| YARROW HEALTH BENEFITS AND SIDE EFFECTS |
Yarrow [Achillea millefolium]
Yarrow grows in Europe, North America, and Asia. A number of species
are used as garden ornamentals. The aerial parts of yarrow are used
in herbal medicine. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is believed to benefit
diarrhea and high blood pressure. [1]
Ingredients of Yarrow
Yarrow contains cholesterol, campesterol, sesquiterpenoids and
triterpenes. [2]
Potential Health Benefits of Yarrow
Yallow contains a volatile oil rich in sesquiterpene lactones, and
alkamides. In vitro studies, the oil was found to have anti-inflammatory
properties. [7,8] It also possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties in vitro. The oil showed antimicrobial activity against
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans,
Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii and Candida krusei.
Eucalyptol, camphor, alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, and borneol were
found to be the principal components. The oil strongly reduced the
diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical and exhibited hydroxyl radical
scavenging effect in the Fe(3+)-EDTA-H(2)O(2) deoxyribose system. It
also inhibited the nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation of rat liver
homogenate. The polar phase of the extract showed antioxidant
activity. [11]
Japanese researchers found three sesquiterpenoids, achimillic acids A,
B and C showed anti-tumor activities. These compounds were active
against mouse P-388 leukemia cells in vivo. [5]
Different species from the Achillea millefolium aggregate have been
used against gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary disorders in traditional
European medicine. Researchers from University of Vienna, Austria,
prepared different fractions from yarrow. They found that yarrow
fractions could increased bile flow in isolated perfused rat liver. The
ingredients are believed to be extracted into teas and tinctures, and
contribute the choleretic benefits in the traditional application forms of
yarrow. [12]
The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (yarrow) was found to have
hepatoprotective effect against d-galactosamine and
lipopolysaccharide induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect
in isolated gut preparations. Co-administration of d-galactosamine (700
mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre-
treatment of animals with the extract reduced the mortality to 40%.
Histopathological study showed improved architecture, absence of
parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic
cells in the liver of the treated animals. [13]
Aqueous extract of flowers of yarrow showed anxiolytic effects on
female Wistar rats during late proestrus or diestrus. Researchers
believed this activities could be related to its influence on the estrous
cycle. Definitely, more studies are needed to confirm this potential
benefits. [15]
Side Effects of Yarrow
Yarrow Extract was reportedly used in some cosmetic formulations. In
clinical testing, product formulations containing 0.1% to 0.5% of
ingredient that actually contained 2% of Yarrow Extract were generally
not irritating. [6]
However, cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been described
since 1899. [3-4,9] In a study of rats, it was found that yarrow, when
administered to rats at 56 times the human dose, was associated with
the side effects of reduced fetal weight and increased placental weight.
it must be concluded that the consumption of yarrow is contraindicated
during pregnancy. [1,10]
Yarrow may alter estrogen activities. In vitro assay, based on
recombinant MCF-7 cells, showed estrogenic activity in a crude extract
of the aerial parts of A. millefolium (yarrow). After fractionation of the
crude extract with increasing polar solvents, estrogenic activity was
found in the methanol/water fraction. Researchers from Universita degli
Studi di Padova, Italy, found that apigenin and luteolin from yarrow had
a high ability to activate alpha or beta estrogen receptors (ERalpha,
ERbeta) of transiently transfected cells. [13]
Researchers from Universidade Federal do Parana, Brazil, observed a
significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm in the male
rats treated with the highest dose of yarrow extract, though they did not
notice signs of toxicity. [14] While, researchers from Institute of Biology,
UNICAMP, Brazil observed increased number of metaphases in the
germ epithelium in yarrow flowers extract-treated mice. [15] Thus, long
term use of high doses of yarrow extract can be dangerous.
Warning
Yarrow should not be used to treat large, deep, or infected wounds, all
of which require medical attention. Do not take yarrow, if you are
pregnant.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. DO NOT TAKE ANY SUPPLEMENT WITHOUT
DOCTOR'S CONSULTATION. ALL RIGHT RESERVED ZHION 2006.
