Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Meadowsweet vs Scots Pine
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
Meadowsweet and Scots Pine: they share 9 indicated uses (arthritis / joint pain, cancer (anticancer research), infection (general), …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Meadowsweet | Scots Pine | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arthritis / joint pain | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| 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 |
| Swelling / fluid retention | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Urinary support | 1/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Urinary tract infection (UTI) | 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
Historically the source of aspirin's chemical inspiration; provide the plant's analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity, buffered by co-occurring mucilage and tannins.
Antioxidant constituents contributing to the plant's anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective effects.
Contribute to astringency and the characteristic sweet almond-like fragrance.
The needle oil is dominated by monoterpene hydrocarbons, chiefly alpha-pinene, giving the characteristic resinous scent and much of its antimicrobial activity.
The resinous sap/pitch, traditionally used topically for wounds and skin complaints.
The needle is traditionally valued as a source of vitamin C, particularly in winter.
Pharmacological Actions
Traditional & Indicated Uses
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from gastroprotective action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from antispasmodic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from expectorant action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from antimicrobial action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anti-inflammatory action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
inferred from diuretic action
Safety, Cautions & Contraindications
Generally safe in normal culinary and medicinal doses. Avoid in salicylate sensitivity or aspirin allergy. Not recommended for children with viral illnesses (Reye's syndrome risk, as with other salicylate-containing plants). Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Duke (2002) rates meadowsweet as ++ and notes analgesic, antiulcer, antirheumatic, astringent, and anti-aggregant activities at the experimental level (score 1). The plant is historically significant as a precursor to aspirin — salicylate compounds in meadowsweet were originally used to derive acetylsalicylic acid. Unlike aspirin, meadowsweet's salicylates are combined with protective mucilaginous compounds that may reduce gastric irritation. Duke notes that individuals with aspirin (salicylate) sensitivity should avoid meadowsweet; the plant also has anticoagulant properties that may interact with blood-thinning medications (Duke, 2002).
Generally safe in normal amounts. Pine essential oil should not be ingested; topical use only in diluted form. May irritate airways in high concentrations. Allergic reactions to pine pollen and resin are common. Turpentine products are irritant and potentially toxic if ingested.
Duke (2002) rates Scotch pine as + and notes antiseptic, antibacterial (score 1), and bronchospasmolytic activities. Commission E (KOM) and PhEur (PIP) approve pine needle preparations for topical use in rheumatic and neuralgic conditions and for inhalations in upper respiratory catarrh. Duke cautions that pine needle oil should not be inhaled by patients with severe asthma, whooping cough, or laryngospasm. Pine bud preparations are traditionally used for bronchitis and sinus congestion. Dose: 100–200 mg essential oil in ointment or cream for topical use (Duke, 2002).
External Ids
Botanical Description
Tall, moisture-loving perennial herb with pinnately compound leaves, dark green above and whitish-downy beneath, the leaflets sharply toothed. Dense, fluffy, creamy-white flower clusters with a strong, sweet, almond-like fragrance are borne atop reddish, grooved stems.[1]
Evergreen coniferous tree (Pinaceae), 15-35 m tall, with a long, straight trunk at maturity, distinctive orange-red flaking bark in the upper crown and grey-brown fissured bark at the base. Needles are blue-green, borne in pairs (fascicles of two) with a papery basal sheath. Small yellow male cones release pollen in spring; female cones are woody and mature over two years.[11]
Habitat
Grows in damp meadows, marshes, riverbanks, ditches and wet woodland margins; native to Europe and temperate Asia, favouring moist, nutrient-rich ground.[1]
Native across northern and central Europe and Siberia - the most widely distributed pine species in the world - forming extensive boreal and montane forests on poor, sandy or peaty, acidic soils; a pioneer species tolerant of dry, nutrient-poor ground.[11]
Harvesting
The flowering tops, leaf and stem are cut in summer as the flowers open, when the characteristic salicylate content is highest, and dried in a warm, shaded, airy place.[1]
Young shoots ('candles') and needles are gathered in spring; bark is stripped from felled or cultivated trees; resin/sap is tapped from the trunk. Needle-bearing twigs can be cut for tea and for steam distillation of the essential oil year-round.[11]
Traditional Uses
Meadowsweet is historically significant as the plant from which salicylic acid derivatives (the chemical basis of aspirin) were first isolated, and has long been used in European folk medicine as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic and gastroprotective remedy for feverish colds, rheumatic and joint pain, and digestive complaints such as acid reflux and indigestion - notably, its natural mucilage is thought to buffer the gastric irritation associated with isolated salicylates.[1, 4]
Scots pine has a long northern European tradition as a source of resinous, aromatic preparations for respiratory complaints (coughs, bronchitis, catarrh) and topical rheumatic/muscular remedies, and pine-needle tea has traditionally been valued as a vitamin-C-rich winter tonic. Modern research on the needle essential oil supports antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and expectorant activity.[11, 12]
Preparations
Dried flower, leaf and stem infused in hot water as a traditional anti-inflammatory and digestive tea.
