Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Dropwort 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
Dropwort and Water avens: both belong to the Rosaceae family; they share 5 indicated uses (cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), diarrhoea, …); 6 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Dropwort | Water avens | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Diarrhoea | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Water avens |
| Wounds | 2/10 | 2/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 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
Flavonol glycosides including spiraeoside (quercetin 4'-O-glucoside), hyperoside, rutin and kaempferol derivatives - the signature Filipendula flavonoids.
Ellagitannins and gallotannins (astringent constituents), giving the traditional astringent/antidiarrhoeal action.
Gallic, caffeic, chlorogenic and ferulic acids; antioxidant.
Catechin-based condensed tannins.
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
Antihyperalgesic in a rat inflammatory-pain model (salicylate-mediated).
Traditional use for rheumatic/arthritic pain, consistent with salicylate content and analgesic/anti-inflammatory activity.
Protective against carbon-tetrachloride liver injury in rats.
Hydrolysable-tannin astringency underlying traditional antidiarrhoeal and wound/gargle use.
Nootropic and brain-bioenergetic effects in animal models (Russian traditional nervous-system use).
Dropwort extract restrained the YAP/TAZ/TEAD oncogenic axis in mesothelioma (preclinical).
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 anticancer action
inferred from anti-rheumatic / analgesic action (salicylates)
inferred from astringent (tannin) action and traditional use
inferred from astringent/antimicrobial action and traditional wound-wash use
inferred from antimicrobial action
Nootropic (cognition-enhancing) activity in animals.
inferred from nootropic/neuroprotective action
inferred from traditional kidney/bladder 'gravel' use
inferred from traditional urinary/gravel use
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
Dropwort contains salicylate compounds (salicylaldehyde, methyl salicylate), as in meadowsweet and willow. Avoid in salicylate or aspirin sensitivity, and use caution alongside anticoagulant or antiplatelet medicines. As with other salicylate-containing plants, avoid in children with viral illness (theoretical Reye's syndrome risk).
Safety in pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established; avoid medicinal doses during pregnancy and lactation.
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
Synonyms
Botanical Description
Erect perennial herb of the rose family, 20-80 cm tall, growing from a short rootstock whose fibrous roots bear characteristic small tuber-like swellings (the 'drop-wort' beads). The leaves are mostly in a basal rosette and are distinctive: long, fern-like and interruptedly pinnate, with many (up to 20+ pairs) small, deeply toothed leaflets. Small creamy-white flowers, often pink-tinged in bud and 6-petalled, are borne in an irregular terminal cyme. Unlike its sibling meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) of wet ground, dropwort grows in dry calcareous grassland.[1, 6]
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
Dry, unimproved calcareous (chalk and limestone) grassland, meadows, roadside banks and open scrub. Native across most of Europe, western Asia and North Africa. Unlike meadowsweet (F. ulmaria), which grows in wet meadows and beside water, dropwort is a plant of dry ground.[1]
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 tops and aerial parts are gathered in summer while in flower; the fern-like leaves and the small root tubers are also used. The material is dried for infusions and decoctions.[2]
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
Dropwort shares much of the European folk-medicine history of its sibling meadowsweet. The salicylate- and tannin-rich herb has been used as an astringent and anti-inflammatory remedy for diarrhoea and other gastrointestinal complaints, for rheumatic and arthritic pain, for kidney and bladder 'gravel' and urinary complaints, and as a wound and mouth wash. In Serbian and Balkan ethnomedicine the flowers and roots are used; Russian traditional medicine uses dropwort extracts as a nootropic and calming remedy for the nervous system.[2, 12, 15]
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 tops or leaves infused as an astringent, anti-inflammatory tea for digestive and rheumatic complaints.
The root and root-tubers decocted; used traditionally for diarrhoea and urinary 'gravel'.
The flowers yield an aromatic oil dominated by salicylaldehyde with antimicrobial activity (as in meadowsweet).