[1] Boswell-Ruys CL, Preliminary screening study of reproductive outcomes after exposure to
yarrow in the pregnant rat.Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003 Oct;68(5):416-20. [2]
Chandler RF, et al, Herbal remedies of the Maritime Indians: sterols and triterpenes of Achillea
millefolium L. (Yarrow).J Pharm Sci. 1982 Jun;71(6):690-3 [3] Hausen BM, et al, alpha-
Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones from yarrow (Achillea
millefolium L., Compositae).Contact Dermatitis. 1991 Apr;24(4):274-80.[4] Rucker G, et al,
Peroxides as plant constituents. 8. Guaianolide-peroxides from yarrow,Achillea millefolium L.,
a soluble component causing yarrow dermatitis Arch Pharm (Weinheim). 1991 Dec;324(12):
979-81.[5] Tozyo T, et al, Novel antitumor sesquiterpenoids in Achillea millefolium. Chem
Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1994 May;42(5):1096-100.[6] Final report on the safety assessment of
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Extract.Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 2:79-84. [7] Zitterl-Eglseer
K, Jurenitsch J, Korhammer S, et al. Sesquiterpene lactones of Achillea setacea with
antiphlogistic activity. Planta Med 1991;57:444–6. [8] Muller-Jakic B, Breu W, Probstle A, et
al. In vitro inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase by alkamides from Echinacea and
Achillea species. Planta Med 1994;60:37–40. [9] McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg
A. American Herbal Products AssociationÂ’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1997, 3. [10] McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal
Products AssociationÂ’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 3.
School of Natural Product Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur
University, Kolkata 700032, India. [11] Candan F, et al, Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan.
(Asteraceae).J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Aug;87(2-3):215-20. [12] Benedek B, et al, Choleretic
effects of yarrow (Achillea millefolium s.l.) in the isolated perfused rat liver.Phytomedicine.
2005 Nov 19 [13] Yaeesh S, et al, Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium
antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium.Phytother Res.
2006 Jul;20(7):546-51. [13] Innocenti G, et al, In vitro estrogenic activity of Achillea
millefolium L.Phytomedicine. 2006 Jul 20 [14] Dalsenter PR, et al,Reproductive evaluation of
aqueous crude extract of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) in Wistar rats.Reprod Toxicol.
2004 Aug-Sep;18(6):819-23. [15] Montanari T, et al,Antispermatogenic effect of Achillea
millefolium L. in mice. Contraception. 1998 Nov;58(5):309-13.[15] Molina-Hernandez M, et al,
Anticonflict actions of aqueous extracts of flowers of Achillea millefolium L. vary according to
the estrous cycle phases in Wistar rats. Phytother Res. 2004 Nov;18(11):915-20.
Yarrow grows in Europe, North America, and Asia. A number of species
are used as garden ornamentals. The aerial parts of yarrow are used
in herbal medicine. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is believed to benefit
diarrhea and high blood pressure. [1]
Ingredients of Yarrow
Yarrow contains cholesterol, campesterol, sesquiterpenoids and
triterpenes. [2]
Potential Health Benefits of Yarrow
Yallow contains a volatile oil rich in sesquiterpene lactones, and
alkamides. In vitro studies, the oil was found to have anti-inflammatory
properties. [7,8] It also possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial
properties in vitro. The oil showed antimicrobial activity against
Streptococcus pneumoniae, Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans,
Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter lwoffii and Candida krusei.
Eucalyptol, camphor, alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, and borneol were
found to be the principal components. The oil strongly reduced the
diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical and exhibited hydroxyl radical
scavenging effect in the Fe(3+)-EDTA-H(2)O(2) deoxyribose system. It
also inhibited the nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation of rat liver
homogenate. The polar phase of the extract showed antioxidant
activity. [11]
Japanese researchers found three sesquiterpenoids, achimillic acids A,
B and C showed anti-tumor activities. These compounds were active
against mouse P-388 leukemia cells in vivo. [5]
Different species from the Achillea millefolium aggregate have been
used against gastrointestinal and hepato-biliary disorders in traditional
European medicine. Researchers from University of Vienna, Austria,
prepared different fractions from yarrow. They found that yarrow
fractions could increased bile flow in isolated perfused rat liver. The
ingredients are believed to be extracted into teas and tinctures, and
contribute the choleretic benefits in the traditional application forms of
yarrow. [12]
The crude extract of Achillea millefolium (yarrow) was found to have
hepatoprotective effect against d-galactosamine and
lipopolysaccharide induced hepatitis in mice and antispasmodic effect
in isolated gut preparations. Co-administration of d-galactosamine (700
mg/kg) and lipopolysaccharide produced 100% mortality in mice. Pre-
treatment of animals with the extract reduced the mortality to 40%.
Histopathological study showed improved architecture, absence of
parenchymal congestion, decreased cellular swelling and apoptotic
cells in the liver of the treated animals. [13]
Aqueous extract of flowers of yarrow showed anxiolytic effects on
female Wistar rats during late proestrus or diestrus. Researchers
believed this activities could be related to its influence on the estrous
cycle. Definitely, more studies are needed to confirm this potential
benefits. [15]
Side Effects of Yarrow
Yarrow Extract was reportedly used in some cosmetic formulations. In
clinical testing, product formulations containing 0.1% to 0.5% of
ingredient that actually contained 2% of Yarrow Extract were generally
not irritating. [6]
However, cases of allergic contact dermatitis have been described
since 1899. [3-4,9] In a study of rats, it was found that yarrow, when
administered to rats at 56 times the human dose, was associated with
the side effects of reduced fetal weight and increased placental weight.