Tincture (1:5) of the dried aerial parts; single dose 2-4 ml, daily dose 6-12 ml per the EU herbal monograph. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
Concentrated extract studied in vitro and in vivo for anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity.
Fresh or dried young needles steeped in hot water - the traditional vitamin-C-rich tonic tea. Only use needles from a certainly identified pine, never yew (see dangerous look-alikes).
Steam-distilled from the needles; used diluted in ointments, chest rubs or steam inhalation for respiratory complaints.
Dosage
The EU herbal monograph gives a single dose of 1.5-6 g of the comminuted herb as an infusion, for a daily dose of 2-18 g, in adults and elderly; a powdered herbal substance at 250-500 mg per dose (250-1500 mg daily) and a 1:5 tincture at 2-4 mL per dose (6-12 mL daily) are also listed. Contraindicated in hypersensitivity to salicylates. For rheumatic-type complaints, not to be used for more than 4 weeks. Not recommended under 18 years. Educational reference only, not a prescription.
References
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Samardžić, S., Arsenijević, J., Božić, D., Milenković, M. et al (2017) 'Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gastroprotective activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 213, pp. 132-137. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2017.11.013 - Andonova, T., Muhovski, Y., Apostolova, E., Naimov, S. et al (2024) 'DNA-Protective, Antioxidant and Anti-Carcinogenic Potential of Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) Dry Tincture', Antioxidants (Basel), 13(10), pp. 1200. doi:10.3390/antiox13101200 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/antiox13101200 - Van der Auwera, A., Peeters, L., Foubert, K., Piazza, S. et al (2023) 'In Vitro Biotransformation and Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Constituents and Metabolites of Filipendula ulmaria', Pharmaceutics, 15(4), pp. 1291. doi:10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/pharmaceutics15041291 - Katanic, J., Boroja, T., Mihailovic, V., Nikles, S., Pan, S., Rosic, G., Selakovic, D., Joksimovic, J., Mitrovic, S. and Bauer, R (2016) 'In vitro and in vivo assessment of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) as anti-inflammatory agent', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp. 627-636. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.015 - Samardzic, S., Tomic, M., Pecikoza, U., Stepanovic-Petrovic, R. and Maksimovic, Z (2016) 'Antihyperalgesic activity of Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim. and Filipendula vulgaris Moench in a rat model of inflammation', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 193, pp. 652-656. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.024 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2016.10.024 - Katanic, J., Matic, S., Pferschy-Wenzig, E., Kretschmer, N., Boroja, T., Mihailovic, V., Stankovic, V., Stankovic, N., Mladenovic, M., Stanic, S., Mihailovic, M. and Bauer, R (2016) 'Filipendula ulmaria extracts attenuate cisplatin-induced liver and kidney oxidative stress in rats: In vivo investigation and LC-MS analysis', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 99, pp. 86-102. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.018 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2016.11.018 - Arsenijevic, N., Selakovic, D., Katanic Stankovic, J.S., Mihailovic, V., Mitrovic, S., Milenkovic, J., Milanovic, P., Vasovic, M., Nikezic, A., Milosevic-Djordjevic, O., Zivanovic, M., Filipovic, N., Jakovljevic, V., Jovicic, N. and Rosic, G (2021) 'Variable neuroprotective role of Filipendula ulmaria extract in rat hippocampus', Journal of Integrative Neuroscience, 20(4), pp. 871-883. doi:10.31083/j.jin2004089 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.31083/j.jin2004089 - Matic, S., Katanic, J., Stanic, S., Mladenovic, M., Stankovic, N., Mihailovic, V. and Boroja, T (2015) 'In vitro and in vivo assessment of the genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity of the Filipendula hexapetala and Filipendula ulmaria methanol extracts', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 174, pp. 287-292. