Plant Comparison
Bay-leaf willowherb vs Water avens
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
Bay-leaf willowherb and Water avens: they share 5 indicated uses (cancer (anticancer research), infection (general), inflammation (general), …); 4 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Bay-leaf willowherb | Water avens | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Skin irritation | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 1/10 | 2/10 | 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
Characteristic Epilobium polyphenols underlying the anti-inflammatory and prostate activity; a genus review identifies oenothein B as the dominant constituent and likely driver of the antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and antioxidant effects.
Antioxidant constituents.
Sterols associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia support.
Hydrolysable ellagitannins - the dominant astringent constituents of water avens.
Additional hydrolysable and condensed tannins contributing to the astringent, antidiarrhoeal and elastase-inhibiting activity.
Ellagic acid and ellagic-acid glycosides (antioxidant; precursors of anti-inflammatory urolithins in the gut).
Gallic acid and galloyl derivatives (antioxidant, antimicrobial).
Antioxidant flavonol glycosides.
Triterpenoid saponins and aglycones.
The root essential oil is dominated by eugenol, giving the clove-like scent (shared with clove) and antiseptic, mild-anaesthetic character.
Pharmacological Actions
Astringent hydrolysable tannins; traditional remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery.
Inhibits prostaglandin biosynthesis; ellagitannin-derived urolithins are anti-inflammatory.
Geum (avens) extracts show antineoplastic and skin antineoplastic activity in vitro (preclinical).
Antiviral activity of avens (Geum) extract in vitro (congener).
Neuroprotective activity of water avens polyphenol fractions.
Avens root extract showed antidiabetic (glucose-lowering) activity in vivo (congener G. urbanum).
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
Antibacterial, including against Escherichia coli (urinary support); Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
Supports lower urinary tract symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate support) - a genus Epilobium review notes traditional BPH use attributed mainly to oenothein B, though clinical evidence is not yet conclusive
inferred from anticancer action
Astringent (tannin) antidiarrhoeal; traditional remedy for diarrhoea and dysentery.
Root decoction used traditionally as a gargle/mouthwash for mouth ulcers and spongy gums; antimicrobial.
inferred from astringent/antimicrobial gargle use
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from astringent/antimicrobial action and traditional wound-wash use
inferred from anti-inflammatory/antimicrobial skin activity
Avens root showed antidiabetic activity in vivo (congener).
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Lower urinary tract / prostate symptoms must be medically assessed first to exclude prostate cancer; willowherb is a supportive measure, not a substitute for diagnosis and treatment.
Well tolerated over three months in clinical use; longer-term safety data are limited.
The root and herb are rich in tannins; large or prolonged doses may cause digestive upset or constipation and can reduce the absorption of iron and some medicines - take apart from iron supplements and other drugs.
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy and lactation.
In-vivo toxicity testing of avens (Geum) extract showed a favourable profile at the doses studied, but high-dose or long-term safety is not established.
External Ids
Botanical Description
Slender, softly hairy perennial herb with narrow, lance-shaped leaves and small, four-petalled, pale pink to lilac flowers with a notched tip, borne singly in the upper leaf axils. After flowering, long, narrow seed pods split to release cottony-tufted seeds, typical of the willowherb genus.[13]
A perennial herb of the rose family, 20-60 cm tall, growing from a thick, reddish, aromatic rhizome that smells of cloves when broken (from its eugenol content) - the source of the name 'chocolate root'. The basal leaves are pinnate with a large terminal lobe, forming a rosette. Its distinctive flowers are nodding (drooping) bells with dull purple-pink to orange sepals and cream-to-pink petals, quite unlike the erect open yellow flowers of its relative wood avens (Geum urbanum). The fruit is a rounded head of achenes, each with a hooked, feathery style that clings to fur and clothing.[1, 9]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, ditches, streamsides and waste ground on moist soils; native to Europe and temperate Asia.[13]
