# Silverweed (Potentilla anserina)

**Canonical URL:** https://ingredients.hermeticasuperfoods.com/ingredients/silverweed
**Data Source:** Hermetica Superfoods Ingredient Encyclopedia
**Updated:** 2026-03-19
**Evidence Score:** 4 / 10
**Category:** European
**Also Known As:** Potentilla anserina, Argentina anserina, Goosegrass, Goose Tansy, Prince's Feathers, Wild Tansy, Crampweed, Moor Grass

## Overview

Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) is a European herb containing high levels of tannins that provide astringent properties for digestive and gynecological applications. The plant's bioactive compounds primarily work through astringent mechanisms to reduce [inflammation](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) and provide [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) effects.

## Health Benefits

• Traditional gynecological support - historically documented use in women's health (traditional evidence only)
• Digestive relief - leaves used as tea to relieve diarrhea due to tannin content (traditional evidence only)
• Fever reduction - traditional use of leaf tea to lessen fevers (traditional evidence only)
• [Antioxidant](/ingredients/condition/antioxidant) potential - contains high levels of ellagitannins including agrimoniin (18.33-57.29 mg/g) (preliminary evidence)
• [Anti-inflammatory](/ingredients/condition/inflammation) support - recognized in Tibetan traditional medicine for potent medicinal properties (traditional evidence only)

## Mechanism of Action

Silverweed's primary bioactive compounds are condensed tannins, particularly proanthocyanidins, which exert astringent effects by binding to proteins in mucous membranes. These tannins reduce inflammation through inhibition of [pro-inflammatory cytokine](/ingredients/condition/inflammation)s and provide [antimicrobial](/ingredients/condition/immune-support) activity against pathogenic bacteria. The astringent action helps tighten tissues and reduce excessive secretions in digestive and reproductive tract applications.

## Clinical Summary

Current clinical evidence for silverweed is limited to traditional use documentation and in vitro studies examining its tannin content. No randomized controlled trials have specifically evaluated silverweed's efficacy for gynecological or digestive conditions in humans. Laboratory studies have confirmed the presence of 8-12% tannins in dried leaves, supporting traditional astringent uses. Most evidence remains anecdotal from traditional European herbal medicine practices spanning several centuries.

## Nutritional Profile

Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) nutritional composition is primarily characterized by its bioactive polyphenolic content rather than macronutrient density. Tannin content is significant, ranging from 4–10% dry weight in leaves, dominated by ellagitannins — most notably agrimoniin, along with pedunculagin and related hydrolyzable tannins. Flavonoids present include quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, and their glycosides at concentrations estimated 0.5–2% dry weight. Phenolic acids documented include ellagic acid, gallic acid, and chlorogenic acid. The aerial parts contain modest fiber content, with leaves providing structural cellulose and hemicellulose; precise fiber quantification in herbal preparations is limited but consistent with leafy plant material (~15–25% dry weight total fiber). Protein content in the whole plant is low, approximately 8–12% dry weight in dried leaf material, typical of herbaceous plants. Vitamin C has been historically noted in fresh plant material at low to moderate levels (estimated 20–50 mg/100g fresh weight), consistent with other Rosaceae family members. Mineral content includes potassium, calcium, and magnesium at trace-to-moderate levels; precise concentrations are not well-characterized in modern literature. Roots contain starch and have historically been used as a food source, contributing carbohydrates. Bioavailability note: ellagitannins such as agrimoniin are hydrolyzed in the gut to release ellagic acid, which is further metabolized by gut microbiota to urolithins; bioavailability of parent tannins is low but metabolite activity is variable and [microbiome](/ingredients/condition/gut-health)-dependent. Flavonoid glycosides require intestinal deglycosylation prior to absorption, limiting but not eliminating bioavailability.

## Dosage & Preparation

No clinically studied dosage ranges are available in the research. Traditional preparation involves leaf tea, while analytical studies used liquid-to-solid ratio 1:25 at 40°C for 30 minutes, though these are extraction parameters rather than therapeutic doses. Consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

## Safety & Drug Interactions

Silverweed is generally considered safe when used as a traditional tea, though high tannin content may cause stomach irritation in sensitive individuals. The herb may theoretically reduce absorption of iron and certain medications due to tannin binding properties. Pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid use due to lack of safety data and traditional use for gynecological conditions. No specific drug interactions have been documented, but caution is advised with iron supplements and medications requiring optimal absorption.

## Scientific Research

The research dossier contains no human clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, or meta-analyses with PubMed PMIDs. Available studies focus solely on phytochemical composition analysis and traditional use documentation rather than clinical efficacy.

## Historical & Cultural Context

Silverweed has been used for a long time in traditional medicine, particularly for gynecological indications. The plant holds significance in traditional Tibetan medicine where it's recognized for potent medicinal properties, and historically, the tannin-rich leaves have been prepared as tea for digestive and fever-reducing purposes.

## Synergistic Combinations

Raspberry leaf, Lady's mantle, Cramp bark, Ginger, Chamomile

## Frequently Asked Questions

### What is the active ingredient in silverweed?

The primary active compounds in silverweed are condensed tannins, particularly proanthocyanidins, which comprise 8-12% of the dried leaf content. These tannins provide the herb's characteristic astringent properties and are responsible for its traditional therapeutic effects.

### How is silverweed traditionally prepared?

Silverweed is most commonly prepared as a tea using 1-2 teaspoons of dried leaves steeped in hot water for 10-15 minutes. The leaves can be harvested during flowering season and dried for year-round use in traditional European herbal medicine.

### Can silverweed help with diarrhea?

Traditional use suggests silverweed tea may help with diarrhea due to its high tannin content, which provides astringent effects that can reduce excessive bowel secretions. However, this use is based solely on traditional evidence without clinical trial confirmation.

### Is silverweed safe during pregnancy?

Silverweed should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data and its traditional use for gynecological conditions. The herb's effects on pregnancy outcomes have not been studied in clinical trials.

### What's the difference between silverweed and cinquefoil?

Silverweed (Potentilla anserina) is actually a species of cinquefoil, as Potentilla is the cinquefoil genus. Silverweed is distinguished by its silvery-white leaf undersides and creeping growth habit, while other cinquefoils may have different leaf patterns and growth forms.

### What does clinical research show about silverweed's effectiveness?

Most evidence for silverweed comes from traditional use rather than modern clinical trials, particularly regarding its gynecological and fever-reducing applications. However, scientific analysis has confirmed the presence of ellagitannins and agrimoniin, compounds with documented antioxidant properties that may support its traditional uses. Current research is limited, so effectiveness claims are largely based on historical documentation rather than large-scale human studies.

### How much silverweed should I take as a tea or supplement?

Traditional preparation typically involves steeping 1–2 teaspoons of dried silverweed leaves in hot water to make a tea, consumed 2–3 times daily for digestive support. Dosage can vary depending on the form (dried leaf, extract, or tincture) and individual factors, so consulting a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized guidance. Standardized supplement doses may differ from traditional herbal preparations.

### Who should avoid silverweed or use it with caution?

While generally recognized as safe for most adults, people with tannin sensitivities or those taking certain medications that interact with tannin-rich herbs should exercise caution. Individuals with severe gastrointestinal conditions, kidney disease, or those taking iron supplements or specific medications should consult a healthcare provider before use, as tannins can affect nutrient absorption. Those allergic to plants in the Rosaceae family should also avoid silverweed.

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