Plant Comparison
Lady’s-mantle vs Sea buckthorn
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 Sea buckthorn: they share 6 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, bruising, cancer (anticancer research), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lady’s-mantle | Sea buckthorn | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Bruising | 1/10 | 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 |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 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.
Sea buckthorn berries are among the richest natural sources of vitamin C, along with beta-carotene and other carotenoids.
A distinctive fatty-acid profile, particularly rich in palmitoleic acid (omega-7), the basis of the oil's skin- and mucous-membrane-healing reputation.
Antioxidant flavonoids contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory activity.
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 antidiabetic action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from immunomodulator 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).
Berries and juice are safe as food. Seed oil is safe topically and orally in moderate amounts. May have mild anticoagulant effects. May lower blood pressure and blood sugar — use caution with medications. Allergic reactions are rare.
Duke (2002) rates sea buckthorn as +++ and notes antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antiulcer, and vulnerary activities at the experimental level (score 1). The berries are exceptionally rich in vitamins C (one of the highest natural sources) and E, carotenoids, flavonoids, and omega-7 fatty acids (palmitoleic acid). Duke recommends sea buckthorn as a 'food farmacy' — consumed as part of the regular diet for its nutritional-medicinal benefits. Its radioprotective properties have been studied, though without strong clinical validation. No significant safety concerns at food 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]
Thorny, deciduous shrub or small tree with narrow, silvery-grey, willow-like leaves. The plant is dioecious (separate male and female plants); female plants bear dense clusters of small, bright orange-yellow berries tightly packed along the branches, giving a striking display in autumn.[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]
Grows on coastal dunes, riverbanks and disturbed, nutrient-poor or sandy soils; native across temperate Europe and Asia, tolerant of harsh, exposed conditions and cold climates, notably widespread in the Himalayan and Tibetan plateau region.[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]
Berries are hand-picked (often by cutting whole fruiting branches, given the thorns and fragile fruit) in late summer to autumn once ripe; leaves are picked through the growing season, and seeds are separated from pressed fruit for seed oil.[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]
Sea buckthorn has a long Tibetan, Mongolian and traditional Chinese medicine history as a nutritive and healing tonic for respiratory, digestive and skin complaints, and the berries are exceptionally rich in vitamin C and carotenoids; the oil, from both fruit and seed, has a particular traditional and modern reputation for soothing and healing irritated or damaged skin and mucous membranes.[1, 4]
Preparations
References
Lookalikes Review
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
- Liu, L., Wen, T., Xiao, Y., Chen, H. et al (2024) 'Sea buckthorn extract mitigates chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by suppression of ferroptosis via scavenging ROS and blocking p53/MAPK pathways', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 336, pp. 118726. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2024.118726 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2024.118726 - Wen, P., Zhao, P., Qin, G., Tang, S. et al (2018) 'Genotoxicity and teratogenicity of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berry oil', Drug and Chemical Toxicology, 43(4), pp. 391-397. doi:10.1080/01480545.2018.1497047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/01480545.2018.1497047 - Gong, G., Guan, Y.Y., Zhang, Z.L., Rahman, K. et al (2020) 'Isorhamnetin: A review of pharmacological effects', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 128, pp. 110301. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110301 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110301 - Suryakumar, G. and Gupta, A (2011) 'Medicinal and therapeutic potential of Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.)', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 138(2), pp. 268-278. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.09.024 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.09.024 - Pundir, S., Garg, P., Dviwedi, A., Ali, A., Kapoor, V.K., Kapoor, D., Kulshrestha, S., Lal, U.R. and Negi, P (2021) 'Ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry and dermatological effects of Hippophae rhamnoides L.: a review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 266, pp. 113434. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113434 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113434 - Chen, Y., He, W., Cao, H., Wang, Z., Liu, J., Wang, B. and Wang, C (2024) 'Research progress of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) in prevention and treatment of cardiovascular disease', Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, 11, pp. 1477636. doi:10.3389/fcvm.2024.1477636 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2024.1477636 - Ganju, L., Padwad, Y., Singh, R., Karan, D., Chanda, S., Chopra, M.K., Bhatnagar, P., Kashyap, R. and Sawhney, R.C (2005) 'Anti-inflammatory activity of seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) leaves', International Immunopharmacology, 5(12), pp. 1675-1684. doi:10.1016/j.intimp.2005.03.017 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.intimp.2005.03.017 - Yasukawa, K., Kitanaka, S., Kawata, K. and Goto, K (2009) 'Anti-tumor promoters phenolics and triterpenoid from Hippophae rhamnoides', Fitoterapia, 80(3), pp. 164-167. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2009.01.006 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2009.01.006 - Zhu, Y., Wu, M., Li, X., Wang, Y., Li, M. and Zhou, H (2023) 'Flash extraction, characterization, and immunoenhancement activity of polysaccharide from Hippophae rhamnoides Linn', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 20(3), pp. e202200776. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202200776 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202200776 - Zuchowski, J (2023) 'Phytochemistry and pharmacology of sea buckthorn (Elaeagnus rhamnoides; syn. Hippophae rhamnoides): progress from 2010 to 2021', Phytochemistry Reviews, 22(1), pp. 3-33. doi:10.1007/s11101-022-09832-1 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11101-022-09832-1 - Ciesarova, Z., Murkovic, M., Cejpek, K., Kreps, F., Tobolkova, B., Koplik, R., Belajova, E., Kukurova, K., Dasko, L., Panovska, Z., Revenco, D. and Burcova, Z (2020) 'Why is sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) so exceptional? A review', Food Research International, 133, pp. 109170. doi:10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109170 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.foodres.2020.109170 - Ma, X., Yang, W., Kallio, H. and Yang, B (2022) 'Health promoting properties and sensory characteristics of phytochemicals in berries and leaves of sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides)', Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 62(14), pp. 3798-3816. doi:10.1080/10408398.2020.1869921 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/10408398.2020.1869921 - Dvorska, D., Sebova, D., Kajo, K., Kapinova, A., Svajdlenka, E., Goga, M., Frenak, R., Treml, J., Mersakova, S., Strnadel, J., Mazurakova, A., Baranova, I., Halasova, E., Brozmanova, M., Biringer, K., Kassayova, M., Dankova, Z., Smejkal, K., Hornak, S., Mojzis, J., Sadlonova, V., Brany, D., Kello, M. and Kubatka, P (2025) 'Chemopreventive and therapeutic effects of Hippophae rhamnoides L. fruit peels evaluated in preclinical models of breast carcinoma', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 16, pp. 1561436. doi:10.3389/fphar.2025.1561436 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2025.1561436 - Ling, N., Tian, H., Wang, Q., Gao, M., Xu, G., Sun, Y., Song, D., Li, W. and Ji, C (2024) 'Advance in Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationship and application', International Journal of Biological Macromolecules, 270, pp. 132420. doi:10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132420 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2024.132420 - Chodak, A (2014) 'Sea buckthorn — values and medicinal properties', 21(1), pp. 72--75. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Sea%20buckthorn%20%E2%80%94%20values%20and%20medicinal%20properties - Rousi, A (1971) 'The genus Hippophae L.: a taxonomic study', 8(3), pp. 177--227. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20genus%20Hippophae%20L.%3A%20a%20taxonomic%20study - Zuñiga-López, M.C. et al (2021) 'Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) polysaccharides', 26(19). Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Sea%20buckthorn%20%28Hippophae%20rhamnoides%20L.%29%20polysaccharides - 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
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.