Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Lady’s-mantle vs Wild Cherry Bark
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 Wild Cherry Bark: both belong to the Rosaceae family; they share 2 indicated uses (cancer (anticancer research), menstrual cramps); 1 pharmacological action in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lady’s-mantle | Wild Cherry Bark | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Menstrual cramps | 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.
Releases trace hydrogen cyanide that calms the cough reflex - the basis of both the antitussive action and the safety caution.
Astringent and aromatic supporting constituents.
Bio-guided fractionation of the bark identified naringenin and trimethoxy-benzene/benzoic-acid compounds; the bark extract also showed antiparasitic (cysticidal) activity in laboratory studies.
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
Antispasmodic for bronchial cough and bronchitis (eases spasm of the airways)
inferred from anticancer action
Antispasmodic for bronchial cough and bronchitis (eases spasm of the airways); Antitussive - calms a persistent dry, irritating cough (prunasin quietens the cough reflex)
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic 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).
Contains cyanogenic compounds: use only properly dried, prepared bark and avoid large or prolonged doses (fresh bark has a higher toxic content). It suppresses the cough reflex, so it suits dry, unproductive coughs - not productive coughs where mucus needs clearing.
Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding because of the cyanogenic glycosides.
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]
Deciduous tree (Rosaceae), 15-30 m tall, with dark, scaly, aromatic bark that has a distinctive bitter-almond smell when cut or crushed (from cyanogenic compounds). Leaves are glossy dark green, elliptical and finely toothed. Small white flowers are borne in drooping racemes, followed by small, dark purple-black cherries that are edible when fully ripe but otherwise bitter.[12]
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 eastern North America, growing in a wide range of woodland, forest-edge and open habitats on well-drained soils; widely naturalised and, in parts of Europe, considered an invasive tree.[12]
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]
Bark is stripped from the trunk and larger branches, traditionally in autumn, and must be thoroughly dried before use - fresh bark has a much higher cyanogenic-glycoside content and is more toxic.[13]
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]
Wild cherry bark has a long Native American and European settler tradition as a cough remedy, valued specifically for its unusual cough-suppressant action - from the cyanogenic glycoside prunasin, which releases a trace, sedating amount of cyanide that calms the cough reflex. It remains a classic ingredient of traditional cough syrups.[12, 13]
Preparations
Dried leaf and flowering tops infused in hot water, traditionally taken for menstrual complaints and mild digestive upset.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dosage
Not documented
Traditional guidance suggests roughly 1-2 g dried bark per cup as a decoction, up to three times daily, using only properly dried bark; avoid large or prolonged doses given the cyanogenic-glycoside content, and avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
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
- Telichowska, A., Kobus-Cisowska, J. and Szulc, P (2020) 'Phytopharmacological Possibilities of Bird Cherry Prunus padus L. and Prunus serotina L. Species and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals', Nutrients, 12(7), pp. 1966. doi:10.3390/nu12071966 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12071966 - Luna-Vazquez, F.J., Ibarra-Alvarado, C., Rojas-Molina, A., Romo-Mancillas, A. and others (2016) 'Role of Nitric Oxide and Hydrogen Sulfide in the Vasodilator Effect of Ursolic Acid and Uvaol from Black Cherry Prunus serotina Fruits', Molecules, 21(1), pp. 78. doi:10.3390/molecules21010078 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules21010078 - Palomares-Alonso, F., Rojas-Tome, I.S., Palencia Hernandez, G., Jimenez-Arellanes, M.A., Macias-Rubalcava, M.L. and others (2017) 'In vitro and in vivo cysticidal activity of extracts and isolated flavanone from the bark of Prunus serotina: A bio-guided study', Acta Tropica, pp. 1--7. doi:10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.023 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.02.023 - Robakowski, P., Bielinis, E., Stachowiak, J., Mejza, I. and Bulaj, B (2016) 'Seasonal Changes Affect Root Prunasin Concentration in Prunus serotina and Override Species Interactions between P. serotina and Quercus petraea', Journal of Chemical Ecology, 42(3), pp. 202-214. doi:10.1007/s10886-016-0678-y Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10886-016-0678-y - Gallardo-Rivera, C.T., Lu, A., Trevino-Garza, M.Z., Garcia-Marquez, E. and others (2021) 'Valorization of Capulin Almond (Prunus serotina) by Obtaining Bioactive Compounds', Frontiers in Nutrition, 8, pp. 663953. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.663953 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.663953 - Sile, I., Videja, M., Makrecka-Kuka, M., Tirzite, D. and others (2020) 'Chemical composition of Prunus padus L. flower extract and its anti-inflammatory activities in primary bone marrow-derived macrophages', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 268, pp. 113678. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2020.113678 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2020.113678 - Olszewska, M.A. and Kwapisz, A (2011) 'Metabolite profiling and antioxidant activity of Prunus padus L. flowers and leaves', Natural Product Research, 25(12), pp. 1115-1131. doi:10.1080/14786410903230359 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786410903230359 - Santos Pimenta, L.P., Schilthuizen, M., Verpoorte, R. and Choi, Y.H (2013) 'Quantitative analysis of amygdalin and prunasin in Prunus serotina Ehrh. using 1H-NMR spectroscopy', Phytochemical Analysis, 25(2), pp. 122-126. doi:10.1002/pca.2476 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/pca.2476 - Rivero-Cruz, B (2014) 'Simultaneous quantification by HPLC of the phenolic compounds for the crude drug of Prunus serotina subsp. capuli', Pharmaceutical Biology, 52(8), pp. 1015-1020. doi:10.3109/13880209.2013.876054 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3109/13880209.2013.876054 - Yamaguchi, K., Liggett, J.L., Kim, N.C. and Baek, S.J (2006) 'Anti-proliferative effect of horehound leaf and wild cherry bark extracts on human colorectal cancer cells', Oncology Reports, 15(1), pp. 275-281. doi:10.3892/or.15.1.275 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3892/or.15.1.275 - Alvarez-Suarez, J.M., Carrillo-Perdomo, E., Aller, A., Giampieri, F., Gasparrini, M., Gonzalez-Perez, L., Beltran-Ayala, P. and Battino, M (2017) 'Anti-inflammatory effect of Capuli cherry against LPS-induced cytotoxic damage in RAW 264.7 macrophages', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 102, pp. 46-52. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.01.024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.01.024 - Herbal Reality (n.d.) 'Wild Cherry (Prunus serotina): Benefits, Uses, Research'. Available at: https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-cherry/ Traditional / reference
https://www.herbalreality.com/herb/wild-cherry/ - The Herbal Medic (n.d.) 'Wild Cherry Bark (Prunus serotina) - Soothing Herb for Coughs & Lungs'. Available at: https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/wild-cherry-prunus-serotina Traditional / reference
https://theherbalmedic.co.uk/wild-cherry-prunus-serotina
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.