Pharmacognosy, Phytochemistry and Pharmacological Properties ofAchillea millefoliumL.: A Review

Abstract

Achillea millefoilum L. (Yarrow) is an important species of Asteraceae family with common utilization in traditional medicine of several cultures from Europe to Asia for the treatment of spasmodic gastrointestinal disorders, hepatobiliary, gynecological disorders, against inflammation and for wound healing. An extensive review of literature was made on A. millefoilum L. using ethno botanical text books, published articles in peer-reviewed journals, unpublished materials and scientific databases. The Plant List, International Plant Name Index and Kew Botanical Garden databases were used to authenticate the scientific names. Monoterpenes are the most representative metabolites constituting 90% of the essential oils in relation to the sesquiterpenes, and a wide range of chemical compounds have also been reported. Different pharmacological experiments in many in-vitro and in-vivo models have proved the potential of A. millefoilum with antiinflammatory, antiulcer, anticancer activities etc. lending support to the rationale behind numerous of its traditional uses. Due to the noteworthy pharmacological activities, A. millefoilum will be a better option for new drug discovery. The present review will comprehensively summarize the pharmacognosy, phytochemistry and ethnopharmacology of A. millefoilum reported to date, with emphasis on more in vitro, clinical and pathological studies needed to investigate the unexploited potential of this plant. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Screening of yarrow (Achillea millefolium Agg.) populations in Serbia for yield components and essential oil composition

“…It is one of the most frequently used plant drug in Serbia (Tucakov, 1984). Upper parts of the plant collected during the blooming are recognized as an anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, spasmolytic, antimicrobial and holagog drug (Nadim et al, 2011;Cavalcanti et al, 2006;Benedek et al, 2008;Ali et al, 2017). Yarrow preparations in the form of infusions, decoctions or fresh juices have been applied against various indications such as anorexia, stomach cramps, flatulence, gastritis, enteritis, internal and external bleeding (Willuhn, 2002;Wichtl, 2004).…”

Achillea biebersteinni Afan may inhibit scar formation: In vitro study

“…Various studies have shown that this plant has antimicrobial, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects which are very important in the process of wound healing (Ali, Gopalakrishnan, & Venkatesalu, 2017;Stojanović, Radulović, Hashimoto, & Palić, 2005;Varasteh-kojourian et al, 2017). The antimicrobial properties of this plant are due to compounds such as flavonoids, terpenes, hydroxycamptothecinand saponins (Mothana, Lindequist, Gruenert, & Bednarski, 2009;Stojanović et al, 2005;Yaghoubi, Gh, & Satari, 2007).…”

The Phytochemistry of Cherokee Aromatic Medicinal Plants

“…Achillea millefolium (yarrow) is native to temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere but has been introduced worldwide [510]. The traditional medical uses of A. millefolium have been reviewed and the plant has been used since ancient times as a wound-healing agent and to treat gastrointestinal complaints [510][511][512]. Consistent with this, the Cherokee have also used A. millefolium as an antihemorrhagic; for healing wounds, treating bloody hemorrhoids and bloody urine, and for bowel complaints [15,17,510].…”