Queen of the meadow

Related Terms

Ascorbic acid, avicularin, bridewort, brideswort, chalcones, condensed tannins, coumarin, dolloff, dropwort, English meadowsweet, ethylsalicylate, European meadowsweet, Filipendula occidentalis, Filipendula rubra, Filipendula ulmaria, Filipendula vulgaris, flavonoids, gaultherin, hydrolyzable tannins, hyperoside, lady of the meadow, M?des?ss (German), meadow queen, meadow sweet, meadow wart, meadow wort, meadsweet, methoxybenzaldehyde, methylsalicylate, monotropin, mountain spirea, mucilage, nature's aspirin, phenolic acids, phenolic glycosides, phenylcarboxylic acids, philipendula, plant heparin, pride of the meadow, queen of the forest, queen of the meadow, queen of the prairie, Rosaceae (family), rutin, salicin, salicylaldehyde, salicylates, salicylic acid, spiraea flos, spiraea herba, Spiraea ulmaria L., spiraein, spiraeoside, tannins, ulmaire (French), ulmaria (Spanish/Italian), vanillin, volatile oil.
Note: Meadowsweet and its relatives (Filipendula spp.) are not related to water dropwort (Oenanthe crocata) even though members of both genera may be referred to as "dropworts." Filipendula spp. are members of the Roseaceae family, while the Oenanthe spp. are members of the Umbelliferae family.

Background

Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is native to Europe and is found as an introduced plant in the northeastern region of the United States. Meadowsweet has historically been used in traditional medicine to treat symptoms of the common cold, stomach complaints, and inflammatory conditions. Herbalists recommend meadowsweet as one of the best digestive herbs for the treatment of ulcers and heartburn. Further research on the uses of meadowsweet is needed.
Two prominent constituents of meadowsweet that are theoretically responsible for much of its pharmacological activity are salicylates and a plant heparin. Meadowsweet also contains high concentrations of phenolics, theoretically responsible for some of its antibacterial activity.
Although meadowsweet shares chemistry, history, and proposed uses with the drug aspirin, its efficacy and place in pharmacotherapy compared to aspirin have not been evaluated in well-designed clinical studies.

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for meadowsweet in adults. Traditionally, 2-3 (570-milligram) capsules twice daily with water at mealtimes have been used as an antispasmodic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory treatment. One cup of tea (2.5-3.5 grams, about 1-2 teaspoons dried flowers or 4-5 grams of above ground parts steeped in 150 milliliters boiling water for 10 minutes, then strained) ingested several times per day has been used. A liquid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol) of 1.5-6 milliliters three times per day has been used, as has 2-4 milliliters of tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol) three times per day.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Acetaminophen (Tylenol?) or certain antibiotics such as tetracycline or penicillin may interact with meadowsweet and increase the risk of bleeding. The incidence of nephrotoxicity (kidney damage) may be augmented when acetaminophen and meadowsweet are used in combination due to salicylate content of meadowsweet. Meadowsweet may also increase the risk of bleeding when taken with drugs that increase the risk of bleeding. Some examples include aspirin, anticoagulants ("blood thinners") such as warfarin (Coumadin?) or heparin, anti-platelet drugs such as clopidogrel (Plavix?), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen (Motrin?, Advil?) or naproxen (Naprosyn?, Aleve?).
Due to its salicylate content, meadowsweet may cause drug interactions similar to those of the salicylates or aspirin. The use of meadowsweet with other salicylates may potentiate both therapeutic and adverse effects. The adverse effects of salicylates may include impairing the effects of beta-adrenergic blockers, ACE inhibitors, loop diuretics, thiazide diuretics, probenecid, and sulfinpyrazone. High salicylate levels may increase the effects or toxicity of alcohol, anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents (e.g., ticlopidine, clopidogrel, and IIb/IIa antagonists), carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, heparin and low molecular weight heparins, methotrexate, older sulfonylureas (i.e., tolazamide, tolbutamide), and valproic acid.
Anithistamines, such as diphenhydramine, chlorpheniramine, and brompheniramine, or intravenous nitroglycerin may interact with meadowsweet and decrease the anticoagulant effects in meadowsweet. Consult with a qualified healthcare professional, including a pharmacist, before combining any medications.
Many tinctures contain high levels of alcohol, and may cause nausea or vomiting when taken with metronidazole (Flagyl?) or disulfiram (Antabuse?). Also, combination of alcohol with meadowsweet may increase risk of gastric mucosal damage. Caution is advised.
Meadowsweet may induce muscle relaxation and potentiate narcotic effects. Caution is advised when taking with narcotics or other drugs with muscle relaxing effects.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

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