Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
The Short Answer
Alchemilla vulgaris, commonly called Lady's Mantle, contains ellagitannins, quercetin, and salicylic acid as its primary bioactive compounds. These phenolics exert antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects primarily by scavenging reactive oxygen species and inhibiting pro-inflammatory enzymes such as cyclooxygenase.
CategoryUSDA Nutrient-Dense Foods
GroupHerb
Evidence LevelPreliminary
Primary Keywordlady's mantle benefits
Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) — botanical close-up
Health Benefits
Origin & History
Natural habitat
Alchemilla vulgaris, or Lady's Mantle, is a perennial herb from the Rosaceae family, native to Europe and Asia. Its aerial parts, primarily naturally grown leaves, are used to create extracts via cold processing with solvents like ethanol or water. The resulting extract is typically concentrated and then diluted in a glycerin and water base for use.
“For centuries, Lady's Mantle has been a staple in European traditional medicine for its astringent, hemostatic, and purported progesterone-like properties. It was historically used to treat skin conditions, greasy skin, and various fungal infections, leveraging its high tannin content.[3][4][5]”Traditional Medicine
Scientific Research
The research dossier provides no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials (RCTs), or meta-analyses for Alchemilla vulgaris. No PubMed PMIDs, specific study designs, or clinical outcomes are reported, with evidence limited to in vitro studies and traditional use.[1][2]
Preparation & Dosage
Traditional preparation
No clinically studied dosage ranges for internal use are available from human trials. For topical cosmetic applications, leaf extract is sometimes recommended at a concentration of 5-10% in formulations like creams and lotions. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Nutritional Profile
Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) is a medicinal herb not typically consumed as a food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling is limited. However, its bioactive composition is well-characterized:
• TANNINS (primary bioactives): Ellagitannins and condensed tannins (proanthocyanidins) comprising approximately 6–8% of dry leaf weight, with agrimoniin and pedunculagin as dominant ellagitannin fractions. These are the principal astringent and antioxidant contributors.
• FLAVONOIDS: Quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides (notably quercetin-3-glucuronide and rutin) present at approximately 0.5–1.5% of dry weight. Luteolin derivatives also identified in smaller concentrations.
• PHENOLIC ACIDS: Chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, and ellagic acid detected; total phenolic content estimated at 50–150 mg gallic acid equivalents (GAE) per gram of dry extract depending on extraction method.
• SALICYLIC ACID: Trace amounts (~0.01–0.05% dry weight), contributing mild anti-inflammatory activity.
• LIPIDS: Low lipid content; leaf surfaces contain waxy cuticle compounds including long-chain fatty acids (palmitic, stearic acids) at minor concentrations.
• MINERALS: Contains calcium (~1,200–1,800 mg/100g dry weight), potassium (~1,500–2,000 mg/100g dry weight), magnesium (~200–400 mg/100g dry weight), and trace iron and zinc; concentrations vary by soil and harvest conditions.
• VITAMINS: Modest vitamin C content (~30–60 mg/100g fresh weight); small amounts of vitamin K consistent with other leafy herbs.
• FIBER: Significant insoluble fiber (~15–25% of dry weight) from cell wall polysaccharides, though not consumed in quantities that would contribute meaningfully to dietary fiber intake.
• BIOAVAILABILITY NOTES: Ellagitannins exhibit variable bioavailability; gut microbiota convert them into urolithins (e.g., urolithin A), which are the primary systemically absorbed metabolites. Flavonoid glycosides require hydrolysis by intestinal enzymes prior to absorption. High tannin content may bind dietary proteins and minerals (iron, zinc), potentially reducing their bioavailability if consumed with food. Typical use is as a tea or topical extract, meaning systemic exposure to most bioactives is modest at conventional doses (1–4g dried herb per cup of infusion).
How It Works
Mechanism of Action
The ellagitannins and flavonoids in Alchemilla vulgaris, particularly quercetin and agrimoniin, neutralize free radicals by donating hydrogen atoms to reactive oxygen species, thereby interrupting oxidative chain reactions. Its hydrolyzable tannins inhibit cyclooxygenase (COX-1 and COX-2) enzymes, reducing prostaglandin synthesis and downstream inflammatory signaling. Tannins also precipitate proteins on mucosal surfaces, forming a protective astringent layer that reduces local irritation and may inhibit microbial adhesion to epithelial tissue.