Damp ground: wet meadows, marshes, streamsides, ditches, fens and damp woodland across Europe, western Asia and North America. It favours moist, base-rich soils. Unlike wood avens (Geum urbanum), a plant of dry hedgerows and shade, water avens grows in wet, open places.[1]
Harvesting
The flowering aerial parts are cut in summer while in flower, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[13]
The reddish rhizome/root is the main medicinal part, dug in spring or autumn and dried carefully to preserve its clove-scented, eugenol-bearing, tannin-rich qualities; the aerial flowering parts are gathered in summer. The root has historically been used both as an astringent medicine and as a flavouring (a coffee/chocolate substitute and to flavour ale).[5, 9]
Traditional Uses
Small-flowered willowherb, along with related Epilobium species, has a Central European folk tradition as a supportive remedy for lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and prostatitis, and as an antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory herb for minor infections; the traditional prostate-support use is attributed mainly to its oenothein B content, though robust clinical evidence remains limited.[13]
Water avens shares the astringent, tannin-based traditional medicine of the avens (Geum) genus. The clove-scented root has been used as an astringent for diarrhoea, dysentery and other bowel complaints, as a gargle and mouth wash for sore throat, mouth ulcers and spongy gums, and as a wash for wounds and skin inflammation. It was also valued as an aromatic bitter tonic and, historically, a febrifuge, and the fragrant root was used to flavour ale and as a coffee/chocolate substitute (hence 'chocolate root').[8, 9]
Preparations
Dried flowering herb infused in hot water as a traditional urinary and prostate-support tea.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives 1.5-2.0 g of the comminuted herb in 250 mL of boiling water as an infusion, twice daily, in adults and elderly; long-term use is possible. Lower urinary tract or prostate symptoms should always be medically assessed first, and the monograph directs that a doctor be consulted if fever, spasms, blood in the urine, painful urination or urinary retention occur. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Not documented
References
Lookalikes Review
Synonyms
Not documented
Drug Class Interactions
Not documented
Pairings
Not documented
Classic Rosaceae astringent pairing: both are tannin-rich roots traditionally combined for diarrhoea and as mouth/throat gargles.[8]
Rosaceae astringents rich in hydrolysable tannins, traditionally used together for diarrhoea, sore throat and as gargles.[8]
References & Sources
- Vitalone, A. and Allkanjari, O (2018) 'Epilobium spp: Pharmacology and Phytochemistry', Phytotherapy Research, 32(7), pp. 1229-1240. doi:10.1002/ptr.6072 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6072 - Cicero, A.F.G., Allkanjari, O., Busetto, G.M., Cai, T. et al (2019) 'Nutraceutical treatment and prevention of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostate cancer', Archivio Italiano di Urologia e Andrologia, 91(3), pp. 139-152. doi:10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.4081/aiua.2019.3.139 - Vlase, A.M., Toiu, A., Gligor, O., Muntean, D. et al (2024) 'Investigation of Epilobium hirsutum L. Optimized Extract's Anti-Inflammatory and Antitumor Potential', Plants (Basel), 13(2), pp. 198. doi:10.3390/plants13020198 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants13020198 - Granica, S., Piwowarski, J.P., Czerwinska, M.E. and Kiss, A.K (2014) 'Phytochemistry, pharmacology and traditional uses of different Epilobium species (Onagraceae): a review', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 316--346. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.036 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.08.036 - Ramstead, A.G., Schepetkin, I.A., Quinn, M.T. and Jutila, M.A (2012) 'Oenothein B, a cyclic dimeric ellagitannin isolated from Epilobium angustifolium, enhances IFN-gamma production by lymphocytes', PLoS One, 7(11), pp. e50546. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0050546 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0050546 - Kiss, A.K., Bazylko, A., Filipek, A., Granica, S., Jaszewska, E., Kiarszys, U., Kosmider, A. and Piwowarski, J (2011) 'Oenothein B's contribution to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of Epilobium sp', Phytomedicine, 18(7), pp. 557-560. doi:10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.016 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2010.10.016 - Schepetkin, I.A., Kirpotina, L.N., Jakiw, L., Khlebnikov, A.I., Blaskovich, C.L., Jutila, M.A. and Quinn, M.T (2009) 'Immunomodulatory activity of oenothein B isolated from Epilobium angustifolium', Journal of Immunology, 183(10), pp. 6754-6766. doi:10.4049/jimmunol.0901827 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4049/jimmunol.0901827 - Ducrey, B., Marston, A., Gohring, S., Hartmann, R.W. and Hostettmann, K (1997) 'Inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase and aromatase by the ellagitannins oenothein A and oenothein B from Epilobium species', Planta Medica, 63(2), pp. 111-114. doi:10.1055/s-2006-957624 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-957624 - Schepetkin, I.A., Ramstead, A.G., Kirpotina, L.N., Voyich, J.M., Jutila, M.A. and Quinn, M.T (2016) 'Therapeutic potential of polyphenols from Epilobium angustifolium (fireweed)', Phytotherapy Research, 30(8), pp. 1287-1297. doi:10.1002/ptr.5648 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.5648 - Merighi, S., Travagli, A., Tedeschi, P., Marchetti, N. and Gessi, S (2021) 'Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Epilobium parviflorum, Melilotus officinalis and Cardiospermum halicacabum plant extracts in macrophage and microglial cells', Cells, 10(10), pp. 2691. doi:10.3390/cells10102691 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10102691 - Hevesi Toth, B., Blazics, B. and Kery, A (2009) 'Polyphenol composition and antioxidant capacity of Epilobium species', Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis, 49(1), pp. 26-31. doi:10.1016/j.jpba.2008.09.047 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpba.2008.09.047 - Vitalone, A., McColl, J., Thome, D., Costa, L.G. and Tita, B (2003) 'Characterization of the effect of Epilobium extracts on human cell proliferation', Pharmacology, 69(2), pp. 79-87. doi:10.1159/000072360 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1159/000072360 - Steenkamp, V., Gouws, M.C., Gulumian, M., Elgorashi, E.E. and van Staden, J (2005) 'Studies on antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity of herbal remedies used in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia and prostatitis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, pp. 2005. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 Traditional / reference
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2015) 'European Union herbal monograph on Epilobium angustifolium L. and/or Epilobium parviflorum Schreb., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-european-union-herbal-monograph-epilobium-angustifolium-l-andor-epilobium-parviflorum-schreb-herba_en.pdf - Coulson, S., Rao, A., Beck, S.L., Steels, E., Gramotnev, H. and Vitetta, L (2013) 'A phase II randomised double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating the efficacy and safety of ProstateEZE Max: a herbal medicine preparation (containing Epilobium parviflorum) for the management of symptoms of benign prostatic hypertrophy', Complementary Therapies in Medicine. doi:10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2013.01.007
- Orlova, A. and Kysil, E. and Tsvetkova, E. and Meshalkina, D. and Whaley, A. and Whaley, A.O. and Laub, A. and Francioso, A. and Babich, O. and Wessjohann, L.A. and Mosca, L. and Frolov, A. and Povydysh, M (2022) 'Phytochemical Characterization of Water Avens (Geum rivale L.) Extracts: Structure Assignment and Biological Activity of the Major Phenolic Constituents', Plants (Basel), 11(21), pp. 2859. doi:10.3390/plants11212859 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants11212859 - Owczarek, A. and Gudej, J (2013) 'Investigation into biologically active constituents of Geum rivale L', Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica, 70(1), pp. 111-114. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Investigation%20into%20biologically%20active%20constituents%20of%20Geum%20rivale%20L. - Panizzi, L. and Catalano, S. and Miarelli, C. and Cioni, P.L. and Campeol, E (2000) 'In vitro antimicrobial activity of extracts and isolated constituents of Geum rivale', Phytotherapy Research, 14(7), pp. 561-563. doi:10.1002/1099-1573(200011)14:7<561::aid-ptr651>3.0.co;2-h Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/1099-1573(200011)14:7<561::aid-ptr651>3.0.co;2-h - Ming, D. and Jiang, R. and But, P.P. and Towers, G.H.N. and Yu, D (2002) 'A new compound from Geum rivale L', Journal of Asian Natural Products Research, 4(3), pp. 217-220. doi:10.1080/10286020290024022 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/10286020290024022 - Owczarek, A. and Gudej, J. and Kicel, A (2013) 'Composition of essential oil from aerial and underground parts of Geum