Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Lady’s-mantle vs Olive
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 Olive: 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 | Olive | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
| Skin irritation | 2/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 5/10 | Stronger for Olive |
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 bioactive phenolics of the leaf, responsible for most of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antihypertensive activity.
Antioxidant flavonoids of the leaf.
Pentacyclic triterpenes of the leaf cuticle and fruit skin, studied for anti-inflammatory and metabolic effects.
The dominant fatty acid of the fruit oil, a key component of the Mediterranean-diet lipid profile.
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 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).
Olive leaf extract may lower blood pressure; use caution if already on antihypertensive medication. May have mild hypoglycaemic effects. Olive oil is safe for dietary use. Rare olive pollen allergy. Well tolerated in normal culinary and supplement doses.
Duke (2002) includes olive leaf as ++ and notes hypotensive, hypoglycemic, ACE inhibitor-like, and antioxidant activities at the experimental level (score 1). Olive leaf extract (containing oleuropein) has demonstrated blood pressure-lowering and antiarrhythmic effects consistent with clinical support (PHR). Duke notes that traditional Mediterranean use for both the leaf and fruit is food-grade and safe. Olive leaf preparations are used as mild antihypertensives in European phytotherapy. No significant adverse effects are reported at standard herbal 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]
Evergreen tree (Oleaceae), typically 3-15 m tall, often gnarled and long-lived, with some specimens surviving for centuries. Leaves are narrow, leathery, lance-shaped, dark green above and silvery-grey beneath. Small, fragrant, creamy-white four-lobed flowers are borne in axillary clusters, followed by a fleshy drupe (the olive) that ripens from green to purple-black.[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 the Mediterranean basin, the Near East and parts of Africa, and cultivated for millennia across Mediterranean-type climates worldwide (warm, dry summers and mild winters); tolerates poor, rocky, calcareous soils and drought.[1]
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]
Leaves can be harvested year-round from pruned or fallen branches, generally at their highest oleuropein content in late autumn and winter; fruit is hand- or machine-harvested from early autumn (green olives) through winter (fully ripe black olives), depending on the intended product.[10]
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]
Olive leaf and fruit have a long Mediterranean tradition as a tonic, antipyretic and mild antihypertensive remedy, and olive oil is the foundation fat of the traditional Mediterranean diet, long associated with cardiovascular health. Modern research on oleuropein and other leaf polyphenols supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, blood-pressure-lowering and insulin-sensitising effects consistent with these traditional and dietary uses.[1, 4, 7]
Preparations
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
A meta-analysis of trials for blood pressure used around 500 mg/day of standardised olive leaf extract. Educational reference only, not a prescription; culinary olive oil and leaf tea are considered food-safe at normal dietary amounts.
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Olive leaf and black seed (Nigella sativa) can each mildly lower blood pressure, so taking them together — especially alongside blood-pressure medicines — may add up and lower blood pressure more than expected. Monitor your blood pressure.[11, 18]
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
- Omar, S.H., Kerr, P.G., Scott, C.J., Hamlin, A.S. and others (2017) 'Olive (Olea europaea L.) Biophenols: A Nutriceutical against Oxidative Stress in SH-SY5Y Cells', Molecules, 22(11), pp. 1858. doi:10.3390/molecules22111858 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules22111858 - Ruzzolini, J., Peppicelli, S., Andreucci, E., Bianchini, F. and others (2018) 'Oleuropein, the Main Polyphenol of Olea europaea Leaf Extract, Has an Anti-Cancer Effect on Human BRAF Melanoma Cells and Potentiates the Cytotoxicity of Current Chemotherapies', Nutrients, 10(12), pp. 1950. doi:10.3390/nu10121950 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10121950 - Al-Rimawi, F., Sbeih, M., Amayreh, M., Rahhal, B. and