Volume 9, Issue 2, July – August 2011; Article-022 ISSN 0976 – 044X

Review Article

YARROW (ACHILLEA MILLEFOLIUM LINN.) A HERBAL MEDICINAL PLANT

WITH BROAD THERAPEUTIC USE – A REVIEW.
*
Lakshmi T , Geetha R.V, Anitha Roy & Aravind kumar .S
1
Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Velappanchavady, Chennai-77, India.
*Corresponding author’s E-mail: [email protected]

Accepted on: 27-04-2011; Finalized on: 25-07-2011.

ABSTRACT
This review gives an account of the current knowledge on the morphology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects of yarrow
(Achillea millefolium). Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, it is called plumajillo, or "little
feather", for the shape of the leaves. A wide range of chemical compounds have been isolated, mainlyisovaleric acid, salicylic acid,
asparagin, sterols, flavonoids, bitters, tannins, and coumarins. Different parts of the plant have been used in traditional medicine as
diaphoretic, astringent, tonic, stimulant and mild aromatic, cold and influenza, Amenorrhea, antiphlogistic. The aerial parts of the
plant are used for phlegm conditions, as a bitter digestive tonic to encourage bile flow, and as a diuretic. The alkaloids extracted
from the leaves of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) are reported to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity. yarrow (Achillea
millefolium) shows several characteristic pharmacological effects like gastroprotective, Antibacterial, Antioxidant, Antiseptic,
Expectorant, carminative activity which are consistent with the reported uses of the plant extracts in the indigenous system of
medicine. Hence the present article includes the detailed exploration of morphology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects
of yarrow (Achillea millefolium) in an attempt to provide a direction for further research.
Keywords: Alkaloids, antibacterial, Antioxidant, Achillea millefolium, flavonoids.

INTRODUCTION can be used for high blood pressure. It is also useful in

menstrual disorders, and as an effective sweating remedy
Plants have been used by men from prehistoric times to
to bring down fevers. Yarrow intensifies the medicinal
get rid of suffering &curing ailments. The folk medicines
action of other herbs taken with it,6 and helps eliminate
of almost around the world rely chiefly on herbal
toxins from the body. It has Analgesic7,8 Amenorrhea,
medicine even today1. Plants are of the important sources
antiphlogistic,9,10 anti-inflammatory agent, used to control
of medicine & alarge numbers of drugs in use are derived
bleeding, blood clots, blood pressure (lowers), blood
from plants. The therapeutic uses of plant are safe &
purifier, blood vessels (tones), colds, chicken pox,
economical & effective as their ease of availability2. In
circulation, cystitis, diabetes treatment, digestion
India the indigenous system of medicine namely
(stimulates)gastro-intestinal disorders9, choleretic11
Ayurvedic, Siddha & Unani have been in existence for
dyspepsia, eczema, fevers, flu's, gastritis, glandular
several centuries. Yarrow, a member of the aster family,
system, gum ailments, heartbeat (slow), influenza, insect
is closely related to chrysanthemums and 12 13
repellant, inflammation , emmenagogue, internal
chamomile.yarrow (Achillea millefolium) was named after
bleeding, liver (stimulates and regulates), lungs
Achilles, the Greek mythical figure who used it to stop the
(hemorrhage), measles, menses (suppressed),
bleeding wounds of his soldiers. Decoctions have been
menorrhagia, menstruation (regulates, relieves pain),
used to treat inflammations, such as hemorrhoids, and
nipples (soreness), nosebleeds, piles (bleeding), smallpox,
headaches. The most medicinally active part of the plant
stomach sickness, toothache, thrombosis, ulcers, urinary
is the flowering tops. They also have a mild stimulant
antiseptic, uterus (tighten and contract),
effect, and have been used as a snuff. Popular in
gastroprotective14 varicose veins, vision, may reduce
European folk medicine, yarrow contains flavonoids
autoimmune responses15. A decoction of the whole plant
(plant-based chemicals) that increase saliva and stomach
is employed for bleeding piles, and is good for kidney
acid, helping to improve digestion. Yarrow may also relax
disorders. It has the reputation also of being a
smooth muscle in the intestine and uterus, which can
preventative of baldness, if the head be washed with it.
relieve stomach and menstrual cramps. The flowers are
Internally it is used for loss of appetite and dyspepsia.
used to treat various allergic mucus problems, including . 16
Externally it is used as a sitz bath for female disorders
hay fever The dark blue essential oil, extracted by steam
distillation of the flowers, is generally used as an anti- Table 1: Scientific classification of Yarrow
3
inflammatory or in chest rubs for colds and influenza. Kingdom Plantae
The leaves encourage clotting, so it can be used fresh for Family Asteraceae
nosebleeds.4 The aerial parts of the plant are used for Genus Achillea
phlegm conditions, as a bitter digestive tonic to Species A. millefolium
5
encourage bile flow, and as a diuretic. The aerial parts Binomial Name AchilleamillefoliumL.
act as a tonic for the blood, stimulate the circulation, and References Species Plantarum 2: 899 L

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Volume 9, Issue 2, July – August 2011; Article-022 ISSN 0976 – 044X

as a simple, upright, and hairy stem, usually under 3 feet.

