Agrimony
The dried above-ground parts of agrimony are harvested and dried during flowering season. The herb’s astringent properties result from the presence of flavonoids and 4% to 10% condensed tannins. The ethanolic extracts of agrimony are thought to have antiviral properties.
Agrimony is available as a pulverized or powdered herb and as other preparations used to make compresses, gargles, poultices, teas, and various bath preparations. Multiple ingredient preparations include Rhoival, Gall Liver Tablets, NeoGalionorm-Dragees, and Potter’s Piletabs.
Benefits And Uses of Agrimony
Agrimony is used to treat sore throat, inflammation of the mouth and pharynx, inflammation of the skin, and diabetes. It’s also used as an antitumorigenic, cardiotonic, antihistamine, antiasthmatic, diuretic, sedative, dye or flavoring agent, and coagulant for skin rashes or cuts.
Agrimony is probably safe and effective as a mild topical antiseptic or astringent. It may be effective for mild, nonspecific acute diarrhea and gastroenteritis. Historically, agrimony was used to treat gallbladder disorders (in liver and bile teas), tuberculosis, corns and warts, and catarrh (mucous membrane inflammation with discharge).
Administration
- External use: Topical poultices using 10% water extract can be made by boiling agrimony at low heat for 10 to 20 minutes. Poultices may be applied several times daily
- Oral use: Average daily dose is 3 g by mouth.
Side Effects of Agrimony
Short-term use of agrimony in appropriate doses is considered safe. Adverse effects from agrimony may include hypotension, GI upset, constipation, hypoglycemia, and photo dermatitis.
For patients on anticoagulants, high doses of agrimony may influence anticoagulant effects. High doses of agrimony may cause added hypotensive effects in patients taking antihypertensives.
Patients taking both agrimony and either insulin or oral antidiabetics have an increased risk of hypoglycemia. Sun exposure increases the risk of photosensitivity reactions.
Clinical considerations
- Monitor patient taking supratherapeutic doses for GI upset and constipation.
- Monitor diabetic patient for hypoglycemia. Inform him that agrimony may cause hypoglycemia; if he’s taking a conventional antidiabetic, the dosage of that drug may need to be adjusted.
- Monitor blood pressure in patient taking an antihypertensive and high doses of agrimony. Caution him not to exceed recommended doses because high doses may cause hypotension.
- Caution patient that if he delays seeking medical diagnosis and treatment, his condition could worsen.
- Inform female patient that agrimony may affect the menstrual cycle.
- Advise patient that subtherapeutic doses may cause GI upset and constipation.
- Advise patient that long-term use isn’t recommended because of the risk of adverse reactions.
- Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
- Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.
Research summary
The concepts behind the use of agrimony and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.
Tagged under:agrimony anticoagulants antihypertensives catarrh condensed tannins dragees flavonoids Herbs hypoglycemia pharynx skin rashes teas Posted by editor on June 28th, 2007 | Filed under Herbs
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