Clinical Evidence
Most evidence supporting Alchemilla vulgaris comes from in vitro cell culture studies and animal models rather than randomized controlled human trials, limiting the strength of efficacy claims. In vitro assays using DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging methods have confirmed significant antioxidant activity attributable to its polyphenol content. A small number of observational and ethnopharmacological studies report use in managing menstrual irregularities and mild digestive complaints, but these lack controlled designs or quantified outcomes. Overall, the clinical evidence base is preliminary, and well-designed human trials with defined dosing and measured endpoints are lacking.
Safety & Interactions
Alchemilla vulgaris is generally considered safe when consumed in typical herbal tea amounts, but its high tannin content may cause gastrointestinal upset, nausea, or constipation with excessive use. Due to the presence of tannins, it may reduce the absorption of iron and certain oral medications, including antibiotics and alkaloid-based drugs, if taken simultaneously. Its historical use as a uterine tonic means it is contraindicated during pregnancy, as stimulation of uterine smooth muscle is a theoretical risk. People with hepatic conditions should exercise caution, as prolonged high-dose intake of tannin-rich herbs has been associated with liver stress in animal studies.
Synergy Stack
Hermetica Formulation Heuristic
Also Known As
Lady's MantleCommon Lady's MantleBear's FootLion's FootNine HooksStellariaFrauenmantelPied-de-lionMantello della MadonnaDewcup
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main active compounds in Lady's Mantle?
The primary bioactive compounds in Alchemilla vulgaris are ellagitannins (including agrimoniin and pedunculagin), flavonoids such as quercetin and luteolin, and salicylic acid. These polyphenols are concentrated in the leaves and are responsible for the plant's astringent, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties documented in laboratory studies.
Can Lady's Mantle help with menstrual cramps or irregular periods?
Lady's Mantle has a long history in European herbal medicine for managing menstrual irregularities and dysmenorrhea, attributed to its tannin and salicylic acid content which may reduce local inflammation. However, no rigorous randomized controlled trials have confirmed these effects in humans, so current support is based on ethnobotanical tradition and plausible but unverified mechanisms.
Is Lady's Mantle safe to take during pregnancy?
Lady's Mantle is generally not recommended during pregnancy because its traditional use as a uterotonic herb raises concern about stimulation of uterine smooth muscle contractions. Clinical safety data in pregnant women is absent, and the precautionary principle suggests avoiding it until human safety studies are available.
What is the typical dosage of Lady's Mantle used in herbal practice?
Traditional herbal protocols commonly suggest 2–4 grams of dried Alchemilla vulgaris herb as an infusion (tea) taken two to three times daily, or standardized tincture preparations at approximately 2–4 mL three times daily. No clinically validated dosing protocol exists from controlled human trials, so these figures reflect historical herbalist practice rather than evidence-based guidelines.
Does Lady's Mantle interact with any medications?
Due to its high tannin content, Lady's Mantle may bind to and reduce the oral bioavailability of iron supplements, certain antibiotics (particularly tetracyclines), and alkaloid-based drugs if taken concurrently. It is advisable to separate Lady's Mantle preparations from these medications by at least two hours to minimize absorption interference.
What is the difference between Lady's Mantle tea, tincture, and dried herb preparations?
Lady's Mantle tea (infusion) is made by steeping dried leaves and is typically used for digestive and menstrual support, while tinctures extract compounds in alcohol for concentrated doses and longer shelf life. Dried herb preparations offer flexibility for both teas and cooking, though tinctures may provide faster absorption due to their concentrated form. The choice depends on personal preference, desired potency, and intended use, with teas being gentler for daily consumption and tinctures preferred for acute symptoms.
Who should avoid Lady's Mantle, and are there specific health conditions where it's not recommended?
People with tannin sensitivity or those prone to constipation should use Lady's Mantle cautiously due to its high astringent content. Individuals taking blood-thinning medications should consult a healthcare provider, as some sources suggest potential interaction risks. Those with hormone-sensitive conditions (such as certain cancers) may want professional guidance before use, though clinical evidence on this is limited.
How strong is the scientific evidence for Lady's Mantle's skin benefits compared to its traditional use claims?
Most evidence for Lady's Mantle's skin benefits comes from in vitro (test tube) studies showing its phenolic and tannin compounds can reduce inflammation and have astringent properties, but human clinical trials are limited. Traditional use supports its application for wound healing and skin irritation, though these claims are not yet widely validated in rigorous human studies. The gap between laboratory findings and proven human efficacy means more research is needed to confirm skin-related benefits definitively.
Conditions This May Help
Based on the mechanism and research, Alchemilla vulgaris (Lady's Mantle) may support the following health areas. Each link goes to an evidence-ranked guide of the best ingredients for that concern.
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