rivale and G. urbanum growing in Poland', Natural Product Communications, 8(4), pp. 505-508. doi:10.1177/1934578x1300800425 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1177/1934578x1300800425 - Bunse, M. and Lorenz, P. and Stintzing, F.C. and Kammerer, D.R (2021) 'Insight into the Secondary Metabolites of Geum rivale L. and Geum urbanum L. Seeds (Rosaceae)', Plants (Basel), 10(6), pp. 1219. doi:10.3390/plants10061219 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/plants10061219 - Tunon, H. and Olavsdotter, C. and Bohlin, L (1995) 'Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of some Swedish medicinal plants. Inhibition of prostaglandin biosynthesis and PAF-induced exocytosis', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 48(2), pp. 61-76. doi:10.1016/0378-8741(95)01285-l Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/0378-8741(95)01285-l - Lamaison, J.L. and Carnat, A. and Petitjean-Freytet, C (1990) 'Tannin content and inhibiting activity of elastase in Rosaceae', Annales Pharmaceutiques Francaises, 48(6), pp. 335-340. Meta-analysis / review
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Tannin%20content%20and%20inhibiting%20activity%20of%20elastase%20in%20Rosaceae - Blinova, K.F (1954) 'Anatomical structure of Geum urbanum and Geum rivale and localization of tannins', Aptechnoe Delo, 3(2), pp. 30-35. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Anatomical%20structure%20of%20Geum%20urbanum%20and%20Geum%20rivale%20and%20localization%20of%20tannins - Kosmala, M. and Milala, J. and Karlinska, E (2025) 'Ellagitannins and Other Polyphenols Along with Dietary Components of the Rosaceae Medicinal Plants', Molecules, 30(23), pp. 4574. doi:10.3390/molecules30234574 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules30234574 - Bunse, M. and Mailander, L.K. and Lorenz, P. and Stintzing, F.C. and Kammerer, D.R (2022) 'Evaluation of Geum urbanum L. Extracts with Respect to Their Antimicrobial Potential', Chemistry and Biodiversity, 19(2), pp. e202100850. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202100850 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202100850 - Gunther, I. and Rimbach, G. and Nevermann, S. and Neuhauser, C. and Stadlbauer, V. and Schwarzinger, B. and Schwarzinger, C. and Ipharraguerre, I.R. and Weghuber, J. and Luersen, K (2021) 'Avens Root (Geum urbanum L.) Extract Discovered by Target-Based Screening Exhibits Antidiabetic Activity in the Hen's Egg Test Model', Frontiers in Pharmacology, 12, pp. 794404. doi:10.3389/fphar.2021.794404 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2021.794404 - Zaharieva, M.M. and Dimitrova, L.L. and Philipov, S. and Nikolova, I. and Vilhelmova, N. and Grozdanov, P. and Nikolova, N. and Popova, M. and Bankova, V. and Konstantinov, S.M. and Zheleva-Dimitrova, D. and Najdenski, H.M (2021) 'In Vitro Antineoplastic and Antiviral Activity and In Vivo Toxicity of Geum urbanum L. Extracts', Molecules, 27(1), pp. 245. doi:10.3390/molecules27010245 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27010245 - Dimitrova, L. and Zaharieva, M.M. and Tserovska, L. and Popova, M. and Bankova, V. and Najdenski, H (2025) 'Inhibition of the MRSA Biofilm Formation and Skin Antineoplastic Activity of Ethyl Acetate Roots and Aerial Parts Extracts from Geum urbanum L', Antibiotics (Basel), 14(7), pp. 627. doi:10.3390/antibiotics14070627 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antibiotics14070627 - Dimitrova, L. and Zaharieva, M.M. and Popova, M. and Kostadinova, N. and Tsvetkova, I. and Bankova, V. and Najdenski, H (2017) 'Antimicrobial and antioxidant potential of different solvent extracts of the medicinal plant Geum urbanum L', Chemistry Central Journal, 11(1), pp. 113. doi:10.1186/s13065-017-0343-8 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13065-017-0343-8 - Ton That, Q. and Nguyen Thien, T.V. and Dang, H.P. and Le Hoan, N. and Vo, L.K.T. and Nguyen, M.H.D. and Ngu, N.T. and Nguyen, T.S. and Hansen, P.E (2018) 'Chemical constituents of Geum urbanum L. roots', Natural Product Research, 32(21), pp. 2529-2534. doi:10.1080/14786419.2018.1425844 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/14786419.2018.1425844 - Piwowarski, J.P. and Granica, S. and Zwierzynska, M. and Stefanska, J. and Schopohl, P. and Melzig, M.F. and Kiss, A.K (2014) 'Role of human gut microbiota metabolism in the anti-inflammatory effect of traditionally used ellagitannin-rich plant materials', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 155(1), pp. 801-809. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.032 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2014.06.032
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.