Alchemilla vulgaris

Lady's mantle

Alchemilla vulgaris, commonly known as Lady's Mantle, is a perennial herb cherished in traditional herbalism. Characterized by its distinctive scalloped, velvety leaves that capture morning dew, this plant is renowned for its astringent properties. It is frequently utilized to support hormonal balance and promote healthy reproductive function.

  • Scientific name: Alchemilla vulgaris
  • Family: Rosaceae
  • Native range: Europe

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta within the class Equisetopsida. Following the subclass Magnoliidae, it is organized into the order Rosales and the family Rosaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Alchemilla.

Rank Classification Source
Kingdom Plantae WCVP
Phylum Streptophyta WCVP
Class Equisetopsida WCVP
Subclass Magnoliidae WCVP
Order Rosales WCVP
Family Rosaceae WCVP
Genus Alchemilla WCVP

Common Names

This plant, known scientifically as Alchemilla vulgaris, is referred to by various common names depending on the language and region. In Esperanto, it is called ordinara alkemilo, while in Slovak, it is known as alchemilkka obyčajná. In Poland, the species is called przywrotnik pospolity, and in French, it is recognized as alchémille commune. Additionally, in Serbian (Cyrillic), it is referred to as virak (вирак).
Language Common Name Source
eo Ordinara alkemilo Wikidata
sk alchemilka obyčajná Wikidata
pl Przywrotnik pospolity Wikidata
fr Alchémille commune Wikidata
sr-el Virak Wikidata
sr-ec Вирак Wikidata
ro Crețișoară Wikidata
mk Вркута Wikidata
de Spitzlappiger Frauenmantel Wikidata
cs kontryhel obecný Wikidata

Distribution

This plant exhibits a specific distribution pattern across the northern regions of Europe. It can be found growing within the borders of Denmark and Finland. Furthermore, its presence extends to the islands and coastal areas of Great Britain. The species is also well-documented throughout the landscapes of Norway. Finally, its range includes the various territories located in Sweden.

Region Area Source
Northern Europe Denmark WCVP
Northern Europe Finland WCVP
Northern Europe Great Britain WCVP
Northern Europe Norway WCVP
Northern Europe Sweden WCVP
Middle Europe Austria WCVP
Middle Europe Belgium WCVP
Middle Europe Czechia-Slovakia WCVP
Middle Europe Germany WCVP
Middle Europe Hungary WCVP

Plant Parts

This plant, Alchemilla vulgaris, commonly known as lady's mantle, is primarily utilized for its medicinal properties derived from its leaves. These leaves are characterized by their distinctive rounded shape, scalloped edges, and a fine layer of soft hairs that give them a velvety texture. A unique feature of these leaves is their ability to collect small droplets of water through a process called guttation, which often makes them appear as if they are covered in morning dew. In herbal medicine, the leaves are often harvested and dried to create infusions or tinctures used for their astringent and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Total parts
1
Scientific sources
1
Plant Part Sources Confidence
Leaves 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Chemicals

Alchemilla vulgaris has 12 reported phytochemicals identified across 13 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include catechin, agrimoniin, ellagic acid, gallic acid, gentisic acid.

Total chemicals
12
Scientific sources
13

Most Reported Compounds

Compound Sources Confidence
catechin 2 ★☆☆☆☆
agrimoniin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
ellagic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gallic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gentisic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
p-coumaric acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
pedunculagin 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polyphenols 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rosmarinic acid 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rutin 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Activities

Alchemilla vulgaris has 3 reported activities identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antioxidant, Antigenotoxic, Astringent.

Total activities
3
Scientific sources
4

Most Reported Activities

Activity Sources Confidence
Antioxidant 2 ★☆☆☆☆
Antigenotoxic 1 ★☆☆☆☆
Astringent 1 ★☆☆☆☆

Medicinal Uses

Alchemilla vulgaris has 12 reported medicinal uses identified across 12 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include arthritis, bone diseases, burns, diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal diseases.

Total uses
12
Scientific sources
12

Most Reported Uses

Use Sources Confidence
arthritis 1 ★☆☆☆☆
bone diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
burns 1 ★☆☆☆☆
diabetes mellitus 1 ★☆☆☆☆
gastrointestinal diseases 1 ★☆☆☆☆
hyperphagia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
overweight 1 ★☆☆☆☆
polydipsia 1 ★☆☆☆☆
rheumatism 1 ★☆☆☆☆
weight loss 1 ★☆☆☆☆