Omnia SanaPlant Comparison
Dropwort vs Rosemary
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 Rosemary: they share 8 indicated uses (cancer (anticancer research), inflammation (general), arthritis / joint pain, …); 5 pharmacological actions in common.
Evidence face-off — shared uses
| Condition | Dropwort | Rosemary | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cancer (anticancer research) | 2/10 | 7/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Inflammation (general) | 2/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Arthritis / joint pain | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Indigestion | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Wounds | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Infection (general) | 2/10 | 3/10 | Comparable evidence |
| Memory | 2/10 | 9/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
| Cognitive function | 2/10 | 8/10 | Stronger for Rosemary |
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.
The volatile oil, dominated by 1,8-cineole and camphor, gives the characteristic aroma and much of the antimicrobial activity.
Potent antioxidant diterpenes considered largely responsible for rosemary's strong preservative and antioxidant activity.
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).
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 anti-inflammatory action
inferred from anticancer action
inferred from neuroprotective 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
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.
Culinary use is entirely safe. Essential oil should not be ingested in large amounts; avoid during pregnancy in medicinal doses. May trigger epileptic seizures in predisposed individuals at high doses. May interact with anticoagulants and antiplatelet drugs.
Duke (2002) does not appear to include a dedicated entry for rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus / Rosmarinus officinalis) as a primary herb entry in the section searched; however, rosemary is referenced throughout the text in relation to antioxidant and antimicrobial properties of its key compounds (carnosol, rosmarinic acid). Commission E (KOM) approves rosemary for dyspeptic complaints and externally for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems.
External Ids
Synonyms
Not documented
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]
Evergreen, woody shrub (Lamiaceae), 1-2 m tall, with dense, needle-like, dark green, aromatic leaves, white-felted beneath. Small, pale blue to violet, two-lipped flowers are borne in the leaf axils.[1]
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]
Native to the Mediterranean coast, growing on dry, rocky, sunny slopes and coastal scrub; widely cultivated as a culinary and medicinal herb worldwide, tolerating poor, well-drained soils and drought.[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]
Leafy sprigs are cut throughout the year (the plant is evergreen), though essential-oil content is often considered highest just before or during flowering; leaves are stripped from the stem and dried, or used fresh.[1]
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]
Rosemary has an ancient Mediterranean reputation as a memory and circulation tonic ('rosemary for remembrance'), a digestive carminative, and an antiseptic for minor wounds. Commission E approves it for dyspeptic complaints internally and for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems externally; modern research on rosmarinic acid and carnosic acid supports antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and cognitive-supportive activity.[1]
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
Not documented
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]
Not documented
Lookalikes Review
Dangerous Lookalikes
Not documented
Dosage
Not documented
Commission E approves rosemary for dyspeptic complaints (internal use) and, externally, for rheumatic conditions and circulatory problems; typical internal use is roughly 2-4 g dried leaf as tea, up to three times daily. Educational reference only, not a prescription; avoid concentrated essential oil internally and in pregnancy/epilepsy.
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
- de Oliveira, J.R., Camargo, S.E.A. and de Oliveira, L.D (2019) 'Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) as therapeutic and prophylactic agent', Journal of Biomedical Science, 26(1), pp. 5. doi:10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-019-0499-8 - Ghasemzadeh Rahbardar, M. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2025) 'Toxicity and safety of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): a comprehensive review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 398(1), pp. 9-23. doi:10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-024-03336-9 - Zhang, L. and Lu, J (2024) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) polyphenols and inflammatory bowel diseases: Major phytochemicals, functional properties, and health effects', Fitoterapia, 177, pp. 106074. doi:10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106074 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.fitote.2024.106074 - Ahmed, H.M. and Babakir-Mina, M (2020) 'Investigation of rosemary herbal extracts (Rosmarinus officinalis) and their potential effects on immunity', Phytotherapy Research, 34(8), pp. 1829-1837. doi:10.1002/ptr.6648 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1002/ptr.6648 - Li, T., Wang, W., Guo, Q., Li, J. and others (2023) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) hydrosol based on serotonergic synapse for insomnia', Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 318(Pt B), pp. 116984. doi:10.1016/j.jep.2023.116984 Preclinical
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2023.116984 - Hassani, F.V., Shirani, K. and Hosseinzadeh, H (2016) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) as a potential therapeutic plant in metabolic syndrome: a review', Naunyn-Schmiedeberg's Archives of Pharmacology, 389(9), pp. 931-949. doi:10.1007/s00210-016-1256-0 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1007/s00210-016-1256-0 - Gonzalez-Vallinas, M., Reglero, G. and Ramirez de Molina, A (2015) 'Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Extract as a Potential Complementary Agent in Anticancer Therapy', Nutrition and Cancer, 67(8), pp. 1221-1229. doi:10.1080/01635581.2015.1082110 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1080/01635581.2015.1082110 - Hussain, S.M., Syeda, A.F., Alshammari, M., Alnasser, S. and others (2022) 'Cognition enhancing effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) in lab animal studies: a systematic review and meta-analysis', Brazilian Journal of Medical and Biological Research, 55, pp. e11593. doi:10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.1590/1414-431X2021e11593 - Nematolahi, P., Mehrabani, M., Karami-Mohajeri, S. and Dabaghzadeh, F (2018) 'Effects of Rosmarinus officinalis L. on memory performance, anxiety, depression, and sleep quality in university students: A randomized clinical trial', Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice, 30, pp. 24-28. doi:10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004 Randomized trial
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctcp.2017.11.004 - Ulbricht, C., Abrams, T.R., Brigham, A., Ceurvels, J. and others (2010) 'An evidence-based systematic review of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration', Journal of Dietary Supplements, 7(4), pp. 351-413. doi:10.3109/19390211.2010.525049 Meta-analysis / review
https://doi.org/10.3109/19390211.2010.525049 - Hoffmann, D (2003) 'Medical Herbalism'. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Medical%20Herbalism - Moss, M., Cook, J., Wesnes, K. and Duckett, P (2003) 'Aromas of rosemary and lavender essential oils differentially affect cognition and mood in healthy adults', 113(1), pp. 15--38. doi:10.1080/00207450390161903 Clinical study
https://doi.org/10.1080/00207450390161903 - Petersen, M. and Simmonds, M.S.J (2003) 'Rosmarinic acid', 62(2), pp. 121--125. Traditional / reference
https://scholar.google.com/scholar?q=Rosmarinic%20acid - 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
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.