Plant Comparison
Lady’s-mantle vs Hawthorn
A side-by-side comparison of two medicinal plants — every documented constituent, action, use, safety note and cited source, assembled automatically from the Omnia Sana database.
At a glance
Lady’s-mantle and Hawthorn: both belong to the Rosaceae family; they share 4 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lady’s-mantle | Hawthorn | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
Evidence scores (1–10) are computed from the tier of each cited source. “Comparable” means the two scores are within one point. Follow a score to its detailed sources.
Key Constituents
Lady's mantle is rich in ellagitannins and other tannins (the basis of its astringency) together with phenolic acids (gallic and caffeic acids) and flavonoids such as quercetin and catechin, which underlie its antioxidant activity.
Principal cardioprotective and antioxidant polyphenols characterised by chemical profiling of leaf, flower and fruit.
Contribute to the vasoactive and antioxidant effects, the basis for extract standardisation.
Pharmacological Actions
Alchemilla vulgaris extracts (aerial parts and root) show antioxidant, genoprotective and antitumor activity against multiple human cancer cell lines (preclinical).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Alchemilla vulgaris extracts suppress the growth of MCF-7, A375, A549, HCT116 (aerial parts) and PC-3, MCF-7, Caco-2 (root) cancer cells via caspase-dependent apoptosis and autophagy, while protecting normal cells (preclinical).
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from sedative action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally considered very safe. One of the gentlest astringent herbs in European herbalism. No significant drug interactions. Tannin content means very high doses should be avoided in sensitive stomachs. Not significantly contraindicated in pregnancy at normal herbal tea doses, but medicinal doses should be used cautiously.
Duke (2002) rates lady's mantle as ++ and notes astringent, angioprotective, anti-inflammatory, and vulnerary activities at the experimental level (score 1). The plant is rich in tannins and is traditionally used for diarrhea, wound healing, and as a mild gynecological tonic. Duke notes its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as experimentally supported. No significant safety concerns are noted at usual herbal doses; the plant is generally well-tolerated (Duke, 2002).
Generally well tolerated. Hawthorn should not replace prescribed cardiac medications without medical supervision. May potentiate the effects of cardiac glycosides (digoxin), antihypertensive drugs, and coronary dilators. Not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Mild side effects (nausea, dizziness, GI upset) occasionally reported.
Duke (2002) rates hawthorn as +++ — one of the most clinically supported cardiovascular herbs. Clinical evidence (score 2) supports its use for decreasing cardiac output (NYHA functional Stage II heart failure), as recognized by Commission E. Key activities include vasodilation, positive inotropic effects, and antioxidant protection of vascular tissue. Dose: 160–900 mg standardized leaf/flower extract (containing 18.75% oligomeric proanthocyanidins) daily. Duke emphasizes that hawthorn should not replace conventional heart failure therapy, and therapeutic effects may take 4–8 weeks to emerge. Mild interactions with cardiac glycosides (digitalis) are possible (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Low, clump-forming perennial herb with distinctive rounded, softly hairy leaves divided into 7-11 shallow, scalloped, toothed lobes, fanning out like a cloak (giving the genus name Alchemilla, 'little alchemist', after the dew drops that collect in the leaf centre, once prized by alchemists). Tiny, petal-less, yellow-green flowers are borne in loose, branching clusters above the foliage.[14]
Small deciduous tree or large shrub, densely thorny, with deeply lobed, glossy leaves (more deeply cut than midland hawthorn). Clusters of small, five-petalled white flowers with a strong, musky scent appear in spring ('May blossom'), followed by small red berries (haws), each containing a single seed (nutlet) - the origin of the species name monogyna.[4]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, pastures, mountain grassland, streamsides and open woodland, typically on moist, nutrient-rich soils; native to Europe and parts of temperate Asia, favouring cooler upland and northern regions.[14]
One of the commonest hedgerow and scrub trees of Europe, growing in hedgerows, woodland edges, scrub and pasture on a wide range of soils; native to Europe, North Africa and Western Asia.[4]
