Lady's Mantle

Alchemilla

Alchemilla is a plant traditionally associated with European herbal medicine, particularly in Germany. It has been used for various purposes such as treating wounds and skin conditions, though specific traditional uses are not well-documented. Scientific studies have shown mixed results; an ethyl acetate extract of Alchemilla vulgaris demonstrated efficacy comparable to or better than PTU and kojic acid in depigmenting zebrafish embryos, indicating potential for skin lightening applications. Additionally, biosynthesized silver nanoparticles from the plant showed antibacterial properties, while methanolic extracts exhibited antioxidant and enzyme inhibitory activities. However, these findings are preliminary and require further investigation to confirm their relevance to human health. No significant safety concerns or drug interactions have been reported, but more research is needed to fully understand its potential benefits and risks.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Ethyl acetate extract of Alchemilla vulgaris was found to be more effective and less toxic than PTU and kojic acid for depigmenting zebrafish embryos. D PMID
  • Hot water extraction was more effective than maceration for extracting polyphenols from most of the studied plant species. D PMID
  • Biosynthesized AgNPs-Av inhibited bacterial growth and biofilm formation at 50 μg/mL, while subinhibitory ampicillin concentrations showed partial biofilm-eradication activity. D PMID
  • The study found that the methanolic extract of Alchemilla alpina exhibited antioxidant, enzyme inhibitory, receptor modulatory, and moderate cytotoxic properties. D PMID
  • The study found that N-acetylcarnosine-loaded gold nanoparticles synthesized from Alchemilla vulgaris showed enhanced antioxidant activity and improved lens optical clarity in ex-vivo cataractous lenses. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Lady's Mantle?

Lady's Mantle (Alchemilla) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Lady's Mantle?

5 sourced findings are recorded for Lady's Mantle; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Ethyl acetate extract of Alchemilla vulgaris was found to be more effective and less toxic than PTU and kojic acid for depigmenting zebrafish embryos.

How strong is the evidence for Lady's Mantle?

The strongest finding for Lady's Mantle carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Lady's Mantle safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Lady's Mantle in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Lady's Mantle interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Lady's Mantle in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Lady's Mantle?

Lady's Mantle is also known as: Манжетка, alchémille.

Is Lady's Mantle a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 The Influence of Water Extraction Methods on the Isolation of Polyphenols and Tannins from Various Ericaceae and Rosaceae Species. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Green-synthesized N-acetylcarnosine-loaded gold nanoparticles as a novel ocular nanocarrier for antioxidant therapy and cataract prevention. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Effect of Biosynthesized Gold and Silver Nanoparticles Using Alchemilla vulgaris Extract and Their Synergistic Action with Subinhibitory Concentrations of Ampicillin Against Staphylococci. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Bioactivities of Alchemilla alpina L. Extract on Women's Reproductive and Metabolic Health: Antioxidant, Enzyme Inhibitory, Receptor Modulatory Properties and Potential Cytotoxic Effects. literature abstract metadata
  5. T2 A Safe Natural Alternative to Phenylthiourea: Ethyl Acetate Extract of Alchemilla vulgaris for Zebrafish Embryo Depigmentation. literature abstract metadata