Yarrow blooms between June and September. The
flowers are typically white, but either pink or pale purple
flowers are common in mountain areas. The petals are
densely arranged in flattened clusters, and the leaves look
like feathers. The plant spreads rapidly. Yarrows can be
planted to combat soil erosion due to the plant's
resistance to drought. It is Found in, Europe, North
America northern Asia, and southern Australia.
19
Establishment
Common Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is a drought
tolerant species of which there are several different
ornamental cultivars. Seeds require light for germination,
Fig 1: Achillea millefolium Fig 2: Budding so optimal germination occurs when planted no deeper
than ¼ inch. Seeds also require a germination
temperature of 18–24°C (64–75°F). Common yarrow
responds best to soil that is poorly developed and well
drained. The plant has a relatively short life, but may be
prolonged by dividing the plant every other year, and
planting 12 to 18 inches apart. Common yarrow is a
weedy species and can become invasive. It may suffer
from mildew if not planted in well-drained soil.
Parts Used
The flowers, leaves, and stems of the Yarrow (Achillea
millefolium) plant are used for medicinal purposes. It is
Fig 3 Fig 4 collected while in bloom.

Leaves of Yarrow Flowers of Yarrow Phytochemical constituents of Yarrow (Achillea

millefolium) 20
Table 2: Common Names of Yarrow
Green arrow Milfoil  Alkaloids (betonicine, stachydrine, trigonelline)
Noble yarrow Nosebleed plant  Coumarins
Sanguinary Solder's woundwort  Flavonoids (apigenin, luteolin, quercitin)
Thousandleaf Yarrow  Salicylic acid
17  Sesquiterpene lactones (achillin, achillicin)
Binomial Distribution
 Polyacetylenes
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) is an erect
herbaceousperennial plant that produces one to several  Volatile oil with variable content (linalool,
stems (0.2 to 1m tall) and has a rhizomatous growth form. camphor, sabinene, chamazulene)
Leaves are evenly distributed along the stem, with the  Triterpenes
leaves near the middle and bottom of the stem being the  Tannins.
largest. The leaves have varying degrees of hairiness
 Sterols and plant acids.
(pubescence). The leaves are 5–20 cm long, bipinnate or
21
tripinnate, almost feathery, and arranged spirally on the Ethanobotanical uses
stems. Yarrow grows up to 3500m above sea level. The
Various parts of the globe, use of plants has been
plant commonly flowers from May through June, and is a
mentioned by all the cultures. The physical evidence for
frequent component in butterfly gardens. Common
the use of herbal remedies dates back to 60,000 years of
yarrow is frequently found in the mildly disturbed soil of
a Neanderthal man uncovered in 1960. As per history of
grasslands and open forests. Active growth occurs in the
phytotherapy, Women of those days prepared herbal
spring. In North America, there are both native and
medicines every day and took care of the ills of the
introduced genotypes, and both diploid and polyploid
members of the family; while the men complied the
plants.
remedies used by the women and wrote it down. the
Habitat18 ancient civilization of India, China, Greece and other
countries of the world developed their own system of
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) flourishes in a sunny and
medicines India plants have been traditionally
warm habitat, and is frequently found in meadows and
along roadsides, as well as on dry, sunny slopes. It grows
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Volume 9, Issue 2, July – August 2011; Article-022 ISSN 0976 – 044X

