Alchemilla: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage

Alchemilla, commonly known as Lady’s Mantle, is a genus of perennial herbs traditionally celebrated in European folk medicine. With a history of use for women’s health, wound healing, and even liver protection, modern science is catching up to validate and explore its diverse therapeutic properties. In this article, we’ll explore the evidence-based benefits, potential side effects, and dosage guidelines for Alchemilla species, helping you make informed decisions about its use.

Benefits of Alchemilla

Alchemilla has earned its reputation through centuries of use, but what does current research reveal about its health-promoting potential? Let’s dive into the key areas where Alchemilla shines, from liver health to wound healing, and beyond.

Benefit	Main Effect	Most Studied Species	Source(s)
Hepatoprotective	Liver protection	A. mollis, A. vulgaris	1 5
Wound Healing	Promotes skin repair	A. vulgaris	2
Antioxidant	Free radical scavenging	A. vulgaris, A. mollis	1 3 5
Cytotoxic	Potential anticancer	A. mollis, A. vulgaris	3 6
Neuroprotective	Brain function support	A. vulgaris	7
Anti-adipogenic	Inhibits fat cell growth	A. monticola	4
Chemoprotective	Reduces drug toxicity	A. vulgaris	5

Table 1: Key Benefits of Alchemilla

Hepatoprotective Effects

One of the most robustly supported benefits of Alchemilla is its ability to protect the liver. Extracts from A. mollis and A. vulgaris have demonstrated significant hepatoprotective effects, especially in animal models exposed to toxins like carbon tetrachloride and cisplatin. These effects are largely attributed to the plant’s high phenolic and flavonoid content, which provide potent antioxidant activity and help repair cellular damage in the liver. Notably, serum liver enzyme levels (such as ALT) were significantly reduced in treated animals, indicating a real reversal of liver injury 1 5.

Wound Healing and Skin Support

Traditional use of Alchemilla for wound healing has now been substantiated by modern research. Both in vitro and in vivo studies reveal that A. vulgaris extracts, especially when formulated into hydrogels, can accelerate the migration of fibroblasts and promote wound closure. The astringent and anti-inflammatory properties, along with the plant’s antioxidant activity, appear to drive these effects. Proper formulation—such as using the right vehicle for topical application—also enhances efficacy 2.

Antioxidant and Cytoprotective Capacity

Alchemilla species are rich in phenolic compounds like gallic acid, caffeic acid, catechin, and quercetin, which are powerful antioxidants. These compounds not only neutralize free radicals but also contribute to the plant’s protective effects against oxidative stress in various tissues. Studies have shown that these antioxidant properties translate into real biological benefits, such as reduced tissue damage following exposure to toxins and enhanced cellular defense mechanisms 1 3 5.

Anticancer and Cytotoxic Activity

Emerging research points to Alchemilla’s potential as an anticancer agent. Extracts from A. mollis and A. vulgaris have exhibited cytotoxic effects against cancer cell lines, such as MCF-7 breast cancer cells. The water extract, in particular, demonstrated the highest cytotoxic activity, although further in vivo studies and identification of the specific active compounds are needed before clinical use can be considered 3 6.

Neuroprotective Effects

A. vulgaris infusion has shown neuroprotective effects in animal models subjected to hypoxic conditions. Treated animals exhibited normalized reflexes and behavior, and biochemical markers of oxidative stress in the brain were modulated. These findings suggest a potential role for Alchemilla in supporting brain health, likely through its antioxidant mechanisms 7.

Anti-Adipogenic and Metabolic Benefits

A. monticola, another species within the genus, has demonstrated anti-adipogenic effects in human adipocyte models. The extracts were able to inhibit fat cell formation by downregulating genes and proteins involved in adipogenesis (e.g., PI3K/AKT and PPARγ pathways). This points to a possible application of Alchemilla extracts in obesity management and metabolic health 4.

Chemoprotective Effects

In the context of chemotherapy, A. vulgaris extracts have shown promise in protecting against the toxic effects of drugs like cisplatin. Treated animals had lower markers of liver, kidney, and testicular damage, suggesting that Alchemilla can help mitigate some of the side effects of aggressive medical treatments 5.

Side Effects of Alchemilla

While Alchemilla is generally well-tolerated and has a long-standing history of safe use in traditional medicine, it’s essential to consider potential side effects, especially with concentrated extracts or prolonged use. Here’s what research tells us.

