Alchemilla vulgaris
Alchemilla vulgaris · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (1 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Alchemilla vulgaris is a versatile botanical known for its significant therapeutic potential. The plant's leaves are particularly valued for their rich concentration of beneficial chemicals, including flavonoids and tannins. These components contribute to potent antioxidant activity, which can be harnessed through various preparations such as aqueous infusions and specialized extracts. Research suggests that these preparations, including Weighlevel and Weighlevel tablets, may offer medicinal support for conditions like arthritis and bone diseases. Furthermore, the plant shows promise in managing skin-related issues such as burns due to its healing properties.
- Synonyms
- Alchemilla Sylvestris Var. Acutangula · Alchemilla Vulgaris Var. Leiocalycina · 26 more
- Common names
- Not available
- Family
- Rosaceae
- Distribution
- Asia-Tropical
- Plant Parts
- Leaf
Classification
Common Names
Alchemilla vulgaris is a versatile plant known by a diverse array of regional names across different languages. In English-speaking regions, it is affectionately called Starry Lady's-mantle, a name that reflects its delicate aesthetic. Moving into German territories, it is identified as Spitzlappen-Frauenmantel or the variant Spitzlappiger Frauenmantel. The plant also holds specific linguistic identities in other cultures, such as the name rávevuolpu. Finally, in Scandinavian contexts, it is recognized by the name stjernemarikåpe.
Sources: Catalogue of Life (COL)
Synonyms
Alchemilla vulgaris is a complex species that encompasses a wide variety of botanical synonyms. Within its taxonomic range, it is frequently identified as Alchemilla acutangula, reflecting different classifications used by botanists. This relationship extends to specific forms and varieties, such as Alchemilla acutangula f. autumnalis and Alchemilla acutangula var. adpressepilosa. Furthermore, the plant is also associated with the varieties Alchemilla acutangula var. micantoides and Alchemilla acutiloba. Understanding these various names is essential for accurately identifying the diverse expressions of this plant in the wild.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Taxonomy
Alchemilla vulgaris belongs to the diverse kingdom Plantae, representing a significant branch of the natural world. Within this vast group, it is classified under the class Equisetopsida and the order Rosales. This botanical specimen is a proud member of the genus Alchemilla, which defines its unique structural characteristics. Furthermore, it finds its place within the extensive Rosaceae family, sharing traits with many well-known flowering plants. Understanding these biological relationships provides essential insight into the evolutionary history of this species.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Rosales |
| Family | Rosaceae |
| Genus | Alchemilla |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
Geographic Regions
Alchemilla vulgaris is widely distributed throughout Europe and extends significantly into Eastern Europe. This resilient plant can be found across the Baltic States and throughout various regions of Belarus. Its presence is also noted in the vast territories of Central European Russia and East European Russia. Furthermore, the species thrives in the northern reaches of the continent, specifically within North European Russia. Together, these locations highlight the expansive natural range of this common botanical species.
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Identification
Morphology
Alchemilla vulgaris is a self-supporting herb that establishes itself firmly within its natural habitat. This resilient plant exhibits a versatile growth form that allows it to thrive in various conditions. Depending on its environment, the height of the specimen can vary significantly. While it may appear as a low-growing cluster as small as 0.05 m or 0.37 m, it can reach a more substantial stature. Ultimately, the plant reaches a maximum height of approximately 0.7 m.
Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)
Biological Activities
Alchemilla vulgaris is one of the four medicinal plants utilized in the formulation of the weight loss mixture known as Weighlevel. This specific herbal blend has demonstrated significant safety and efficacy across various animal and human studies. Notably, the mixture exhibits potent antioxidant properties even at very low concentrations, as measured through lipid peroxidation methods. These antioxidant effects contribute to the overall therapeutic profile of the combination, which includes other plants like Olea europaea and Mentha longifolia. Ultimately, the inclusion of Alchemilla vulgaris helps support a formula that promotes thermogenesis and progressive weight reduction.
Compounds
Alchemilla vulgaris is a medicinal plant recognized for its rich bioactive composition and significant pharmacological potential. Detailed chemical analysis reveals that the plant extract predominantly contains several key phenolic compounds, including catechin, rutin, gentisic acid, and p-coumaric acid. Furthermore, research indicates that the plant is a notable source of tannins, which contribute to its various biological activities. These diverse constituents work together to provide the extract with significant antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties. Such a complex chemical profile supports the potential use of the plant in various therapeutic or dietary contexts.
Conditions
Alchemilla vulgaris demonstrates significant therapeutic potential by providing antiproliferative effects against the MDA-MD-231, T24, and A549 human cancer cell lines. The aqueous extract of this plant also functions to treat MMS-induced toxicity by exerting notable cytoprotective, antioxidant, and antigenotoxic properties. Furthermore, the addition of lady's mantle, known as Alchemilla vulgaris, helps to increase the anthocyanin stability of black chokeberry functional beverages. These diverse biological activities highlight the plant's efficacy in both medicinal and food science applications.
Preparations
Alchemilla vulgaris is prepared as various extracts that demonstrate significant antioxidant activity in both in vivo and in vitro microbial test systems. This plant is also a key component of the Weighlevel mixture, which is utilized for its efficacy in weight loss studies. Specifically, the leaves of Alchemilla vulgaris are processed into the Weighlevel formulation and can be administered in the form of a Weighlevel tablet. Additionally, the plant is prepared as aqueous infusions to investigate its flavonoid content and antiproliferative properties against human cancer cell lines. These diverse preparations, including simple extracts and specialized mixtures, highlight the medicinal versatility of Alchemilla vulgaris.
Parts used
Alchemilla vulgaris is a key component in the medicinal mixture known as Weighlevel, which is used to promote weight loss. Specifically, the leaves of this plant are extracted and combined with other botanical ingredients to create a potent herbal supplement. Research indicates that this plant-based formula is both safe and highly effective, showing no toxicity in human fibroblast cultures or rat studies. When administered, the mixture has demonstrated significant antioxidant properties and the ability to increase thermogenesis in adipose tissue. Clinical trials further support these findings, showing that subjects using the leaf-based extract experienced progressive and significant reductions in their body mass index.