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.025 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2015.08.025 - Pannakal, S.T., Eilstein, J., Hubert, J., Kotland, A., Prasad, A., Gueguiniat-Prevot, A., Juchaux, F., Beaumard, F., Seru, G., John, S. and Roy, D (2023) 'Rapid Chemical Profiling of Filipendula ulmaria Using CPC Fractionation, 2-D Mapping of 13C NMR Data, and High-Resolution LC-MS', Molecules, 28(17), pp. 6349. doi:10.3390/molecules28176349 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules28176349 - Valle, M.G., Nano, G.M. and Tira, S (1988) 'The Essential Oil of Filipendula ulmaria', Planta Medica, 54(2), pp. 181-182. doi:10.1055/s-2006-962390 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/s-2006-962390 - Popowski, D., Zentek, J., Piwowarski, J.P. and Granica, S (2021) 'Gut Microbiota of Pigs Metabolizes Extracts of Filipendula ulmaria and Orthosiphon aristatus - Herbal Remedies Used in Urinary Tract Disorders', Planta Medica, 88(3-04), pp. 254-261. doi:10.1055/a-1647-2866 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1055/a-1647-2866 - Bespalov, V.G., Alexandrov, V.A., Semenov, A.L., Kovan'ko, E.G., Ivanov, S.D., Vysochina, G.I., Kostikova, V.A. and Baranenko, D.A (2016) 'The inhibitory effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) on radiation-induced carcinogenesis in rats', International Journal of Radiation Biology, 93(4), pp. 394-401. doi:10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1080/09553002.2016.1257834 - European Medicines Agency (HMPC) (2011) 'Community herbal monograph on Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim., herba'. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-filipendula-ulmaria-l-maxim-herba-first-version_en.pdf Traditional / reference
https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/herbal-monograph/final-community-herbal-monograph-filipendula-ulmaria-l-maxim-herba-first-version_en.pdf - Bridge, J (2008) 'The Herbal Remedy Handbook'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=The%20Herbal%20Remedy%20Handbook - Drummond, E.M., Harbourne, N., Marete, E., Jacquier, J.C., O'Riordan, D. and Gibney, E.R (2013) 'Inhibition of pro-inflammatory biomarkers in THP1 macrophages by polyphenols derived from chamomile, meadowsweet and willow bark', 27(4), pp. 588--594. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Inhibition%20of%20pro-inflammatory%20biomarkers%20in%20THP1%20macrophages%20by%20polyphenols%20derived%20from%20chamomile%2C%20meadowsweet%20and%20willow%20bark - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - 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
- Jurado, P., Uruen, C., Martinez, S., Lain, E. and others (2023) 'Essential oils of Pinus sylvestris, Citrus limon and Origanum vulgare exhibit high bactericidal and anti-biofilm activities against Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Streptococcus suis', Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, 168, pp. 115703. doi:10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115703 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115703 - Csikos, E., Cseko, K., Kemeny, A., Draskoczi, L. and others (2022) 'Pinus sylvestris L. and Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & L. M. Perry Essential Oils Inhibit Endotoxin-Induced Airway Hyperreactivity despite Aggravated Inflammatory Mechanisms in Mice', Molecules, 27(12), pp. 3868. doi:10.3390/molecules27123868 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27123868 - Allenspach, M., Valder, C., Flamm, D., Grisoni, F. and others (2020) 'Verification of Chromatographic Profile of Primary Essential Oil of Pinus sylvestris L. Combined with Chemometric Analysis', Molecules, 25(13), pp. 2973. doi:10.3390/molecules25132973 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules25132973 - Allenspach, M., Valder, C., Flamm, D. and Steuer, C (2021) 'Authenticity control of Pinus sylvestris essential