# Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/leonurus-cardiaca
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-04-02
**Evidence Score:** 2 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Lion's Heart, Lion's Tail, Throw-wort, Heartwort, Yi Mu Cao, Chinese Motherwort, Common Motherwort, Leonurus, Agripalma, Herzgespann

## Overview

Motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) contains the alkaloid leonurine and iridoid glycosides like leonurid, which exert mild negative chronotropic effects on cardiac tissue and modulate GABA-A receptor activity to reduce central nervous system excitability. It has been used in European and Chinese traditional medicine for centuries to manage stress-related heart palpitations, anxiety, and menstrual irregularities.

## Health Benefits

• Cardiovascular support for stress-related palpitations and tachycardia (Traditional evidence only) • Nervous system calming for anxiety and emotional distress (Traditional evidence only) • [Blood pressure regulation](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) through hypotensive effects (Traditional evidence only) • Women's health support for delayed menses and postpartum recovery (Traditional evidence only) • Antispasmodic effects for smooth [muscle relaxation](/ingredients/condition/sleep) (Traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Leonurine, the primary alkaloid in Leonurus cardiaca, acts as a partial agonist at GABA-A receptors, increasing chloride ion influx to dampen neuronal excitability and reduce anxiety-related signaling. Leonurine also inhibits calcium ion influx in cardiac myocytes, producing a mild negative chronotropic effect that slows heart rate and reduces force of contraction, similar in mechanism to calcium channel modulation. Additionally, flavonoids such as rutin and quercetin found in the herb contribute to vasodilation by upregulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), supporting the observed hypotensive effects.

## Clinical Summary

Human clinical evidence for Leonurus cardiaca remains limited and largely preliminary. A small Russian clinical trial involving approximately 50 patients with mild hypertension and anxiety reported significant reductions in self-reported palpitations and diastolic [blood pressure](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) after four weeks of standardized extract use, though methodological quality was low. Animal studies using leonurine isolates consistently demonstrate uterotonic and cardioprotective effects, and in vitro work confirms calcium channel antagonism, but these findings have not been robustly replicated in large randomized controlled trials. Current evidence is classified as traditional or preliminary, meaning clinical recommendations cannot yet be firmly established.

## Nutritional Profile

Leonurus cardiaca (Motherwort) is a medicinal herb consumed primarily as a tea, tincture, or extract rather than a food source, so conventional macronutrient profiling is of limited relevance; however, the following bioactive and nutritional constituents are documented: Alkaloids: leonurine (0.01–0.04% dry weight) — the primary cardioactive alkaloid, structurally related to guanidine; stachydrine (proline betaine, 0.5–1.2% dry weight) — the most abundant alkaloid, shown to influence uterine tone and [cardiovascular](/ingredients/condition/heart-health) function. Iridoid glycosides: leonuride and ajugol present at approximately 0.1–0.3% dry weight. Flavonoids: rutin (~0.5–1.0% dry weight), quercetin, kaempferol, and hyperoside (~0.2–0.6% dry weight collectively) — contributing [antioxidant activity](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant); bioavailability enhanced when consumed as aqueous infusion due to glycoside hydrolysis. Diterpenes: leocardin and related labdane-type diterpenes at trace concentrations (<0.1% dry weight). Phenolic acids: caffeic acid, chlorogenic acid, and rosmarinic acid (~0.3–0.8% dry weight combined) — water-soluble and readily bioavailable in tea preparations. Tannins: approximately 3–5% dry weight, primarily hydrolyzable tannins, which may reduce alkaloid bioavailability when consumed as whole herb. Volatile oils: linalool, caryophyllene, and terpineol present at 0.05–0.2% dry weight. Minerals (per 100g dried herb): potassium estimated 800–1,200 mg, calcium ~200–400 mg, magnesium ~100–200 mg, iron ~15–25 mg — consistent with typical aerial herb mineral profiles. Vitamins: vitamin C present in fresh leaf (~20–40 mg/100g fresh weight, significantly reduced on drying); trace vitamin A precursors (beta-carotene) estimated 1–3 mg/100g dried. Fiber: crude fiber approximately 15–20% dry weight, primarily cellulose and hemicellulose from aerial plant parts. Protein: approximately 10–15% dry weight of dried herb, nutritionally insignificant at typical medicinal doses. Bioavailability notes: stachydrine and leonurine demonstrate good aqueous solubility and are efficiently extracted in hot water infusions (70–100°C); flavonoid glycosides undergo partial hydrolysis during brewing, improving aglycone bioavailability; tannin content may chelate iron and reduce mineral absorption if consumed in large quantities; typical therapeutic doses (1–3g dried herb or 2–4 mL tincture) deliver pharmacologically relevant alkaloid quantities but negligible macronutrient contribution.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available as no trials have been conducted. Traditional preparations use teas or tinctures of aerial parts without standardization. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Motherwort is contraindicated during pregnancy due to leonurine's documented uterotonic activity, which can stimulate uterine contractions and risk miscarriage or premature labor. It may potentiate the effects of anticoagulant drugs such as warfarin and antithrombotic agents due to its mild platelet-inhibiting properties, increasing bleeding risk. Concurrent use with antihypertensive medications or sedatives (including benzodiazepines) may produce additive hypotensive or CNS-depressant effects and warrants medical supervision. Allergic contact dermatitis has been reported with topical exposure, and high oral doses may cause gastrointestinal upset or uterine cramping.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses were found in the research dossier. German regulatory authorities approve its use in combination with Lemon balm and Bugleweed for hyper[thyroid](/ingredients/condition/hormonal)ism symptoms based solely on traditional evidence rather than modern controlled trials.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Motherwort has been used for centuries in European folk medicine and Traditional Chinese Medicine as a 'mother-herb' for heart ailments, anxiety, and women's health issues. Its historical name 'Lion's Heart' reflects its traditional focus on cardiac conditions and emotional support.

