Agrimony, a perennial herbaceous plant with small yellow star-shaped flowers, has a rich history in traditional medicine dating back to the 4th to 5th centuries. Known as a remedy for various ailments, it has been used to treat lung inflammation, diarrhea, liver diseases, skin defects, and more.
The European Medicine Agency (EMA) acknowledges agrimony's time-tested use, highlighting its antimicrobial activity and digestive benefits. Infusions made from agrimony green tops are used for relief of diarrhea and minor inflammations of the mouth and throat.
Research suggests that agrimony exhibits antibacterial effects, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus, making it beneficial for wound healing and skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema. It also shows promise against Helicobacter pylori, suggesting potential supplement use.
Agrimony demonstrates antiviral activity against various strains, including influenza viruses. However, its impact on SARS-CoV-2 is yet to be studied. The herb's anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and analgesic effects contribute to its therapeutic potential, showing positive results in conditions like neuropathy and diabetes.
Studies reveal agrimony's hypotensive, diuretic, and uricolytic effects, making it valuable in cardiovascular and kidney health. It exhibits anti-diabetic effects by reducing hyperglycemia and improving insulin secretion.
The herb's hepatoprotective qualities are evident in studies, demonstrating its ability to improve liver markers and metabolic syndrome symptoms. Agrimony also shows promise in cancer treatment, with inhibitory effects on tumor cell lines.
Additionally, agrimony's phytoestrogenic properties may alleviate post-menopausal symptoms, and it exhibits anti-atherosclerotic and antithrombotic effects.
As a photosensitive plant, agrimony may cause photodermatitis. However, its diverse pharmacological activities make it a promising subject for further exploration.
References:
- EMA. (2015). Assessment report on Agrimonia eupatoria L., herba.
- Cameron, M. (2006). A Modern Herbal.
- Voights, M. (1979). Medicinal Plants of the Arid Zones.
- Watkins, T. et al. (2012). Agrimony: A Natural Antibiotic and Other Benefits.
- Bradley, P. (1992). British Herbal Compendium Volume 1.
- ESCOP. (2005). ESCOP Monographs: The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products.
- Ghaima, K. (2013). Wound healing and antimicrobial effects of A. eupatoria L.
- Qu, D. et al. (2014). Synthesis, characterization, and anti-tumor activity of agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. mediated silver nanoparticles.
- Lee, Y. et al. (2012). Phytoestrogenic effects of Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb.
- Cho, J. et al. (2018). Hepatoprotective effects of Agrimonia eupatoria L. extract.
- Park, J. et al. (2017). Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb. extract prevents beta-amyloid-induced neurotoxicity.
- Tsigoris-Maniecka, A. et al. (2019). Agrimonia eupatoria L. extracts with anticoagulant properties.
- Kubínová, R. et al. (2016). Antioxidant activity and inhibitory potential of agrimony extracts in relation to photooxidative stress.
- Grieve, M. (1931). A Modern Herbal.