others (2024) 'Evaluation of the antibacterial and antifungal properties of oleuropein, Olea europaea leaf extract, and Thymus vulgaris oil', BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 24(1), pp. 297. doi:10.1186/s12906-024-04596-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-024-04596-x - Qabaha, K., Al-Rimawi, F., Qasem, A. and Naser, S.A (2018) 'Oleuropein Is Responsible for the Major Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Olive Leaf Extract', Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(3), pp. 302-305. doi:10.1089/jmf.2017.0070 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2017.0070 - Pang, K.L., Lumintang, J.N. and Chin, K.Y (2021) 'Thyroid-Modulating Activities of Olive and Its Polyphenols: A Systematic Review', Nutrients, 13(2), pp. 529. doi:10.3390/nu13020529 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu13020529 - Kheirandish, F., Mosaffa, N., Tarahi, M.J. and Fallahi, S (2018) 'Olive (Olea europaea) leaf extract alters the cytokine profile of Leishmania major-infected macrophages: New insight into the underlying mechanism', Parasite Immunology, 40(4), pp. e12520. doi:10.1111/pim.12520 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1111/pim.12520 - de Bock, M., Derraik, J.G., Brennan, C.M., Biggs, J.B. and others (2013) 'Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in middle-aged overweight men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial', PLoS One, 8(3), pp. e57622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 - Pasban-Aliabadi, H., Esmaeili-Mahani, S., Sheibani, V., Abbasnejad, M. and others (2013) 'Inhibition of 6-hydroxydopamine-induced PC12 cell apoptosis by olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract is performed by its main component oleuropein', Rejuvenation Research, 16(2), pp. 134-142. doi:10.1089/rej.2012.1384 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1089/rej.2012.1384 - Imperatrice, M., Lasfar, A., van Kalkeren, C.A.J. and Troost, F (2024) 'Olive Leaf Extract Supplementation Improves Postmenopausal Symptoms: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Parallel Study on Postmenopausal Women', Nutrients, 16(22), pp. 3879. doi:10.3390/nu16223879 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu16223879 - de Bock, M., Thorstensen, E.B., Derraik, J.G., Henderson, H.V. and others (2013) 'Human absorption and metabolism of oleuropein and hydroxytyrosol ingested as olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf extract', Molecular Nutrition & Food Research, 57(11), pp. 2079-2085. doi:10.1002/mnfr.201200795 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/mnfr.201200795 - Ismail, M.A., Norhayati, M.N. and Mohamad, N (2021) 'Olive leaf extract effect on cardiometabolic profile among adults with prehypertension and hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis', PeerJ, 9, pp. e11173. doi:10.7717/peerj.11173 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.11173 - Boskov Hansen, H.C. et al (2012) 'Oleocanthal, a phenolic derived from virgin olive oil: a review of the beneficial effects on inflammatory disease', 13(9), pp. 11628--11670. doi:10.3390/ijms150712323 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms150712323 - Wainstein, J. et al (2012) 'Olive leaf extract as a hypoglycemic agent in both human diabetic subjects and in rats', 15(7), pp. 605--610. doi:10.1089/jmf.2011.0243 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1089/jmf.2011.0243 - Waterman, E. and Lockwood, B (2007) 'Active components and clinical applications of olive oil', 12(4), pp. 331--342. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Active%20components%20and%20clinical%20applications%20of%20olive%20oil - 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 - de Bock, M., Derraik, J.G.B., Brennan, C.M., Biggs, J.B., Morgan, P.E., Hodgkinson, S.C., Hofman, P.L. and Cutfield, W.S (2013) 'Olive (Olea europaea L.) leaf polyphenols improve insulin sensitivity in middle-aged overweight men: a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover trial', PLoS One, 8(3), pp. e57622. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0057622 - 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 - Sahebkar, A., Soranna, D., Liu, X., Thomopoulos, C., Simental-Mendia, L.E., Derosa, G., Maffioli, P. and Parati, G (2016) 'A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of supplementation with Nigella sativa (black seed) on blood pressure', Journal of Hypertension, 34(11), pp. 2127-2135. doi:10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1097/HJH.0000000000001049
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.