Root & Tuber · Root/Rhizome

Cinquefoil Root

Provisional Strong ScoreCompound

Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia

Published March 15, 2026Last updated March 15, 2026Methodology · Editorial policy · Report an error

Evidence review status: unreviewed

Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.

Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION

Provisional Summary

Cinquefoil root (Potentilla erecta) contains high concentrations of tannins and polyphenols including quercetin, kaempferol, and procyanidins that exert astringent and anti-inflammatory effects. These bioactive compounds modulate NF-κB signaling pathways, COX-2 expression, and activate antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT to support digestive health and wound healing.

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Screened PMID Records

Reported Benefits

Pending

Synergy Review

At a Glance

CategoryRoot & Tuber

GroupRoot/Rhizome

Public Score StatusProvisional Strong

Primary Keywordcinquefoil root benefits

Cinquefoil Root — botanical close-up

Reported Benefits (Provisional)

Supports digestive regulation by acting as an astringent to alleviate diarrhea

Reduces inflammation in mucosal membranes, soothing gastrointestinal discomfort

Promotes wound healing and gum health through its astringent and antiseptic actions.

Alleviates menstrual discomfort by providing antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory effects.

Protects against oxidative stress due to its rich flavonoid content

Origin & History

Natural habitat

Cinquefoil Root (Potentilla erecta) is a perennial herb indigenous to temperate meadows, forest edges, and grasslands across Europe, North America, and western Asia. Its rhizomes are traditionally valued for their astringent and anti-inflammatory properties in herbal medicine.

“In European folk medicine, Cinquefoil was revered as a “herb of protection and grounding,” traditionally used in amulets and washes to fortify the body and ward off illness. Native American healers also utilized it for gastrointestinal issues and wound poultices, recognizing its resilience and strength.”Traditional Medicine

Research Narrative (Provisional)

Preliminary research, including in vitro and animal studies, indicates Cinquefoil Root's potential for digestive regulation, anti-inflammatory effects, and wound healing, primarily attributed to its tannin and flavonoid content. Further human clinical trials are warranted to confirm these traditional applications and establish optimal dosages.

Preparation & Dosage

Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.

Nutritional Profile

- Bioactives: Tannins, Flavonoids (quercetin, apigenin), Phenolic acids, Saponins - Minerals: Potassium, Calcium

Reported Mechanism (Provisional)

Mechanism of Action

Cinquefoil root's polyphenols, particularly quercetin and kaempferol, scavenge reactive oxygen species and chelate metal ions while activating the Nrf2/ARE antioxidant pathway. The abundant tannins provide astringent effects by binding to proteins and mucous membranes, while anti-inflammatory activity occurs through downregulation of NF-κB, MAPK signaling, and COX-2/iNOS expression. Triterpenoids like ursolic acid contribute additional anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties through modulation of inflammatory mediator production.

Clinical Narrative (Provisional)

Current evidence for cinquefoil root relies primarily on in vitro and animal studies rather than human clinical trials. Laboratory studies demonstrate that Potentilla alba extracts exhibit cytotoxic effects against HT-29 colon cancer cells while stimulating healthy cell proliferation, with high polyphenol content correlating with significant free radical scavenging activity in FRAP assays. Supercritical CO₂ extracts from Dasiphora fruticosa retained 91-114% of initial antioxidant capacity in DPPH and ABTS scavenging tests. Well-designed human clinical trials with standardized extracts and specific dosing protocols are needed to validate traditional uses and establish therapeutic efficacy.

Also Known As

Potentilla erectaTormentil rootBloodrootFive-finger grassSeptfoilEnglish sarsaparilla

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These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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