References
Drug Class Interactions
Pairings
Sibling species: both are salicylate- and tannin-rich Rosaceae with overlapping anti-inflammatory, analgesic, astringent and gastroprotective uses (dropwort of dry grassland, meadowsweet of wet meadows); studied together in the same trials.[2, 3]
Both are salicylate-containing anti-inflammatory and analgesic herbs (the classic plant-aspirin group), traditionally combined for rheumatic pain and fever.[10]
Rosaceae astringents rich in hydrolysable tannins, traditionally used for diarrhoea and as gargles; studied together for antioxidant and genotoxicity profile.[16]
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]
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
References & Sources
- Katanic, J. and Pferschy-Wenzig, E. and Mihailovic, V. and Boroja, T. and Pan, S. and Nikles, S. and Kretschmer, N. and Rosic, G. and Selakovic, D. and Joksimovic, J. and Bauer, R (2018) 'Phytochemical analysis and anti-inflammatory effects of Filipendula vulgaris Moench extracts', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 122, pp. 151-162. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2018.10.001 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2018.10.001 - Samardzic, S. and Arsenijevic, J. and Bozic, D. and Milenkovic, M. and Tesevic, V. and Maksimovic, Z (2018) '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 - Samardzic, S. and Tomic, M. and Pecikoza, U. and 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 - Maksimovic, Z. and Petrovic, S. and Pavlovic, M. and Kovacevic, N. and Kukic, J (2007) 'Antioxidant activity of Filipendula hexapetala flowers', Fitoterapia, 78(3), pp. 265-267. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2007.01.004 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2007.01.004 - Cebovic, T. and Maksimovic, Z (2011) 'Hepatoprotective effect of Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. (Rosaceae) in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats', Phytotherapy Research, 26(7), pp. 1088-1091. doi:10.1002/ptr.3703 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.3703 - Katanic, J. and Mihailovic, V. and Stankovic, N. and Boroja, T. and Mladenovic, M. and Solujic, S. and Stankovic, M.S. and Vrvic, M.M (2015) 'Dropwort (Filipendula hexapetala Gilib.): potential role as antioxidant and antimicrobial agent', EXCLI Journal, 14, pp. 1-20. doi:10.17179/excli2014-479 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2014-479 - Matic, S. and Katanic, J. and Stanic, S. and Mladenovic, M. and Stankovic, N. and 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 - Bousetla, A. and Erol, E. and Benarous, K. and Topcu, G. and Laouer, H. and Akkal, S. and Boulebd, H (2025) 'LC-HRESIMS-Guided Phytochemical Characterization and Bioactivity Evaluation of Filipendula hexapetala Gilib. From Algeria: Antioxidant and Anticholinesterase Potential', Chemistry and Biodiversity, 22(11), pp. e01270. doi:10.1002/cbdv.202501270 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/cbdv.202501270 - Fandakli, S. and Korkmaz, B. and Faiz, O. and Kilic, G. and Erik, I. and Terzioglu, S. and Yayli, N (2021) 'Chemical Variation, Antimicrobial, Nitric Oxide Scavenging Activities and Tyrosinase Inhibition of Essential Oils and Solvent Extracts from Filipendula vulgaris Moench Growing in Turkey', Iranian Journal of Pharmaceutical Research, 20(3), pp. 110-120. doi:10.22037/ijpr.2021.114302.14786 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.22037/ijpr.2021.114302.14786 - Radulovic, N. and Misic, M. and Aleksic, J. and Dokovic, D. and Palic, R. and Stojanovic, G (2007) 'Antimicrobial synergism and antagonism of salicylaldehyde in Filipendula vulgaris essential oil', Fitoterapia, 78(7-8), pp. 565-570. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2007.03.022 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2007.03.022 - Pulito, C. and Korita, E. and Sacconi, A. and Valerio, M. and Casadei, L. and Lo Sardo, F. and Mori, F. and Ferraiuolo, M. and Grasso, G. and Maidecchi, A. and Lucci, J. and Sudol, M. and Muti, P. and Blandino, G. and Strano, S (2019) 'Dropwort-induced metabolic reprogramming restrains YAP/TAZ/TEAD oncogenic axis in mesothelioma', Journal of Experimental and Clinical Cancer Research, 38(1), pp. 349. doi:10.1186/s13046-019-1352-3 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1186/s13046-019-1352-3 - Shilova, I.V. and Suslov, N.I (2015) 'Nootropic effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula vulgaris) extracts', Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 158(5), pp. 659-663. doi:10.1007/s10517-015-2841-9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-015-2841-9 - Shilova, I.V. and Suslov, N.I. and Amelchenko, V.P (2015) 'Nootropic Effects of Filipendula vulgaris Moench Water Extract Fractions', Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 159(3), pp. 376-379. doi:10.1007/s10517-015-2967-9 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-015-2967-9 - Vengerovsky, A.I. and Suslov, N.I. and Kaygorodsev, A.V (2011) 'Effect of meadowsweet (Filipendula vulgaris) extract on bioenergetics of the brain during experimental posthypoxic encephalopathy', Bulletin of Experimental Biology and Medicine, 151(4), pp. 421-424. doi:10.1007/s10517-011-1346-4 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1007/s10517-011-1346-4 - Vengerovskii, A.I. and Suslov, N.I. and Kaigorodtsev, A.V (2011) 'Correction of experimental anxiety behavior by meadowsweet (Filipendula vulgaris) extracts', Eksperimental'naia i Klinicheskaia Farmakologiia, 74(9), pp. 3-6. Preclinical
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Correction%20of%20experimental%20anxiety%20behavior%20by%20meadowsweet%20%28Filipendula%20vulgaris%29%20extracts - Pukalskiene, M. and Slapsyte, G. and Dedonyte, V. and Lazutka, J.R. and Mierauskiene, J. and Venskutonis, P.R (2017) 'Genotoxicity and antioxidant activity of five Agrimonia and Filipendula species plant extracts evaluated by comet and micronucleus assays in human lymphocytes and Ames Salmonella/microsome test', Food and Chemical Toxicology, 113, pp. 303-313. doi:10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.031 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fct.2017.12.031 - Mitchell, M.I. and Routledge, P.A (1978) 'Hemlock water dropwort poisoning - a review', Clinical Toxicology, 12(4), pp. 417-26. doi:10.3109/15563657809150012 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.3109/15563657809150012
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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
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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
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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.