Agrimony Extract
Also known as: Agrimonia eupatoria L., Agrimonia pilosa Ledeb., Agrimony, Hairyvein Agrimony, Agrimonia eupatoria
Overview
Agrimony extract is derived from the aerial parts of *Agrimonia* species, primarily *A. eupatoria* and *A. pilosa*, plants traditionally used in folk medicine. It is commonly utilized for its potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antiparasitic properties. The extract contains a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, and tannins, which are believed to contribute to its therapeutic effects. While agrimony has a history of traditional use, scientific research is ongoing. Multiple in vitro and animal studies have explored its mechanisms and benefits, but human clinical trials, especially systematic reviews or meta-analyses focusing specifically on agrimony extract, are currently limited. This highlights the need for more robust human research to fully establish its efficacy and safety.
Benefits
Agrimony extract demonstrates several evidence-based benefits, primarily supported by in vitro and animal studies, with some preliminary human data: * **Antioxidant Effects:** Agrimony extracts significantly increase total antioxidant capacity, as shown in a human study where 1g of agrimony tea consumed twice daily for 30 days improved plasma antioxidant levels. In vitro studies confirm strong radical scavenging activity, attributed to its high phenolic and flavonoid content. The evidence for this benefit is moderate, based on a small human study and strong in vitro data. * **Antiparasitic Activity:** *A. pilosa* extracts and specific compounds like agrimophol and agrimol G exhibit anthelmintic effects. These compounds disrupt parasite metabolism and microtubule aggregation, showing efficacy against tapeworms and *Haemonchus* parasites in in vitro and animal models. This effect is supported by strong preclinical evidence. * **Analgesic Effects:** An ethanolic extract of *A. eupatoria* (200 mg/kg orally for 1 week) reduced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia in a rat neuropathic pain model, with effects comparable to gabapentin. This suggests potential for pain relief, though human evidence is currently lacking. * **Antibacterial Activity:** In vitro studies show that agrimony extracts can inhibit the growth of various pathogenic bacteria, including *Escherichia coli*, *Listeria monocytogenes*, *Staphylococcus aureus*, and *Vibrio cholerae*. These effects occur at concentrations comparable to some antibiotics, notably without negatively impacting beneficial gut bacteria. This benefit is supported by strong in vitro evidence.
How it works
Agrimony's diverse effects stem from its rich phytochemical composition. Its antioxidant activity is primarily due to phenolic compounds, which neutralize harmful free radicals like DPPH, hydroxyl, and superoxide anion radicals. The antiparasitic effects involve specific compounds that inhibit glycogen metabolism in tapeworms and disrupt microtubule aggregation in parasites, leading to their demise. While the exact molecular targets for its analgesic effects are still being investigated, it is believed to modulate neuropathic pain pathways. The antibacterial properties likely result from direct bactericidal action and interference with bacterial toxin binding, preventing bacterial proliferation and pathogenicity.
Side effects
Agrimony extracts appear to have a generally favorable safety profile, with low toxicity observed in animal models and in vitro studies. No significant adverse effects have been reported in human studies involving agrimony tea consumption over a 30-day period for antioxidant purposes. However, comprehensive human safety data, including detailed reports on potential side effects, drug interactions, and contraindications, are currently limited in the scientific literature. Due to this lack of extensive human data, caution is advised, particularly in specific populations. There is insufficient information regarding its safety during pregnancy and lactation, and therefore, its use is generally not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding individuals. Individuals with known allergies to plants in the Rosaceae family (which includes agrimony) should exercise caution. As with any herbal supplement, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional before use, especially if you have pre-existing medical conditions or are taking other medications, to avoid potential interactions or adverse reactions that are not yet well-documented.
Dosage
Dosage guidelines for agrimony extract are not yet fully standardized due to limited human clinical trials. Based on available research: * **Traditional Tea Preparation:** In a human study, an agrimony tea prepared with 1 gram of dried herb per 200 mL of water, consumed twice daily for 30 days, was shown to increase plasma antioxidant capacity. This serves as a reference for traditional use. * **Animal Model (Analgesic Effect):** In a rat model of neuropathic pain, an ethanolic extract of *A. eupatoria* was administered orally at 200 mg/kg body weight daily for one week to achieve analgesic effects. There is no established maximum safe dose or standardized extract concentration for human consumption. The yield of bioactive compounds can vary significantly depending on the extraction solvent used, with methanol extracts often showing higher antioxidant activity. Due to the lack of extensive human data, it is crucial to start with lower doses and monitor for any reactions. Consultation with a healthcare professional is recommended to determine an appropriate and safe dosage, especially when using concentrated extracts.
FAQs
Is agrimony safe?
Limited human data suggest agrimony is safe at traditional tea doses, with no significant adverse effects reported in short-term studies. However, more comprehensive research is needed to fully establish its long-term safety profile and potential interactions.
How long does it take to see effects from agrimony?
Antioxidant effects have been observed in human studies after 30 days of regular consumption of agrimony tea. Other effects, like antiparasitic or analgesic, are primarily from preclinical studies, so human onset times are not established.
Does agrimony treat infections?
In vitro and animal studies show agrimony has antimicrobial and antiparasitic properties against various pathogens. However, its clinical efficacy in treating human infections is not yet proven and requires further research.
Can agrimony be used for pain?
Animal studies support agrimony's potential for analgesic effects, particularly in neuropathic pain models. While promising, human evidence for pain relief is currently lacking, and it should not replace conventional pain treatments.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8603700/ – This review by Paluch et al. (2020) focuses on the antioxidant properties of *Agrimonia eupatoria*. It highlights a human study showing a significant increase in plasma antioxidant capacity after 30 days of consuming agrimony tea (1g/200mL twice daily). The review also confirms strong in vitro radical scavenging activity, attributing it to the plant's phenolic compounds. The study notes limitations including a small human sample size and lack of a randomized controlled trial design.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9076299/ – Jin et al. (2022) provide a review on the pharmacology of *Agrimonia pilosa*, emphasizing its antiparasitic mechanisms. The research presents evidence from in vitro and animal studies demonstrating the extract's ability to inhibit tapeworm metabolism and disrupt parasite microtubule aggregation. While the safety profile appears promising in preclinical models, the review underscores the absence of human trials and the need for further safety studies.
- https://www.drugs.com/npp/agrimony.html – This source, citing Lee (2016), describes an RCT conducted in cisplatin-induced neuropathic rats. The study found that an oral dose of 200 mg/kg of *A. eupatoria* extract reduced hyperalgesia comparably to gabapentin, with statistically significant results. This well-controlled animal study provides strong preclinical evidence for agrimony's analgesic potential, though it notes the absence of human clinical trials.
