Willowherb: benefits, dosage, contraindications
Other name(s)
St. Anthony's herb, spike willowherb
Scientific name(s)
Epilobium angustifolium, Chamaenerion angustifolium
Family or group:
Plants
Active ingredients:
Myricetin
Quercetin
Tannins
Vitamin C
Beta-carotene
Mucilages
Indications
Scoring methodology
EFSA approval.
Benign prostatic hyperplasia ✪✪✪✪✪
Willowherb is traditionally used to improve urinary symptoms of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), including prostatitis. Preliminary clinical studies in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) have investigated the effect of willowherb. In one study, daily intake of 500 mg of willowherb extract, standardized to contain at least 15% oenothein B for 6 months, reduced post-void residual volume and the need to urinate at night, thereby improving the prostate-specific symptom score, but without changing prostate volume. Another study examined the efficacy of a supplement containing willowherb and other extracts (Fluxonorm®) on BPH over 30 days, observing improvement in several symptoms, including maximum urinary flow rate. These results are encouraging and support traditional use.
Posologie
Oral use: aerial parts, flowering tops
500 - 2000 mg
infusion, standardized extract
Epilobium angustifolium L. extract with high oenothein B content for benign prostatic hyperplasia: A monocentric, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial
Evaluation of the therapeutic effect against benign prostatic hyperplasia and the active constituents of Epilobium angustifolium L
Protective effects induced by the food supplement Fluxonorm® in the lower urinary tract
Acne ✪✪✪✪✪
The main active components of willowherb include polyphenols, flavonoids, tannins, and other bioactive substances. These compounds give it beneficial effects for the skin, notably by combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation, and promoting wound healing. Research suggests that willowherb could be a useful component in cosmetic and dermatological product formulations, to treat various skin conditions including acne.
Posologie
Topical, oral: aerial parts, flowering tops
1.5 g
infusion, cream
Properties
Antiandrogenic
Laboratory research suggests that extracts and components of willowherb may have beneficial effects on the prostate, possibly by downregulating androgen production, suppressing NF-kB expression, and mitigating inflammatory and oxidative stress factors in prostate tissue.
Usages associés
Anti-inflammatory
Oenothein B inhibits activation of inflammatory cells and the production of inflammatory molecules.
Usages associés
Anticancer
Oenothein B inhibits endopeptidase, thereby preventing cell proliferation, and induces apoptosis of tumor cells.
Usages associés
Antimicrobial
Willowherb extract has antibacterial and antifungal effects in vitro. Oenothein B, its constituent, has shown inhibitory effects against Helicobacter pylori and Staphylococcus aureus, as well as against certain fungal species (Candida albicans). Willowherb extract acts on P. acnes and could therefore be of interest in the treatment of acne.
Usages associés
Safe dosage
Adults 18 years and older: 500 mg - 1500 mg (infusion, dry extract)
As an infusion: 1 teaspoon (1 - 2 g) per 250 ml of boiling water for 15 minutes; to drink 3 times a day; Standardized extracts with 15% oenothein B have also been used at a dose of 500 mg per day.
Precautions
Pregnant women: avoid
No reliable information on the use of willowherb in pregnant women.
Breastfeeding women: avoid
No reliable information on the use of willowherb in breastfeeding women.
