Lady's Mantle

Scientific Name(s): Alchemilla mollis., Alchemilla vulgaris., Alchemilla xanthochlora.
Common Name(s): Alchemilla, Common lady's mantle, Ladder brake, Lady's mantle, Lion's foot

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 23, 2021.

Clinical Overview

Use

Lady's mantle has been traditionally used both topically and internally as a treatment for wounds, GI complaints, and female ailments (eg, menstrual or menopausal complaints); however, clinical studies are lacking to support these uses. Animal studies do not support the use of lady's mantle in diabetes, and limited studies of use in wound healing have been conducted.

Dosing

Clinical studies are lacking to support specific dosing recommendations for lady's mantle. A gel made from the leaves has been used topically for mouth ulcers. Oral dosages of 5 to 10 g of the herb in 1 L of water daily, or of 2 to 4 mL of the liquid herb extract have been traditionally used for the treatment of diarrhea.

Contraindications

Contraindications have not been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation

Avoid use. Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking.

Interactions

None well documented.

Adverse Reactions

None known with use at low doses.

Toxicology

No data.

Scientific Family

• Rosaceae (rose)

Botany

Alchemilla, an aggregate of species collectively referred to as "lady's mantle," is native to cool, temperate regions of Europe and Asia, with some species cultivated in North America, and grows in meadows, woodland clearings, and pastures. It is a perennial herb that grows up to 40 cm in height and consists of a short rhizome carrying ascending or sprawling stems and large (up to 8 cm in width) circular or kidney-shaped grey-green leaves at the base. The main ribs of the leaf protrude to the lower face and have small teeth at their tips. The inflorescence is a compound terminal cyme of dense clusters of small, yellow-green flowers, with sepals occurring in 2 rings of 4 without petals. The fruit is of the achene type (formed from one carpel). The entire plant is covered in fine, soft, short hairs.1, 2, 3 A synonym is Alchemilla vulgaris.

History

In the Middle Ages, alchemists used rain water or dew collected in the leaf center for its purported magical and medicinal powers, a custom derived from the plant's generic name "alchemilla," which is from the Arabic word "alkimiya," meaning "universal cure for disease." The plant has long been associated with the Virgin Mary due to the shape of its leaf lobes, which resemble the edges of a mantle, and was one of several herbal plants used in wreaths during Corpus Christi celebrations. Traditional uses for lady's mantle include as a mild astringent, anti-inflammatory, antidiarrheal, diuretic, menstrual cycle regulator, treatment for digestive disorders, and relaxant for muscular spasms. Externally, lady's mantle has been widely used in bath preparations, wound healing, skin bruises, and as an herbal cosmetic.2, 3, 4, 5

Chemistry

Lady's mantle, similar to most members of the Rosaceae family, contains flavonoids and phenolic acids, which may account for its antioxidant activity.6, 7, 8, 9 The flavonoids quercetin, rutin, and kaempferol have been identified, as well as the phenols gallic acid and caffeic acid, although concentrations among spec...