How does yarrow work?

    Last Updated: October 25, 2023

    While it may not have the same degree of mechanistic evidence behind it as some other herbs, the active components found in yarrow may provide some support for its traditional uses.[1] Yarrow is known to contain the compounds apigenin; luteolin; camphor; borneol; centaureidin; quercetin; 5-hydroxy-3’,4’,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone; thujone; dicaffeoylquinic acid; 1,8-cineole; and chlorogenic acid (among many others).[1][2][3] The antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antispasmodic, estrogenic, pain-reducing, hepatoprotective, and vasodilatory effects of the individual constituents of yarrow are already known, and may explain some of the herb’s purported effects.[1][2][3] Further mechanistic studies are needed to further understand the biological activity and bioavailability of these components when taken together in the whole herb or in an herbal extraction.

    References

    1. ^Ali SI, Gopalakrishnan B, Venkatesalu VPharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties of Achillea millefolium L.: A Review.Phytother Res.(2017-Aug)
    2. ^Strzępek-Gomółka M, Gaweł-Bęben K, Kukula-Koch WSpecies as Sources of Active Phytochemicals for Dermatological and Cosmetic Applications.Oxid Med Cell Longev.(2021)
    3. ^Saeidnia S, Gohari A, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi FA review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea.Daru.(2011)