Motherwort is perennial herb native to Europe and Asia later introduced and naturalized in North America. As the name suggests, this herb is associated with events relating to women, namely menstruation, childbirth and menopause. Motherwort also has a long history of use in herbal medicine as a traditional remedy for uterine infections, heart palpitations, asthma, overactive thyroid and flatulence. The traditional use of treating epilepsy with this herb stems from its reputed antispasmodic and sedative qualities. However, there is no clinical evidence that using motherwort for epilepsy is effective. Also, potential effects on the heart or uterus make this herb unsuitable if you are pregnant, have a heart condition or take other medications.
Botanical Profile
Motherwort, or Leonurus cardiaca, is a member of the mint family also known as throw-wort, lion's ear and lion's tail. The lion reference is likely due to the serrated leaves with tooth-like edges and long stems that support small, fuzzy pink flowers. Since the herb can tolerate poor environmental and climate conditions, it is commonly found in open pastures and along roadways growing among weeds. The medicinal components are the aerial parts collected between June and August when the plant is in flower.
Chemical Composition
According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," leocardin is the primary diterpene bitter compound present in motherwort. The plant also contains a variety of flavonoids, such as quercitrin, rutin and hyperoside. Other constituents found in motherwort include tannins, caffeic acid derivatives and traces of volatile oils.
Pharmacological Actions
The PDR for herbal medicines describes the main effects of motherwort as sedative, hypotonic and negatively chronotropic, which means it slows down the heart rate. This latter effect was documented in the April 2002 issue of the "Journal of Ethnopharmacology," in which researchers reported the first successful isolation of a motherwort compound called lavandulifolioside that appears to be responsible for negative chronotropism and lowering blood pressure. In the April 25, 2011 issue of "Phytotherapy Research," a team of Russian scientists concluded that the oil extract of L. cardiaca may be an effective and safe treatment for people with hypertension and anxiety. Any evidence regarding the efficacy of motherwort as a therapy for epilepsy, however, appears to be anecdotal.
Safety Concerns
James A. Duke, Ph.D., author of "Handbook of Medicinal Herbs," cautions that although there are no known herb-drug interactions or side effects linked to motherwort, it should not be used during pregnancy because of the risk of uterine bleeding. Both the fresh leaves and the essential oil of the plant may cause contact dermatitis in some people. Possible effects on heart rate and blood pressure suggest that this herb should not be taken in conjunction with pharmaceutical medicines without medical supervision. Check with your doctor for using in any case, but especially if you have health problems.
References
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Brendler, et al.; 2007
- "Journal of Ethnopharmacology"; Pharmacological Effects of Lavandulifolioside from Leonurus cardiaca; K. Milkowska-Leyck; 2002
- 'Phytotherapy Research"; Effect of Leonurus cardiaca Oil Extract in Patients with Arterial Hypertension Accompanied by Anxiety and Sleep Disorders; AN Shikov, et al.; 2011
- "Handbook of Medicinal Herbs"; James A. Duke, Ph.D.; 2002