oil by chiral gas chromatographic analysis of alpha-pinene', Scientific Reports, 11(1), pp. 16923. doi:10.1038/s41598-021-96356-x Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-021-96356-x - Rodrigues, A.M., Mendes, M.D., Lima, A.S., Barbosa, P.M. and others (2017) 'Pinus halepensis, Pinus pinaster, Pinus pinea and Pinus sylvestris Essential Oils Chemotypes and Monoterpene Hydrocarbon Enantiomers', Chemistry & Biodiversity, 14(1), pp. e1600153. doi:10.1002/cbdv.201600153 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.201600153 - Judzentiene, A., Stikliene, A. and Kupcinskiene, E (2007) 'Changes in the essential oil composition in the needles of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) under anthropogenic stress', The Scientific World Journal, 7(Suppl 1), pp. 141-150. doi:10.1100/tsw.2007.36 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1100/tsw.2007.36 - Hoai, N.T., Duc, H.V., Thao, D.T., Orav, A. and others (2015) 'Selectivity of Pinus sylvestris extract and essential oil to estrogen-insensitive breast cancer cells', Pharmacognosy Magazine, 11(Suppl 2), pp. S290-S295. doi:10.4103/0973-1296.166052 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.4103/0973-1296.166052 - Fayemiwo, K.A., Adeleke, M.A., Okoro, O.P., Awojide, S.H. and others (2014) 'Larvicidal efficacies and chemical composition of essential oils of Pinus sylvestris and Syzygium aromaticum against mosquitoes', Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine, 4(1), pp. 30-34. doi:10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60204-5 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/S2221-1691(14)60204-5 - Scalas, D., Mandras, N., Roana, J., Tardugno, R. and others (2018) 'Use of Pinus sylvestris L. (Pinaceae), Origanum vulgare L. (Lamiaceae), and Thymus vulgaris L. (Lamiaceae) essential oils and their main components to enhance itraconazole activity against azole susceptible/not-susceptible Cryptococcus neoformans strains', BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine, 18(1), pp. 143. doi:10.1186/s12906-018-2219-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-018-2219-4 - Suntar, I., Tumen, I., Ustun, O., Keles, H. and others (2012) 'Appraisal on the wound healing and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils obtained from the cones and needles of Pinus species by in vivo and in vitro experimental models', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 139(2), pp. 533-540. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.045 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2011.11.045 - Grieve, M (1931) 'A Modern Herbal'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=A%20Modern%20Herbal - Bakkali, F. et al (2008) 'Biological effects of essential oils — a review', 46(2), pp. 446--475. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2007.09.106 - Sousa, A. et al (2010) 'Proanthocyanidins from Pinus pinaster bark', 71(1), pp. 64--72. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Proanthocyanidins%20from%20Pinus%20pinaster%20bark - 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 - Missouri Poison Center 'Pine Needles'. Available at: https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/pine-needles/ Traditional / reference
https://missouripoisoncenter.org/is-this-a-poison/pine-needles/ - Arens, A.M. and Anaebere, T.C. and Horng, H. and Olson, K (2016) 'Fatal Taxus baccata ingestion with perimortem serum taxine B quantification', Clinical Toxicology (Philadelphia, Pa.), 54(9), pp. 878-880. doi:10.1080/15563650.2016.1209765 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/15563650.2016.1209765 - Froldi, R. and Croci, P.F. and Dell'Acqua, L. and Fare, F. and Tassoni, G. and Gambaro, V (2010) 'Preliminary gas chromatography with mass spectrometry determination of 3,5-dimethoxyphenol in biological specimens as evidence of taxus poisoning', Journal of Analytical Toxicology, 34(1), pp. 53-6. doi:10.1093/jat/34.1.53 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1093/jat/34.1.53
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.