# Pasque Flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/pasque-flower
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Pulsatilla vulgaris, European Pasque Flower, Wind Flower, Prairie Anemone, Easter Flower, Meadow Anemone, Pulsatilla

## Overview

Pasque flower (Pulsatilla vulgaris) contains ranunculin and protoanemonin compounds that exhibit anticancer and spasmolytic properties. Research shows it may inhibit cervical cancer cell growth by deregulating 12 cellular signaling pathways.

## Health Benefits

• May inhibit cervical cancer cell growth through deregulation of 12 signaling pathways (preliminary in-vitro evidence only)
• Traditional use for menstrual disorders and nervous system conditions (no clinical trials available)
• Spasmolytic properties for respiratory spasms (traditional use, no human studies)
• Potential apoptosis induction in cancer cells via triterpenoid saponins (in-vitro study only)
• Historical use for nervous system disorders (traditional evidence only, no RCTs)

## Mechanism of Action

Pasque flower's primary bioactive compounds ranunculin and protoanemonin modulate cellular signaling pathways including apoptosis and cell cycle regulation. The plant deregulates 12 specific pathways in cancer cells, including p53, MAPK, and PI3K/Akt signaling cascades. Protoanemonin also exhibits direct smooth muscle relaxant effects on respiratory tissues.

## Clinical Summary

Current evidence for pasque flower is limited to preliminary in-vitro studies on cervical cancer cells, showing growth inhibition through pathway modulation. No human clinical trials have been conducted to validate traditional uses for menstrual disorders or respiratory conditions. Safety and efficacy data in humans remains absent, with only historical traditional medicine documentation available. Research is insufficient to establish therapeutic dosing or clinical applications.

## Nutritional Profile

{"macronutrients": {"protein": "Not significant", "fiber": "Not significant"}, "micronutrients": {"vitamins": {"Vitamin C": "Trace amounts"}, "minerals": {"Calcium": "Trace amounts", "Potassium": "Trace amounts"}}, "bioactive_compounds": {"triterpenoid_saponins": "Present, specific concentration not well-documented", "flavonoids": "Present, specific concentration not well-documented"}, "bioavailability_notes": "The bioavailability of the compounds is not well-studied, and concentrations can vary based on the plant's growing conditions and preparation methods."}

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges exist as human trials are absent. Fresh plant material is toxic and must be avoided internally. Only dried aerial parts should be used under qualified practitioner supervision. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Fresh pasque flower contains irritant compounds that can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation upon direct contact. The plant may interact with anticoagulant medications due to potential bleeding risk effects. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to traditional associations with uterine stimulation and lack of safety data. Dried preparations are generally considered safer than fresh plant material, but professional guidance is recommended.

## Scientific Research

No human clinical trials, RCTs, or meta-analyses have been conducted on Pasque Flower. The only available research is one in-vitro study (PMC9860614) demonstrating that root and leaf extracts inhibited 12 signaling pathways in cervical cancer cell lines through triterpenoid saponins and phenolic acids. All evidence remains at the preclinical level.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Pasque Flower has been used in European traditional herbalism for over a century, with U.S.P. descriptions dating to early 20th-century eclectic medicine. Historically valued for its spasmolytic properties, it was traditionally prescribed for nervous system disorders, menstrual issues, and respiratory spasms, always using dried forms due to fresh plant toxicity.

## Synergistic Combinations

Not established - no clinical studies on combinations

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What compounds in pasque flower provide health benefits?

Ranunculin and protoanemonin are the primary bioactive compounds in pasque flower. These glycosides convert to active metabolites that demonstrate anticancer and smooth muscle relaxant properties in laboratory studies.

### Is pasque flower safe to take during pregnancy?

Pasque flower should be avoided during pregnancy due to traditional reports of uterine stimulation effects. No safety studies exist for pregnant women, and the plant's bioactive compounds may pose unknown risks to fetal development.

### What cancer research exists for pasque flower?

Only preliminary in-vitro studies show pasque flower extract inhibiting cervical cancer cell growth by affecting 12 cellular pathways. No human cancer trials have been conducted, so clinical anticancer effects remain unproven.

### Can pasque flower interact with blood thinning medications?

Pasque flower may potentially interact with anticoagulant drugs like warfarin due to possible bleeding risk enhancement. Patients taking blood thinners should consult healthcare providers before using pasque flower supplements.

### What's the difference between fresh and dried pasque flower?

Fresh pasque flower contains higher levels of irritant compounds that can cause skin and mucous membrane irritation. Dried preparations are generally safer as the drying process reduces these irritating substances while preserving beneficial compounds.

### What does clinical research show about pasque flower's effectiveness for menstrual disorders?

Currently, no rigorous human clinical trials exist to validate pasque flower's traditional use for menstrual irregularities and related conditions. While historical herbals document its use in traditional medicine systems for gynecological support, the evidence remains anecdotal rather than evidence-based. Any therapeutic claims about menstrual health should be discussed with a healthcare provider before use.

### Who should avoid taking pasque flower supplements?

Pasque flower should be avoided by pregnant and nursing women, individuals with kidney disease, and those with known allergies to plants in the Ranunculaceae family. People taking anticoagulant medications or those scheduled for surgery should consult their healthcare provider before use. Additionally, those with gastrointestinal sensitivity may experience adverse effects due to the herb's traditional use as a gastrointestinal irritant.

### How strong is the evidence for pasque flower's use as a respiratory remedy?

The evidence for pasque flower's spasmolytic properties in respiratory conditions remains limited to traditional use documentation and historical records, with no published human clinical trials available. The traditional application for respiratory spasms has not been substantiated through modern scientific methodology. More rigorous research would be needed to establish safety and efficacy for this indication in humans.

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