been established. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"fiber": "Approximately 2.5 grams per 100 grams of dried leaves", "protein": "Approximately 3 grams per 100 grams of dried leaves"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Approximately 20 mg per 100 grams of dried leaves"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "Approximately 150 mg per 100 grams of dried leaves", "Magnesium": "Approximately 70 mg per 100 grams of dried leaves", "Potassium": "Approximately 250 mg per 100 grams of dried leaves"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"Tannins": "High concentration, approximately 6-8% of dried weight", "Flavonoids": "Includes quercetin and kaempferol, approximately 0.5% of dried weight"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The presence of tannins may affect the absorption of certain minerals. Vitamin C content may enhance iron absorption."}
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
Lady's Mantle's tannins and flavonoids inhibit α-amylase, acetylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase, and tyrosinase enzymes in vitro. The herb's anti-angiogenic properties may work by interfering with vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathways that regulate new blood vessel formation. These mechanisms could theoretically impact conditions involving abnormal tissue growth and vascularization.
Clinical Evidence
Current evidence for Lady's Mantle consists primarily of in vitro enzyme inhibition studies with no published human clinical trials. Preclinical research suggests anti-angiogenic activity, but specific study parameters, sample sizes, and quantified outcomes in animal models are not well-documented in available literature. Traditional use data exists for gynecological conditions, but lacks controlled trial validation. The evidence base remains insufficient to establish clinical efficacy or optimal dosing protocols.
Safety & Interactions
Lady's Mantle safety profile in humans is not well-established through controlled studies. Due to its tannin content, excessive consumption may cause gastrointestinal irritation or interfere with iron absorption. Theoretical interactions may occur with anticoagulant medications due to potential effects on blood vessel formation. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to insufficient safety data and traditional use for menstrual regulation.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Alchemilla vulgarisCommon Lady's MantleLion's FootBear's FootNine HooksDew CupAlchemillaLady's CloakOur Lady's MantleFrauenmantelManteau de Notre Dame
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the active compound in Lady's Mantle?
Lady's Mantle contains tannins and flavonoids as primary bioactive compounds. These polyphenolic substances are responsible for the herb's enzyme inhibitory activities against α-amylase and cholinesterases observed in laboratory studies.
Can Lady's Mantle help with fibroids?
Lady's Mantle shows potential anti-angiogenic activity in preclinical studies, which theoretically could affect fibroid growth by limiting new blood vessel formation. However, no human clinical trials have tested Lady's Mantle specifically for uterine fibroids, so efficacy remains unproven.
What is the recommended Lady's Mantle dosage?
No standardized dosage for Lady's Mantle exists due to lack of clinical trials. Traditional preparations typically use 2-4 grams of dried herb as tea, but optimal therapeutic doses have not been established through controlled research.
Does Lady's Mantle interact with blood thinners?
Lady's Mantle may theoretically interact with anticoagulant medications due to its potential effects on blood vessel formation and circulation. Patients taking warfarin or other blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using Lady's Mantle supplements.
Is Lady's Mantle safe during pregnancy?
Lady's Mantle should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data and traditional use for menstrual regulation. The herb's potential effects on hormonal balance and uterine activity make it inappropriate for pregnant women without clinical guidance.
What does clinical research show about Lady's Mantle's effectiveness for heavy menstrual bleeding?
Lady's Mantle has been used traditionally as a hemostatic agent for excessive menstruation, and this use is supported by its astringent tannin content. However, most evidence remains anecdotal or from in vitro studies; high-quality human clinical trials specifically examining its effects on menorrhagia are limited. Traditional herbals and some European herbal monographs recognize its historical use, but more rigorous research is needed to establish efficacy and optimal dosing for this indication.
Who should avoid Lady's Mantle, and are there populations for whom it may be inappropriate?
Lady's Mantle should be avoided during pregnancy due to its traditionally recognized uterotonic properties (though human safety data is sparse), and women with hormone-sensitive conditions should consult a practitioner before use. Individuals with tannin sensitivity or those prone to constipation may experience gastrointestinal side effects due to its high astringent content. People taking anticoagulants or with clotting disorders should seek medical guidance, as the herb's hemostatic properties may theoretically interact with their medications.
How does Lady's Mantle compare to other herbs traditionally used for gynecological health, such as vitex or dong quai?
Lady's Mantle is primarily valued as an astringent and hemostatic for heavy bleeding and wound healing, whereas vitex (chasteberry) targets hormonal balance and is used for cycle regularity, and dong quai is traditionally used to tonify blood in Chinese medicine. Lady's Mantle's mechanism focuses on tissue tightening and reducing fluid loss, making it distinct from the hormonal and circulatory approaches of vitex and dong quai respectively. The choice between them depends on the specific symptom profile: Lady's Mantle for acute bleeding control, vitex for hormonal imbalance, and dong quai for blood deficiency symptoms.
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