Side Effect	Likelihood	Severity	Source(s)
GI Discomfort	Low	Mild	2
Allergic Reactions	Rare	Mild-Moderate	2
Unknown Long-Term Effects	Unknown	Unknown	1 3 4 5 6 7
Drug Interactions	Possible	Moderate	5

Table 2: Known and Potential Side Effects of Alchemilla

Gastrointestinal Discomfort

Mild stomach upset, nausea, or digestive discomfort may occur, particularly with oral administration of concentrated extracts. However, these effects are rare and generally not severe. Topical application is less likely to cause systemic side effects but could potentially cause mild local irritation in sensitive individuals 2.

Allergic Reactions

Allergic responses, while rare, can occur, especially in those sensitive to plants in the Rosaceae family. Symptoms may include rash, itching, or localized swelling. If such symptoms develop, use should be discontinued 2.

Unknown Long-Term or High-Dose Effects

Most studies to date have focused on short-term use and animal models. The long-term safety of high-dose or chronic Alchemilla supplementation has not been established. There is also limited information on its safety during pregnancy or lactation, despite its historical use for gynecological health 1 3 4 5 6 7.

Potential Drug Interactions

Alchemilla’s role as an antioxidant and its effects on liver enzymes suggest a theoretical potential for interaction with other medications, particularly those metabolized by the liver or with narrow therapeutic indices. This is particularly relevant for individuals undergoing chemotherapy or taking anticoagulants, though no specific interactions have been documented in available studies 5.

Dosage of Alchemilla

Determining an effective and safe dosage of Alchemilla depends on the form used, the condition targeted, and the species involved. Here’s a summary of what current research and traditional practices recommend.

Form	Typical Dose	Usage Context	Source(s)
Extract (oral)	100–200 mg/kg	Liver, chemoprotection	1 5
Infusion (oral)	5 mL/kg	Neuroprotection	7
Topical gel	Variable (as needed)	Wound healing	2
Extract (cell studies)	5–25 µg/mL	Anti-adipogenic/anticancer	4 6

Table 3: Dosage Forms and Ranges of Alchemilla

Oral Extracts

Most animal studies have used dosages ranging from 100–200 mg/kg body weight for protective effects against liver and kidney toxicity. While direct translation to human dosage is not straightforward, this range provides a starting point for future clinical studies. Traditional use often involves teas or infusions made from the aerial parts, consumed several times daily 1 5.

Infusions

For neuroprotective effects, an infusion prepared from the aerial parts and administered at 5 mL/kg was found to be most effective in animal studies. In traditional practice, a standard cup of Lady’s Mantle tea (approximately 1–2 grams of dried herb steeped in hot water) is taken one to three times daily 7.

Topical Applications

For wound healing, Alchemilla extracts are most effective when incorporated into hydrogels and applied directly to the skin. The precise concentration may vary, but studies emphasize the importance of proper formulation and vehicle to maximize absorption and effect 2.

Cellular and Experimental Dosages

In cell culture studies, Alchemilla extracts have demonstrated biological activity at concentrations as low as 5–25 µg/mL for anti-adipogenic or cytotoxic effects. These results are promising for future drug development but are not directly applicable to over-the-counter herbal preparations 4 6.

Practical Considerations

• Start low, go slow: Given the lack of comprehensive human data, it is advisable to start with lower doses, especially for oral or topical use.
• Monitor for side effects: Discontinue if any adverse reactions develop.
• Consult healthcare providers: Particularly for those with chronic illnesses, taking other medications, or considering use during pregnancy.

Conclusion

Alchemilla, or Lady’s Mantle, is a fascinating herbal remedy with a wide range of scientifically supported benefits and a rich history of traditional use. Here’s a summary of the key points:

• Liver and kidney protection: Substantial evidence supports its use in protecting vital organs from toxin-induced damage 1 5.
• Wound healing: Topical applications, especially hydrogels, accelerate skin repair and wound closure 2.
• Strong antioxidant capacity: High phenolic content underpins many of its protective effects 1 3 5.
• Potential anticancer and anti-obesity benefits: Early research shows promise in cellular models 3 4 6.
• Neuroprotective effects: Animal studies show improved brain function under stress 7.
• Generally well-tolerated: Side effects are rare and mild, but long-term safety is unknown 2.
• Dosage varies by form and purpose: Extracts (100–200 mg/kg), infusions (5 mL/kg), and topical gels are most studied 1 2 4 5 6 7.

As with any herbal supplement, it’s crucial to approach Alchemilla with a blend of respect for tradition and attention to emerging scientific evidence. If considering its use for specific health concerns, consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized advice.