Plant Comparison
Lady’s-mantle vs Turmeric
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 Turmeric: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), …); 3 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lady’s-mantle | Turmeric | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 3/10 | Stronger for Turmeric |
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.
The principal yellow-orange pigments and best-studied bioactive compounds, responsible for most of turmeric's anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity; oral bioavailability is low unless combined with piperine or a lipid carrier.
Aromatic sesquiterpenes (including turmerone) contributing to fragrance and additional bioactivity.
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 gastroprotective action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antidiabetic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory 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 very safe in culinary quantities. High-dose curcumin supplements may cause gastrointestinal upset. May interact with anticoagulants (warfarin), antidiabetic drugs, and acid-suppressing medications. Avoid very high doses during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Rarely causes allergic reactions.
Duke (2002) rates turmeric as +++ with clinical evidence (score 2) for anti-inflammatory activity, consistent with Commission E and WHO approvals. Curcumin is the primary bioactive compound with well-documented anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-aggregant, and hepatoprotective effects. Duke notes Commission E approval for dyspeptic complaints. Dose: 1.5–3 g dried rhizome powder daily. A major pharmacological consideration is bioavailability: curcumin alone has low absorption, but combining with piperine (black pepper) increases bioavailability by up to 2000%. Contraindicated in bile duct obstruction; use with caution in gallstones and during pregnancy at medicinal doses (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]
Rhizomatous perennial herb with large, broad, lance-shaped leaves arising directly from the underground rhizome in a clump. Pale yellow flowers are borne in a dense spike partly hidden among pale green to pink upper bracts. The branching, knobbly rhizome has a bright orange-yellow interior, the source of turmeric spice and dye.[1]
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]
Native to South Asia (India) and Southeast Asia; cultivated extensively in warm, humid tropical climates on well-drained, fertile soils.
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]
The rhizomes are dug at the end of the growing season, typically 8-10 months after planting, when the leaves have died back; they are cleaned, boiled or steamed, then dried and often ground into the familiar yellow powder.
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]
Turmeric rhizome is a cornerstone spice and medicine of Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine, used for millennia as an anti-inflammatory, digestive and wound-healing remedy and valued as a golden dye; its curcuminoid-rich rhizome is now among the most extensively researched botanicals for inflammatory and joint conditions, directly building on this traditional reputation.[1, 13]
Preparations
Dried leaf and flowering tops infused in hot water, traditionally taken for menstrual complaints and mild digestive upset.
Rhizome extract standardised to curcuminoid content, often combined with piperine (black pepper extract) to improve absorption, taken as capsules; the form used in most clinical arthritis and inflammation studies.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
Clinical trials in arthritis commonly use around 1000-1500 mg of curcumin (or curcuminoid-standardised extract) daily, in divided doses, often combined with piperine. 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
- Zeng, L., Yang, T., Yang, K., Yu, G. et al (2022) 'Efficacy and Safety of Curcumin and Curcuma longa Extract in the Treatment of Arthritis: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials', Frontiers in Immunology, 13, pp. 891822. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.891822 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.891822 - Zeng, L., Yu, G., Hao, W., Yang, K. and Chen, H (2021) 'The efficacy and safety of Curcuma longa extract and curcumin supplements on osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Bioscience Reports, 41(6), pp. BSR20210817. doi:10.1042/BSR20210817 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1042/BSR20210817 - Marton, L.T., Pescinini-E-Salzedas, L.M., Camargo, M.E.C., Barbalho, S.M. et al (2021) 'The Effects of Curcumin on Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review', Frontiers in Endocrinology, 12, pp. 669448. doi:10.3389/fendo.2021.669448 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fendo.2021.669448 - Kocaadam, B. and Sanlier, N (2017) 'Curcumin, an active component of turmeric (Curcuma longa), and its effects on health', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 57(13), pp. 2889-2895. doi:10.1080/10408398.2015.1077195 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2015.1077195 - Vaughn, A.R., Branum, A. and Sivamani, R.K (2016) 'Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) on skin health: a systematic review of the clinical evidence', Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), pp. 1243-1264. doi:10.1002/ptr.5640 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5640 - Soleimani, V., Sahebkar, A. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its major constituent (curcumin) as nontoxic and safe substances: review', Phytotherapy Research, 32(6), pp. 985-995. doi:10.1002/ptr.6054 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6054 - Zeng, L., Yang, T., Yang, K., Yu, G., Li, J., Xiang, W. and Chen, H (2022) 'Curcumin and Curcuma longa extract in the treatment of 10 types of autoimmune diseases: a systematic review and meta-analysis of 31 randomized controlled trials', Frontiers in Immunology, 13, pp. 896476. doi:10.3389/fimmu.2022.896476 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fimmu.2022.896476 - Razavi, B.M., Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2021) 'A review of therapeutic potentials of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its active constituent, curcumin, on inflammatory disorders, pain, and their related patents', Phytotherapy Research, 35(12), pp. 6489-6513. doi:10.1002/ptr.7224 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.7224 - Memarzia, A., Khazdair, M.R., Behrouz, S., Gholamnezhad, Z., Jafarnezhad, M., Saadat, S. and Boskabady, M.H (2021) 'Experimental and clinical reports on anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory effects of Curcuma longa and curcumin, an updated and comprehensive review', BioFactors, 47(3), pp. 311-350. doi:10.1002/biof.1716 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/biof.1716 - Jurenka, J.S (2009) 'Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research', Alternative Medicine Review, 14(2), pp. 141-153. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Anti-inflammatory%20properties%20of%20curcumin%2C%20a%20major%20constituent%20of%20Curcuma%20longa%3A%20a%20review%20of%20preclinical%20and%20clinical%20research - Hosseini, A. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2018) 'Antidotal or protective effects of Curcuma longa (turmeric) and its active ingredient, curcumin, against natural and chemical toxicities: a review', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 99, pp. 411-421. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.072 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.072 - Araujo, C.C. and Leon, L.L (2001) 'Biological activities of Curcuma longa L', Memorias do Instituto Oswaldo Cruz, 96(5), pp. 723-728. doi:10.1590/s0074-02762001000500026 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1590/s0074-02762001000500026 - Aggarwal, B.B. and Harikumar, K.B (2009) 'Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin, the anti-inflammatory agent, against neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, pulmonary, metabolic, autoimmune and neoplastic diseases', 41(1), pp. 40--59. doi:10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocel.2008.06.010 - Shoba, G. et al (1998) 'Influence of piperine on the pharmacokinetics of curcumin in animals and human volunteers', 64(4), pp. 353--356. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957450 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957450 - WHO (1999) 'WHO Monographs on Selected Medicinal Plants'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=WHO%20Monographs%20on%20Selected%20Medicinal%20Plants - 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 - Liu, A.C., Zhao, L.X. and Lou, H.X (2013) 'Curcumin alters the pharmacokinetics of warfarin and clopidogrel in Wistar rats but has no effect on anticoagulation or antiplatelet aggregation', Planta Medica, 79(11), pp. 971-977. doi:10.1055/s-0032-1328652 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1328652 - Tian, J., Feng, B. and Tian, Z (2022) 'The Effect of Curcumin on Lipid Profile and Glycemic Status of Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis', Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 2022, pp. 8278744. doi:10.1155/2022/8278744 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1155/2022/8278744 - Willcox, M.L., Elugbaju, C., Al-Anbaki, M., Lown, M. and Graz, B (2021) 'Effectiveness of Medicinal Plants for Glycaemic Control in Type 2 Diabetes: An Overview of Meta-Analyses of Clinical Trials', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 777561. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.777561 - Altobelli, E., Angeletti, P.M., Marziliano, C., Mastrodomenico, M., Giuliani, A.R. and Petrocelli, R (2021) 'Potential therapeutic effects of curcumin on glycemic and lipid profile in uncomplicated type 2 diabetes: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials', Nutrients, 13(2), pp. 404. doi:10.3390/nu13020404 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020404
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.