## Synergistic Combinations

Lemon balm, Bugleweed, Hawthorn, Valerian, Passionflower

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is motherwort used for?

Motherwort is traditionally used to manage stress-related heart palpitations, tachycardia, mild anxiety, and menstrual irregularities. Its active compound leonurine acts on GABA-A receptors and cardiac calcium channels to produce calming and mild heart-rate-slowing effects. It also appears in European pharmacopoeias for nervous system support and mild hypotensive applications.

### What is the recommended dosage of motherwort supplement?

Traditional and herbal medicine sources typically recommend 4.5 grams of dried herb per day as a tea, or standardized extracts providing approximately 10–15 mg of leonurine equivalent daily. Tincture preparations are commonly dosed at 2–4 mL (1:5 tincture) up to three times daily. No universally validated clinical dosage exists due to limited RCT data, so consulting a qualified practitioner is advised.

### Is motherwort safe during pregnancy?

No, motherwort is considered unsafe during pregnancy. The alkaloid leonurine has well-documented uterotonic properties, meaning it stimulates uterine muscle contractions, which can increase the risk of miscarriage in early pregnancy or trigger premature labor in later stages. It is explicitly contraindicated throughout all trimesters of pregnancy in most European and Chinese pharmacopoeia guidelines.

### Does motherwort lower blood pressure?

Motherwort shows hypotensive activity primarily through two mechanisms: flavonoid-mediated eNOS upregulation that promotes vasodilation, and leonurine's mild calcium channel antagonism that reduces cardiac output. A small Russian clinical study observed a modest reduction in diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients after four weeks, but evidence remains preliminary. It should not replace prescribed antihypertensives, and combining it with blood pressure medications may cause excessive hypotension.

### What are the active compounds in Leonurus cardiaca?

The primary bioactive alkaloid in Leonurus cardiaca is leonurine (4-guanidino-n-butyl syringate), which drives most of its cardiovascular and uterotonic pharmacological activity. The herb also contains iridoid glycosides (leonurid, ajugol), flavonoids (rutin, quercetin, apigenin), and diterpenes such as leocardin. The combination of these compounds is thought to produce synergistic effects on GABAergic signaling, cardiac function, and vascular tone.

### Does motherwort interact with heart medications or blood pressure drugs?

Motherwort may potentiate the effects of antihypertensive and cardiac medications due to its traditional hypotensive and cardioactive properties, requiring caution when combined with blood pressure medications or heart drugs. Consultation with a healthcare provider is essential before using motherwort if you are taking medications for hypertension, arrhythmias, or other cardiovascular conditions. Current clinical evidence on specific drug interactions is limited, so individual medical oversight is recommended.

### What is the difference between motherwort extract, tea, and dried herb forms?

Motherwort extract (liquid or standardized) concentrates the active compounds and provides faster absorption, while tea made from dried herb offers a more traditional preparation with gentler effects. Dried herb preparations allow for flexible dosing but require longer steeping times and may deliver less consistent concentrations of active constituents. Extract forms are generally preferred for therapeutic consistency, though traditional infusions remain popular for mild nervous system support.

### Who should avoid motherwort supplementation?

Motherwort should be avoided by pregnant women (due to potential uterotonic effects), individuals taking anticoagulants or antiplatelet medications, and those with thyroid disorders without medical supervision. People with low blood pressure, bradycardia, or sensitivity to plants in the Lamiaceae family should exercise caution or avoid use. Those currently on sedative medications or preparing for surgery should consult healthcare providers before supplementing with motherwort.

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*Source: Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia — https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com*
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