Evidence supporting the use of: Cinquefoil
For the health condition: Menstrual Irregularity

Links: Go back one page, Tool main page, Ingredients list, Health conditions list, Body systems list

Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Cinquefoil (Potentilla species) has a history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly in Europe, for addressing women's health concerns, including menstrual irregularities such as heavy bleeding (menorrhagia) or painful periods (dysmenorrhea). Historical records from folk medicine describe the use of cinquefoil as an astringent herb, which practitioners believed could help control excessive menstrual bleeding and tone the uterus. Its use can be traced to herbal texts from the Middle Ages and later European herbal traditions, where it was commonly included in remedies for "female complaints."

However, modern scientific validation for these uses is lacking. There are no well-conducted clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies confirming the efficacy or safety of cinquefoil for treating menstrual irregularities. Most evidence remains anecdotal or is based on historical practices rather than modern research. While cinquefoil contains tannins and other astringent compounds that might theoretically influence bleeding or inflammation, this has not been substantiated in the context of menstrual health.

In summary, the use of cinquefoil for menstrual irregularity is justified by tradition, with little to no scientific evidence supporting its efficacy. Anyone considering its use should consult a healthcare professional, especially due to the lack of rigorous data and the potential for side effects or interactions with other medications.

More about cinquefoil
More about Menstrual Irregularity

Products containing cinquefoil

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.