Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L., Rosaceae): A review of traditional uses, phytochemical profile, and biological properties

Abstract

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris L. syn. Alchemilla xanthochlora Rothm., Rosaceae) has been commonly used in folk medicine to heal inflammations in the mouth, bleeding of the nose, furuncules, gynaecological (menorrhagia and dysmenorrhoea), and gastrointestinal disorders. Although therapeutic indications for lady's mantle are non-specific diarrhoea and gastrointestinal complaints, it has been reported to exert, as well, a variety of biological activities, including wound healing, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, gastroprotective, cytotoxic, and antioxidant. Lady's mantle presents a valuable source of natural bioactive compounds, mostly phenolic compounds - a large amount of tannins, phenolcarboxylic acids, and flavonoids, being responsible for the abovementioned effects. In this work, a literature review of biological properties, investigated in in vitro and in vivo experiments in regard to the determined chemical profile is presented. In addition, the data reported are discussed, and the directions for further investigations are proposed.

Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro

“…Compound 36 was identified as quercetin 3- O -acetylglucoside due to the presence of a molecular ion [M − H] − at m / z 505 and a product ion at m / z 300 (loss of an acetylglucosyl unit, 205 Da). Quercetin ( 40 ) and its glycosides ( 9 , 24 – 26 , 29 , and 32 ) have been described as components of A. vulgaris [ 11 , 15 , 19 ]. Guaijaverin ( 31 ), diglycosides ( 20 , 21 ), and quercetin 3- O -acetylglucoside ( 36 ) are described for the first time as components of A. vulgaris .…”

“…The upper parts of the plant were reported for treating diabetes, multiple sclerosis, anemia, ulcers, hernias, gynecological and abdominal disorders, wounds, rashes, and inflammations [ 7 , 8 ]. In Southeast Europe and the Balkans, Alchemilla species are used for gynecological, menstrual, and menopausal complaints; respiratory infections; diarrhea; diabetes; kidney and liver diseases; weight loss; skin disorders; and different inflammatory conditions [ 9 , 10 , 11 ].…”

“…In addition, this medicinal plant exhibits antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral properties [ 10 , 11 ]. In the context of bacterial resistance to antibiotics, plant drugs and extracts are considered potent antibacterial agents without the risk of a further increase in resistance to standard antimicrobial agents [ 12 ].…”

Physiological Performance, Antioxidant and Immune Status, Columnaris Resistance, and Growth of Nile Tilapia That Received Alchemilla vulgaris-Supplemented Diets

“…In addition, the MDA level and MPO activity were decreased with increasing AVP dietary supplementation. The abovementioned antioxidant effects of AVP could be attributed to its natural bioactive compounds, mostly phenolic compounds, including tannins, phenolcarboxylic acids, and flavonoids [ 67 ]. Whereas, Vlaisavljević et al [ 66 ] quantified twenty-six phenolic compounds in AVP-enriched diets and detected its richness in quercetin, catechin, hexoside, apigenin, luteolin, gallic, and caffeic acids, which are proven to play major roles in protecting against oxidative stress.…”

Phenolic Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Alchemilla Species

“…Simultaneously, mono-substance therapies are becoming less and less popular. Moreover, a gradual development of drugs that activate natural defense and protective as well as repair mechanisms instead of impairing disadvantageous agents (such as cancer cells and microorganisms) can be observed [ 60 ].…”