Harvesting
The leaves and flowering tops are gathered in summer while the plant is in flower, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[14]
Flowers are picked as they open in May, leaves are picked with the young flowering shoots, and the ripe red berries (haws) are gathered in autumn after the first frosts soften them slightly; all three parts are traditionally combined.[4]
Traditional Uses
Lady's mantle has long been used in European herbal medicine as a gentle astringent for menstrual complaints and as a mild gynaecological tonic, and topically for minor wounds and skin inflammation, reflecting its tannin-rich astringent character.[15]
Common hawthorn shares the same long cardiovascular and calming tradition as midland hawthorn, used across European herbal medicine as a heart tonic for mild circulatory complaints, palpitations and nervous tension, and remains one of the most clinically studied cardiovascular botanicals.[4]
Preparations
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
The EU herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore gives dry extracts in divided daily doses of 240-900 mg (single dose 80-450 mg) or, for one quantified extract, 570-1750 mg daily (single dose 190-350 mg), in adults and elderly. If symptoms persist longer than 2 weeks a doctor should be consulted, and hawthorn is never used as a substitute for prescribed heart medication without medical supervision. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
The EU herbal monograph gives 1-2 g of the comminuted leaf and flower in 150 mL of boiling water as an infusion, up to 4 times daily (maximum 6 g daily), in adults and elderly. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
References & Sources
- Jelaca, S., Jovanovic, I., Bovan, D., Jovanovic, M.Z., Jurisevic, M.M., Dundjerovic, D. and others (2024) 'Dual Role of Alchemilla vulgaris L. Extract in Breast Cancer Regression: Reestablishment of Effective Immune Response', Pharmaceuticals, 17(3). doi:10.3390/ph17030286 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17030286 - Jelaca, S., Jovanovic, I., Bovan, D., Pavlovic, S., Gajovic, N., Dundjerovic, D. and others (2024) 'Antimelanoma Effects of Alchemilla vulgaris: A Comprehensive In Vitro and In Vivo Study', Diseases, 12(6). doi:10.3390/diseases12060125 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/diseases12060125 - Kanak, S., Krzeminska, B., Celinski, R., Bakalczuk, M. and Dos Santos Szewczyk, K (2022) 'Phenolic composition and antioxidant activity of Alchemilla species', Plants, 11(20), pp. 2709. doi:10.3390/plants11202709 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11202709 - Jakimiuk, K. and Tomczyk, M (2023) 'A review of the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and clinical evidence for the use of the genus Alchemilla (Rosaceae)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 320, pp. 117439. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.117439 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.117439 - Jelaca, S., Dajic-Stevanovic, Z., Vukovic, N., Kolasinac, S., Trendafilova, A., Nedialkov, P. and others (2022) 'Beyond Traditional Use of Alchemilla vulgaris: Genoprotective and Antitumor Activity In Vitro', Molecules, 27(23). doi:10.3390/molecules27238113 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27238113 - Anajirih, N., Abdeen, A., Taher, E.S., Abdelkader, A., Abd-Ellatieff, H.A., Gewaily, M.S. and others (2024) 'Alchemilla vulgaris modulates isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity: interplay of oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis', Frontiers in Pharmacology. doi:10.3389/fphar.2024.1394557 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2024.1394557 - Karaoglan, E.S., Bayir, Y., Albayrak, A., Toktay, E., Ozgen, U., Kazaz, C., Kahramanlar, A. and Cadirci, E (2020) 'Isolation of major compounds and gastroprotective activity of Alchemilla on indomethacin induced gastric ulcers in rats', Eurasian Journal of Medicine, 52(3), pp. 249-253. doi:10.5152/eurasianjmed.2020.19243 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.5152/eurasianjmed.2020.19243 - Vlaisavljevic, S., Jelaca, S., Zengin, G., Mimica-Dukic, N., Berezni, S., Miljic, M. and Dajic Stevanovic, Z (2019) 'Alchemilla vulgaris agg. (Lady's mantle) from central Balkan: antioxidant, anticancer and enzyme inhibition properties', RSC Advances, 9(64), pp. 37474--37483. doi:10.1039/c9ra08231j Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1039/c9ra08231j - Kupeli Akkol, E., Demirel, M.A., Bahadir