it must be concluded that the consumption of yarrow is contraindicated
during pregnancy. [1,10]
Yarrow may alter estrogen activities. In vitro assay, based on
recombinant MCF-7 cells, showed estrogenic activity in a crude extract
of the aerial parts of A. millefolium (yarrow). After fractionation of the
crude extract with increasing polar solvents, estrogenic activity was
found in the methanol/water fraction. Researchers from Universita degli
Studi di Padova, Italy, found that apigenin and luteolin from yarrow had
a high ability to activate alpha or beta estrogen receptors (ERalpha,
ERbeta) of transiently transfected cells. [13]
Researchers from Universidade Federal do Parana, Brazil, observed a
significant increase in the percentage of abnormal sperm in the male
rats treated with the highest dose of yarrow extract, though they did not
notice signs of toxicity. [14] While, researchers from Institute of Biology,
UNICAMP, Brazil observed increased number of metaphases in the
germ epithelium in yarrow flowers extract-treated mice. [15] Thus, long
term use of high doses of yarrow extract can be dangerous.
Warning
Yarrow should not be used to treat large, deep, or infected wounds, all
of which require medical attention. Do not take yarrow, if you are
pregnant.
THIS ARTICLE IS FOR YOUR REFERENCE ONLY. DO NOT TAKE ANY SUPPLEMENT WITHOUT
DOCTOR'S CONSULTATION. ALL RIGHT RESERVED ZHION 2006.
[1] Boswell-Ruys CL, Preliminary screening study of reproductive outcomes after exposure to
yarrow in the pregnant rat.Birth Defects Res B Dev Reprod Toxicol. 2003 Oct;68(5):416-20. [2]
Chandler RF, et al, Herbal remedies of the Maritime Indians: sterols and triterpenes of Achillea
millefolium L. (Yarrow).J Pharm Sci. 1982 Jun;71(6):690-3 [3] Hausen BM, et al, alpha-
Peroxyachifolid and other new sensitizing sesquiterpene lactones from yarrow (Achillea
millefolium L., Compositae).Contact Dermatitis. 1991 Apr;24(4):274-80.[4] Rucker G, et al,
Peroxides as plant constituents. 8. Guaianolide-peroxides from yarrow,Achillea millefolium L.,
a soluble component causing yarrow dermatitis Arch Pharm (Weinheim). 1991 Dec;324(12):
979-81.[5] Tozyo T, et al, Novel antitumor sesquiterpenoids in Achillea millefolium. Chem
Pharm Bull (Tokyo). 1994 May;42(5):1096-100.[6] Final report on the safety assessment of
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) Extract.Int J Toxicol. 2001;20 Suppl 2:79-84. [7] Zitterl-Eglseer
K, Jurenitsch J, Korhammer S, et al. Sesquiterpene lactones of Achillea setacea with
antiphlogistic activity. Planta Med 1991;57:444–6. [8] Muller-Jakic B, Breu W, Probstle A, et
al. In vitro inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase by alkamides from Echinacea and
Achillea species. Planta Med 1994;60:37–40. [9] McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg
A. American Herbal Products AssociationÂ’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC
Press, 1997, 3. [10] McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A (eds). American Herbal
Products AssociationÂ’s Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997, 3.
School of Natural Product Studies, Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur
University, Kolkata 700032, India. [11] Candan F, et al, Antioxidant and antimicrobial activity
of the essential oil and methanol extracts of Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan.
(Asteraceae).J Ethnopharmacol. 2003 Aug;87(2-3):215-20. [12] Benedek B, et al, Choleretic
effects of yarrow (Achillea millefolium s.l.) in the isolated perfused rat liver.Phytomedicine.
2005 Nov 19 [13] Yaeesh S, et al, Studies on hepatoprotective, antispasmodic and calcium
antagonist activities of the aqueous-methanol extract of Achillea millefolium.Phytother Res.
2006 Jul;20(7):546-51. [13] Innocenti G, et al, In vitro estrogenic activity of Achillea
millefolium L.Phytomedicine. 2006 Jul 20 [14] Dalsenter PR, et al,Reproductive evaluation of
aqueous crude extract of Achillea millefolium L. (Asteraceae) in Wistar rats.Reprod Toxicol.
2004 Aug-Sep;18(6):819-23. [15] Montanari T, et al,Antispermatogenic effect of Achillea
millefolium L. in mice. Contraception. 1998 Nov;58(5):309-13.[15] Molina-Hernandez M, et al,
Anticonflict actions of aqueous extracts of flowers of Achillea millefolium L. vary according to
the estrous cycle phases in Wistar rats. Phytother Res. 2004 Nov;18(11):915-20.
