Alchemilla

Scientific Name(S): Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm. (Syn. Alchemilla vulgaris auct. non L.). Family: Rosaceae

Common Name(S): Lady's mantle

Alchemilla is a genus of herbaceous perennial plants in the Rosaceae , commonly known as Lady's mantle. There are about 300 species, the majority native to cool temperate and subarctic regions of Europe and Asia, but a few species also present on the mountains of Africa, North America and South America .

Botany: Lady's mantle is a perennial herb with a short rhizome carrying ascending or sprawling stems, and a rosette of basal leaves with dentate lobes of a circular or kidney-shaped outline. The inflorescence is a compound terminal cyme made up of dense clusters of small hellow­green flowers. Sepals are seen in two rings of four without petals. The fruit is of the achene type. Overall, the plant is softly pubescent. It is found throughout Europe in meadows, woodland clearings, pastures and in the lowland areas of the British Isles. Currently, it is distributed in Europe, North America and Asia.

History: Alchemilla is one of an aggregate of species collectively referred to as lady's mantle, all possessing similar medicinal properties. Many are cultivated. Medieval alchemists collected rain water or dew collected in the leaf center and used it for its purported magical and medicinal powers. This custom derived from the plant's generic name, alchemilla, which is from the Arabic word, "alkimiya" (universal cure for diseas). In medieval tradijon, it was used to treat wounds and female ailments. It has long been dedicated to the Virgin Mary, since the leaf lobes resemble the edges of a mantle. Among lady's mantle's historical uses are as a mild astringent, antiinflammatory, diuretic, menstrual cycle regulator, treatment for digestive disorders and relaxant for muscular spasms. Externally, it was widely used in bath preparations, wound healing, skin bruises and as an herbal cosmetic.

Uses of Alchemilla

Alchemilla has been used topically and internally, as a treatment for wounds, gastrointestinal complaints and female ailments. Its tannin content appears to justify astringent and antidiarrheal uses. It may protect conjunctive and elastic tissues and possibly be useful as an antioxidant.

Side Effects of Alchemilla

None known for low doses, with the possible exception of liver damage.

Toxicology: No significant toxicological studies appear to have been carried out on lady's mantle and long use for various purposes (internal and external) seem to bear out the fact that it is safe in low doses. The warning in the Standard License about possible liver damage appears to be exaggerated.

Summary: The use of lady's mantle for its local astringent and anti-diarrheal properties are mildly justified by the known tannin content of the plant. Newer chemistry and pharmacological studies are sparse, revealing only possible usefulness for its anti-oxidant properties and vague protective effects as well as mutagenic potential and cytostatic activity. More human clinical data are needed to justify its use' for its historical medical applications.