Plant Comparison
Lady’s-mantle vs Tansy
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 Tansy: they share 5 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, inflammation (general), menstrual cramps, …); 2 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Lady’s-mantle | Tansy | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 1/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Menstrual cramps | 1/10 | 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.
Thujone is the neurotoxic, safety-limiting constituent responsible for tansy's real internal-use toxicity.
Contribute to the plant's bitter taste and antimicrobial 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 digestive action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic 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).
CAUTION: Tansy is considered toxic in medicinal doses and is NOT recommended for internal use. Thujone can cause convulsions, liver and kidney damage. Contraindicated in pregnancy (uterotonic and abortifacient). External use (as insect repellent) is generally safe. For information and historical reference only — do not use internally.
Duke (2002) rates tansy as ++ but emphasizes important safety concerns. The plant contains thujone (a neurotoxic ketone) and camphor, making it potentially toxic with internal use. Documented activities include emmenagogue, abortifacient (score 1), and insecticide. Duke strongly cautions against internal use except under professional supervision, noting that historical cases of tansy poisoning have resulted in convulsions and death. Topical use as an insect repellent is safer but should still avoid prolonged skin contact due to the essential oil's sensitizing potential. Strictly contraindicated in pregnancy (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]
Aromatic perennial herb (Asteraceae), 50-120 cm tall, with erect, reddish, ridged stems. Leaves are finely divided, fern-like and strongly camphor-scented. Flat-topped clusters of small, yellow, button-like flower heads lack ray florets (petals).[11]
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 Europe and temperate Asia, widely naturalised elsewhere; grows on roadsides, waste ground, riverbanks and disturbed grassland.[11]
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]
Flowering aerial parts are cut in summer, when in full flower, and dried for external/historical use; given this plant's real toxicity (thujone content) at internal doses, this record does not recommend or describe internal harvesting for medicinal consumption.[11]
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]
Tansy has a long European history as a strewing herb, insect repellent and, historically, an internal vermifuge and emmenagogue, but its thujone and camphor content make internal medicinal use unsafe by modern standards. Today it is used, with caution, mainly as an external insect repellent; the traditional internal uses are recorded here for historical reference only, not as a recommendation.[11]
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
Tansy is NOT recommended for internal use at any dose given its thujone content and documented toxicity (convulsions, liver/kidney damage) - internal use recorded here is for historical reference only. External use (e.g. as an insect repellent) should avoid prolonged skin contact. Educational reference only, not a prescription; strictly avoid in pregnancy.
Dangerous Lookalikes
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
- Kowalonek, J., Stachowiak, N., Bolczak, K. and Richert, A (2023) 'Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Alginate Films Containing Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) Essential Oil', Polymers, 15(2), pp. 260. doi:10.3390/polym15020260 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/polym15020260 - Ak, G., Gevrenova, R., Sinan, K.I., Zengin, G. and others (2021) 'Tanacetum vulgare L. (Tansy) as an effective bioresource with promising pharmacological effects from natural arsenal', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 153, pp. 112268. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2021.112268 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2021.112268 - Paderin, N.M., Saveliev, Y.N. and Popov, S.V (2020) 'The effect of pectin of tansy, Tanacetum vulgare L., on anxiety and overeating food rich in fats and sugars in mice in modelling binge eating', Voprosy Pitaniia, 89(6), pp. 14-22. doi:10.24411/0042-8833-2020-10074 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.24411/0042-8833-2020-10074 - Babich, O., Larina, V., Krol, O., Ulrikh, E. and others (2023) 'In Vitro Study of Biological Activity of Tanacetum vulgare Extracts', Pharmaceutics, 15(2), pp. 616. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15020616 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15020616 - Puk, K. and Guz, L (2021) 'Parasiticidal effects of Tanacetum vulgare extract against Ichthyophthirius multifiliis', Polish Journal of Veterinary Sciences, 24(1), pp. 159-161. doi:10.24425/pjvs.2021.136805 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.24425/pjvs.2021.136805 - Roman, H., Niculescu, A.G., Lazar, V. and Mitache, M.M (2023) 'Antibacterial Efficiency of Tanacetum vulgare Essential Oil against ESKAPE Pathogens and Synergisms with Antibiotics', Antibiotics, 12(11), pp. 1635. doi:10.3390/antibiotics12111635 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics12111635 - Sukele, R., Lauberte, L., Kovalcuka, L., Logviss, K. and others (2023) 'Chemical Profiling and Antioxidant Activity of Tanacetum vulgare L. Wild-Growing in Latvia', Plants, 12(10), pp. 1968. doi:10.3390/plants12101968 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants12101968 - Korpinen, R.I., Valimaa, A.L., Liimatainen, J. and Kunnas, S (2021) 'Essential Oils and Supercritical CO2 Extracts of Arctic Angelica, Marsh Labrador Tea and Common Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare)-Chemical Compositions and Antimicrobial Activities', Molecules, 26(23), pp. 7121. doi:10.3390/molecules26237121 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules26237121 - Jovanovic, M. and Poljacki, M (2003) 'Compositae dermatitis', Medicinski Pregled, 56(1-2), pp. 43-49. doi:10.2298/mpns0302043j Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.2298/mpns0302043j - Rohloff, J., Mordal, R. and Dragland, S (2004) 'Chemotypical variation of tansy (Tanacetum vulgare L.) from 40 different locations in Norway', Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 52(6), pp. 1742-1748. doi:10.1021/jf0352430 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1021/jf0352430 - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Kivilaan, A. and Bandurski, R.S (1981) 'The 1879 Beal seed viability experiment', 68(9), pp. 1290--1292. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%201879%20Beal%20seed%20viability%20experiment - Orav, A., Raal, A. and Arak, E (2006) 'Essential oil composition of Tanacetum vulgare L', 20(12), pp. 1129--1142. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Essential%20oil%20composition%20of%20Tanacetum%20vulgare%20L - 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 - Washington State Noxious Weed Control Board 'Tansy Ragwort (Senecio jacobaea)'. Available at: https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/tansy-ragwort Traditional / reference
https://www.nwcb.wa.gov/weeds/tansy-ragwort - Schneider, J. and Tsegaye, Y. and W/Tensae, M. and G/Selassie, S. and Haile, T. and Bane, A. and Ali, A. and Mesfin, G. and Seboxa, T (2012) 'Veno-occlusive liver disease: a case report', Ethiopian Medical Journal, 50 Suppl 2, pp. 47-51. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22946295/ Clinical study
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22946295/
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.