Meadowsweet

Generic name: Filipendula Ulmaria (L.) Maxim.
Brand names: Bridewort, Dropwort, Lady Of The Meadow, Meadowsweet, Queen Of The Meadow

Usage of Meadowsweet

Antioxidant

Animal and in vitro data

Aqueous and ethanolic extracts of the above-ground parts of meadowsweet were found to possess antioxidant activity.(Shilova 2006) In a murine model, 100 mg/kg of meadowsweet extract given intragastrically for 5 days was found to possess antioxidant properties as well as hepatoprotective effects. The extract in 70% ethanol had the most potent effects with the lowest toxicity.(Shilova 2006) In rats, systemic toxicities induced by chronic exposure to nano-calcium phosphate compounds (ie, hydroxyapatite, tricalcium phosphate, amorphous calcium phosphate) that are used in biomedicine for bone substitution and in numerous dental treatments was significantly reduced with administration of F. ulmaria. Significant alterations in serum calcium, lipid status, Testosterone levels, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, testicular tissue, and pro-apoptotic markers was significantly improved by not only a decrease in reactive oxygen species induced by F. ulmaria, but also by increased antioxidant capacity.(Scepanovic 2021) Neuroprotective effects of F. ulmariahave also been reported to result from its antioxidant activities.(Arsenijevic 2021, Arsenijevic 2021).

Bacteriostatic effects

In vitro data

Bacteriostatic activity from meadowsweet flower extracts includes actions against Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, EscheriChia coli, Proteus vulgaris, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa.(Newall 1996) The salicylic acid in the plant is a known disinfectant used to treat ailments such as skin diseases.(Duke 2001) Meadowsweet is also a urinary antiseptic.(Zeylstra 1998) Another study found meadowsweet to inhibit the growth of Helicobacter pylori.(Cwikla 2010) Meadowsweet did not demonstrate antiadhesive activity against Campylobacter jejuni.(Bensch 2011)

Cancer

Animal data

Local administration of a meadowsweet decoction resulted in a 39% decrease in the frequency of induced squamous cell carcinoma of the cervix and vagina in mice; 67% of mice had a positive response.(Peresun'ko 1993)

Clinical data

Meadowsweet was found to exert cytotoxic effects on cultured human lymphoblastoid Raji cells.(Spiridonov 2005)

CNS

Animal data

Anxiolytic(Arsenijevic 2021) as well as antidepressant and cognitive improvement(Arsenijevic 2021) have been demonstrated with administration of F. ulmaria in animal models. Neurotoxic effects of nano-calcium phosphate compounds that produced anxiogenic responses in rats were significantly reduced and/or reversed by antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects of F. ulmaria extract supplementation (P<0.05).(Arsenijevic 2021) Similarly, the prodepressant effects and spatial memory impairment induced by administration of nano-calcium phosphate compounds was prevented with administration of F. ulmaria extract supplementation in rats (P<0.05).(Arsenijevic 2021)

Gout

In vitro data

The nonglycosylated flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol extracted from F. ulmaria aerial parts demonstrated strong xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity with respective IC50 values of 1.07 and 3.7 microg/mL, whereas the glycosylated flavonoid spiraeoside exhibited very strong activity (IC50 0.31 microg/mL) that was greater than the positive control (allopurinol, IC50 of 2.9 microg/mL).(Gainche 2021)

Ulcers

The plant is used as a digestive remedy for acid indigestion or peptic ulcers. It protects the inner lining of the stomach while providing the anti-inflammatory benefits of salicylates.(Chevalier 1996)

Animal data

A reduction in ulcerogenic action has been documented in rats, promoting the healing of induced chronic ulcers and preventing acetylsalicylic acid–induced lesions in the stomach.(Barnaulov 1980) However, meadowsweet has been reported to potentiate ulcerogenic properties in animals.(Newall 1986)

Miscellaneous

Meadowsweet had no effect on glycemic control when studied in mice for treatment of diabetes.(Swanson-Flatt 1989)

A heparin-plant protein complex in meadowsweet was found to have anticoagulant and fibrinolytic properties.(Kudriashov 1991) Meadowsweet flowers and seeds demonstrated an increased level of anticoagulant activity in vitro and in vivo in another report.(Liapina 1993) In vitro complement inhibition from the plant's flowers has been studied.(Halkes 1997)

The tannins in the plant possess astringent properties. Root preparations have been used in the treatment of diarrhea.(Newall 1996, Duke 2001)

Meadowsweet has been used as a sedative and to soothe nerves.(Duke 2001) Reduction of motor activity and potentiation of narcotic action has been observed in animals given the herb.(Newall 1996)

Meadowsweet side effects

Meadowsweet may possibly cause GI bleeding. A case report describes a 4-year-old boy admitted with hypovolemic shock caused by severe GI bleeding. Specifically, he experienced dark stools with episodes of hematemesis the day before admission. Findings from an esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed hiatus hernia, erosions and ulceration of the lower esophagus, and a small duodenal erosion. Two days prior to admission, he received an herbal syrup containing meadowsweet along with several other herbals for a mild cold and began bleeding that evening. The child recovered after discontinuation of the product.(Moro 2011) Another case report described a dog that ingested a horse supplement containing meadowsweet and willow. Following its ingestion, the dog experienced acute weakness, hematemesis, melena, a painful abdomen, and pale mucosal membranes. The supplement was speculated to be the cause of the dog's GI bleeding.(Rohner 2004)

Before taking Meadowsweet

Documented adverse effects. Uteroactivity from meadowsweet has been observed in vitro; avoid administration during pregnancy and lactation.(Newall 1996)

How to use Meadowsweet

Doses of 2.5 to 3.5 g/day of flower and 4 to 5 g of herb are considered conventional; however, no clinical trials support the safety or efficacy of these dosages.(Blumenthal 2000)

Warnings

The Complete German Commission E Monographs lists no known contraindications (except in people with salicylate sensitivity) for meadowsweet.(Blumenthal 2000) The US Food and Drug Administration has classified the plant as an herb of undefined safety.(Duke 2001) Use caution because of the toxicity profile of salicylates. Methylsalicylate can be absorbed through the skin, resulting in fatalities, especially in children.(Newall 1996, Duke 2001) Bronchospasm has been documented with the use of the plant; therefore, use with caution in patients with asthma.

What other drugs will affect Meadowsweet

Because meadowsweet contains salicylates, it may increase the risk of bleeding when given concomitantly with antiplatelet, or anticoagulant drugs, with NSAIDs, or with any herbals with antiplatelet properties.(Abebe 2002, Heck 2000, Roumie 2004)

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