Acikara, O., Suntar, I., Ergene, B., Ilhan, M., Ozbilgin, S., Saltan, G., Keles, H. and Tekin, M (2015) 'Phytochemical analyses and effects of Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. and Alchemilla persica Rothm. in rat endometriosis model', Archives of Gynecology and Obstetrics, 292(3), pp. 619-628. doi:10.1007/s00404-015-3665-6 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00404-015-3665-6 - Dos Santos Szewczyk, K., Pietrzak, W., Klimek, K., Grzywa-Celinska, A., Celinski, R. and Gogacz, M (2022) 'LC-ESI-MS/MS identification of biologically active phenolics in different extracts of Alchemilla acutiloba Opiz', Molecules, 27(3), pp. 621. doi:10.3390/molecules27030621 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27030621 - Ozbek, H., Acikara, O.B., Keskin, I., Kirmizi, N.I., Ozbilgin, S., Oz, B.E., Kurtul, E., Ozrenk, B.C., Tekin, M. and Saltan, G (2016) 'Evaluation of hepatoprotective and antidiabetic activity of Alchemilla mollis', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 86, pp. 172-176. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.005 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2016.12.005 - Krivokuca, M., Niketic, M., Milenkovic, M., Golic, N., Masia, C., Scaltrito, M.M., Sisto, F. and Kundakovic, T (2015) 'Anti-Helicobacter pylori activity of four Alchemilla species (Rosaceae)', Natural Product Communications, 10(8), pp. 1369-1371. doi:10.1177/1934578x1501000814 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1501000814 - Duckstein, S.M., Lotter, E.M., Meyer, U., Lindequist, U. and Stintzing, F.C (2013) 'Phenolic constituents from Alchemilla vulgaris L. and Alchemilla mollis (Buser) Rothm. at different dates of harvest', Zeitschrift fur Naturforschung C, 68(1-2), pp. 529-540. doi:10.1515/znc-2012-11-1201 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1515/znc-2012-11-1201 - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism: The Science and Practice of Herbal Medicine'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism%3A%20The%20Science%20and%20Practice%20of%20Herbal%20Medicine - Pauli, A. and Schilcher, H (2012) 'In vitro antimicrobial activities of essential oils monographed in the European Pharmacopoeia 6th edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=In%20vitro%20antimicrobial%20activities%20of%20essential%20oils%20monographed%20in%20the%20European%20Pharmacopoeia%206th%20edition - Ibrahim, O.H.M. and Abo-Elyousr, K.A.M. and Asiry, K.A. and Alhakamy, N.A. and Mousa, M.A.A (2022) 'Phytochemical Characterization, Antimicrobial Activity and In Vitro Antiproliferative Potential of Alchemilla vulgaris Auct Root Extract against Prostate (PC-3), Breast (MCF-7) and Colorectal Adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) Cancer Cell Lines', Plants, 11(16), pp. 2140. doi:10.3390/plants11162140 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11162140 - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition
- Ez-Zahra Amrati, F., Mssillou, I., Boukhira, S., Djiddi Bichara, M. et al (2024) 'Phenolic Composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq. Extract and Its Anti-Inflammatory, Hepatoprotective, and Antileukemia Effects', Pharmaceuticals (Basel), 17(6), pp. 786. doi:10.3390/ph17060786 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/ph17060786 - Lis, M., Szczypka, M., Suszko-Pawłowska, A., Sokół-Łętowska, A. et al (2019) 'Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) Phenolic Extract Modulates Lymphocyte Subsets and Humoral Immune Response in Mice', Planta Medica, 86(2), pp. 160-168. doi:10.1055/a-1045-5437 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1045-5437 - Paun, G., Neagu, E., Albu, C., Alecu, A. et al (2024) 'Antioxidant and Antidiabetic Activity of Crataegus monogyna L. and Cornus mas Fruit Extracts', Molecules, 29(15), pp. 3595. doi:10.3390/molecules29153595 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules29153595 - Nabavi, S.F., Habtemariam, S., Ahmed, T., Sureda, A., Daglia, M. and Sobarzo-Sanchez, E (2015) 'Polyphenolic Composition of Crataegus monogyna Jacq.: From Chemistry to Medical Applications', Nutrients, 7(9), pp. 7708-7728. doi:10.3390/nu7095361 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu7095361 - Belabdelli, F., Bekhti, N., Piras, A., Benhafsa, F.M., Ilham, M. and Adil, S (2021) 'Chemical composition, antioxidant and antibacterial activity of Crataegus monogyna leaves' extracts', Natural Product Research, 36(12), pp. 3234-3239. doi:10.1080/14786419.2021.1958215 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2021.1958215 - Jalali, A.S., Hasanzadeh, S. and Malekinejad, H (2012) 'Crataegus monogyna aqueous extract ameliorates cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in rat testis: stereological evidences', Acta Medica Iranica, 50(1), pp. 1-8. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Crataegus%20monogyna%20aqueous%20extract%20ameliorates%20cyclophosphamide-induced%20toxicity%20in%20rat%20testis%3A%20stereological%20evidences - Martin-Garcia, B., Razola-Diaz, M.D.C., Gomez-Caravaca, A.M., Benitez, G. and Verardo, V (2021) 'Setup of an Ultrasonic-Assisted Extraction to Obtain High Phenolic Recovery in Crataegus monogyna Leaves', Molecules, 26(15), pp. 4536. doi:10.3390/molecules26154536 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26154536 - Arslan, R., Bektas, N., Bor, Z. and Sener, E (2014) 'Evaluation of the antithrombotic effects of Crataegus monogyna and Crataegus davisii in the carrageenan-induced tail thrombosis model', Pharmaceutical Biology, 53(2), pp. 275-279. doi:10.3109/13880209.2014.914957 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2014.914957 - Edwards, J.E., Brown, P.N., Talent, N., Dickinson, T.A. and Shipley, P.R (2012) 'A review of the chemistry of the genus Crataegus', Phytochemistry, 79, pp. 5-26. doi:10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.04.006 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phytochem.2012.04.006 - Jarzycka, A., Lewinska, A., Gancarz, R. and Wilk, K.A (2013) 'Assessment of extracts of Helichrysum arenarium, Crataegus monogyna, Sambucus nigra in photoprotective UVA and UVB; photostability in cosmetic emulsions', Journal of Photochemistry and Photobiology B: Biology, 128, pp. 50-57. doi:10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.07.029 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jphotobiol.2013.07.029 - Lucconi, G., Chlapanidas, T., Martino, E., Gaggeri, R., Perteghella, S. and Rossi, D (2013) 'Formulation of microspheres containing Crataegus monogyna Jacq. extract with free radical scavenging activity', Pharmaceutical Development and Technology, 19(1), pp. 65-72. doi:10.3109/10837450.2012.752387 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/10837450.2012.752387 - Zorniak, M., Szydlo, B. and Krzeminski, T.F (2017) 'Crataegus special extract WS 1442: up-to-date review of experimental and clinical experiences', Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology, 68(4), pp. 521-526. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Crataegus%20special%20extract%20WS%201442%3A%20up-to-date%20review%20of%20experimental%20and%20clinical%20experiences - European Medicines Agency (2016) 'European Union herbal monograph on Crataegus spp., folium cum flore'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=European%20Union%20herbal%20monograph%20on%20Crataegus%20spp.%2C%20folium%20cum%20flore - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Hawthorn%20extract%20for%20treating%20chronic%20heart%20failure - Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (n.d.). Available at: https://powo.science.kew.org Traditional / reference
https://powo.science.kew.org - Duke, J.A (2002) 'Handbook of Medicinal Herbs, Second Edition'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Handbook%20of%20Medicinal%20Herbs%2C%20Second%20Edition - Tankanow, R., Tamer, H.R., Streetman, D.S., Smith, S.G., Welton, J.L., Annesley, T., Aaronson, K.D. and Bleske, B.E (2003) 'Interaction study between digoxin and a preparation of hawthorn (Crataegus oxyacantha)', Journal of Clinical Pharmacology, 43(6), pp. 637-642. doi:10.1177/0091270003253417 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1177/0091270003253417 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Pittler, M.H., Guo, R. and Ernst, E (2008) 'Hawthorn extract for treating chronic heart failure', Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2008(1), pp. CD005312. doi:10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD005312.pub2 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2024) 'Therapeutic potential of hypnotic herbal medicines: A comprehensive review', Phytotherapy Research, 38(6), pp. 3037-3059. doi:10.1002/ptr.8201 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.8201 - Block, K.I., Gyllenhaal, C. and Mead, M.N (2004) 'Safety and efficacy of herbal sedatives in cancer care', Integrative Cancer Therapies, 3(2), pp. 128-148. doi:10.1177/1534735404265003 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735404265003
Generated automatically from the Omnia Sana plant database and its cited sources. For educational purposes only — not medical advice. Always consult a qualified practitioner before using medicinal plants.