European midwives have historically used the herb Leonurus cardiaca to restore uterine function, a practice that has earned the plant its common name, motherwort. The herb is also used in traditional Chinese medicine to stimulate uterine contractions and promote menstruation and labor. Some herbalists suggest that motherwort may treat cervical dysplasia, but there is little evidence to support this claim. Motherwort is not a substitute for conventional treatment of cervical dysplasia. This herb may also produce side effects. Therapeutic use of motherwort requires supervision by a qualified health care practitioner experienced in the administration of this medicine.
Cervical Dysplasia Facts
A diagnosis of cervical dysplasia means that abnormal or precancerous cells on the cervix were detected during a Papanicolaou test, more commonly known as a Pap smear. According to MedlinePlus, most cases of cervical dysplasia impact women between the ages of 25 and 35, and nearly all incidents occur after infection with human papilloma virus, or HPV. Depending on the degree of dysplasia, which is assessed by the grade of lesions detected, this condition may clear up on its own or it may require further treatment. The important thing to take away from reading this is that nearly all cases of cervical dysplasia are cured, if diagnosed and treated quickly. In any case, talk to your doctor about the use of motherwort as a complementary therapy before self-treating your condition.
Motherwort Profile
Motherwort is a perennial member of the mint family native to central Europe, temperate Russia, Scandinavia and central Asia. Traditionally used in folk medicine to treat asthma, bronchitis and amenorrhea, motherwort is approved for use in Europe by the German Commission E to treat certain heart conditions and thyroid dysfunction. The herb is also used in homeopathy to treat cardiac conditions and high blood pressure.
Chemical Composition
According to the "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines," the primary active constituent in motherwort is an alkaloid called leonurine. Other compounds found in the herb include iridoid monoterpenes, such as ajugoside, reptoside and galridoside. Also present are vitamin A, tannins, volatile oils and a variety of flavonoids, including rutin, hyperoside and quercetin.
Pharmacological Activity
The June 15, 2011 issue of the "European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry" included a study in which scientists from Fudan University in China report that leonurine derivatives demonstrate cardioprotective effects. Studies on the uterine effects of motherwort, specifically, are outdated and limited. However, a review published in the "American Journal of Chinese Medicine" in 1976 identified leonurine, isolated from motherwort leaf, as a uterotonic agent. In addition, a paper published in 2011 in the "Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology" shows that ursolic acid, a compound found in many plants, including motherwort, inhibits cell proliferation and triggers apoptosis, or cell death, in gastric and liver tumors. Although this research is promising, it does not mean that motherwort has a positive effect on cervical dysplasia.
Safety Considerations
Use motherwort only under medical supervision. Due to potential uterine effects, this herb should not be used during pregnancy. Similarly, motherwort may increase the effects of cardiovascular or blood pressure medicines.
References
- "Physicians' Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines"; Thomas Brendler, et al.; 2007
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Cervical Dysplasia
- "European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry"; Leonurine-cysteine Analog Conjugates as a New Class of Multifunctional Anti-myocardial Ischemia Agent; C. Liu, et al.; 2011
- "American Journal of Chinese Medicine"; Isolation of the Uterotonic Principle from Leonurus artemisia, the Chinese Motherwort; Y.C. Kong, et al.; 1976
- "Journal of Biomedicine and Biotechnology"; Ursolic Acid Inhibits Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis of Cancer Cells in vitro and in vivo; X. Wang, et al.; 2011