independent of each other but all of them were Tincture: Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) tincture is useful
predominantly plant based. for healing urinary disorders and menstrual problems. It is
also recommended for cardiovascular complaints.
In India plants have been traditionally used for human
and veterinary health care and also in the food and textile Compress: soak a pad in the yarrow infusion or dilute the
industry. 90% percent of the local food resources known yarrow tincture to get relief from varicose veins
to indigenous people were undocumented to nutritional
literature, trade, cosmetics and perfumes: but India has a PHARMACOLOGICAL ACTIONS
special position in area of herbal medicines A. millefolium
The volatile oils work as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory
Linn., Family composite used in various purposes such as
and diuretic agents. The tannins are aggressive
leaves, flowers, Aerial parts, root, essential oil etc. are
astringents. The alkaloids are both hypotensive and
known to have potential pharmacological activity such as
hypoglycemic. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) even has
expectorant, analgesic, anticancer, hypotensive, and
coumarin in its cells which works as an anti-thrombotic to
antiinflammatory agent. It also plays a significant role in
reduce high blood pressure. The bitter compounds that
treatment of fevers, arthritis, asthma, bronchitis, Cardio
the tongue detects are due to flavonoids such as saponins
vascular complaints etc. in traditional medical practices.
and unpleasant tasting but powerful alkaloids like
Uses of whole plant achilleine, trigonelline and betonicine. These are the
proven facts for yarrow's actions in the digestive system,
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) plant has flexible medicinal
tissues and the blood stream.
use and it is very resourceful as a herbal medication is
established from the fact that various parts of the plant Biological activity
can be used for healing different disorders. The flowers,
Anti Microbial activity22-30
essential oil, leaves as well as aerial parts are useful in
some way or the other. Yarrow (A. millefolium) is recognized as a powerful
medicinal plant is widely distributed and has been used
Flowers
medicinally for thousands of years. In a study, A.
Infusion: An infusion of yarrow flowers can be prepared millefolium showed antibacterial activity against S.
by steeping the flowers into boiling water for some time. typhimurium and S. aureus with predicted MICs on the
If taken internally, the infusion is useful for upper order of 10 s of µg/mL or 10 s of mg/mL, respectively. A
respiratory phlegm. It may also be useful to heal eczema number of studies have investigated the antibacterial
when applied externally as a wash. properties of this species and found similar results to
those presented here. One difference, however, is that
Inhalation: Fresh yarrow flowers may be added to boiling
two studies found that ether-hexane-methanol extracts
water and the aroma inhaled to cure hay fever and mild
of Yarrow caused inhibition zones against E. coli in disc
asthma.
diffusion assays, whereas the study with aqueous extracts
Essential oil of flower, leaves, roots, and shoots and a separate study
of essential oil and methanolic extracts did not. These
Massage oil: With a view to get relief from swollen joints,
differing results could be due to the different extraction
dilute 5 to 10 drops of yarrow oil in 25 ml of permeated
methods used or regional variation in the chemical
St. John’s wort oil and massage the amalgamation on the
constituents of the plants. It is well known that Yarrow
affected areas.
represents a diverse, polyploid complex that is probably
Chest rub: To alleviate chesty colds and drive out composed of dozens of species with varying biochemical
influenza, dilute 20 drops of essential yarrow (Achillea compositions. The biochemical diversity of this complex
millefolium) oil in 25 ml of almond or sunflower oil and has been fairly well described, and it has been
blend it with eucalyptus, peppermint, hyssop or thyme oil hypothesized that phenolic compounds such as flavonoids
and rub the mixture on the chest. and phenolcarbonic acids may underlie the observed
antimicrobial activity.
Leaves
Cholagogue Activity
Fresh: Inserting yarrow (Achillea millefolium) leaf into the
nostril helps in curbing nose bleed. The cholagogue activity of yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
Poultice: Cuts and scratches on the body can be healed by may be due to the presence of unsaturated fatty acids. At
wrapping cleansed fresh yarrow leaves on the affected the least, it has been observed unsaturated fatty acids
regions. have good cholagogue effects, and they are present in
yarrow.
Aerial parts
Anti Hypertensive activity31
Infusion: An infusion prepared with the aerial parts of the
yarrow plant is useful in reducing fevers. The infusion is The control of Hypertension is an important element in
also useful as a digestive stimulant. the management of cardiovascular diseases. Study
showed that yarrow (Achillea millefolium) exhibits a high

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Volume 9, Issue 2, July – August 2011; Article-022 ISSN 0976 – 044X

angiotensin converting enzyme inhibition, hence used in hydroxybenzoic acid derivative was the major
the treatment of hypertension. component.
Anti Inflammatory activity32 Anti cancer activity35,36
Yarrow oil (Achillea millefolium) possesses good Anti Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) possesses good Anti cancer
inflammatory activity and used to treat rheumatism, activity. The phytochemical constituent of yarrow that is
muscle aches and heal inflamed cuts or wounds. Its the flavonoids and sesquiterpenoids have anti-
phytochemical constituent, Flavonoids, along with having proliferative effects against mouse P-388 leukemia cells
an effect on prostaglandin production, possess anti- and cervix epithelial adenocarcinoma (HeLa), breast
inflammatory. Another component of yarrow that is a epithelial adenocarcinoma (MCF-7) and skin epidermoid
33
powerful anti-inflammatory is azuline, which comprises carcinoma (A431) cells .
almost half of yarrow’s chemical composition.
Anti Diarrheal and Gastroprotective activity
Antioxidant Activity33
The astringent feature of yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
In a Study the in vitro antimicrobial and antioxidant makes it a useful medication in stopping diarrhea and
activities of the essential oil and methanol extracts of dysentery as well as impedes hemorrhage from the
Achillea millefolium subsp. millefolium Afan. (Asteraceae) intestinal coatings. In addition, yarrow’s sterile and anti-
were investigated. GC-MS analysis of the essential oil inflammatory qualities help in healing infections and
resulted in the identification of 36 compounds swollen organs like in the case of gastritis and enteritis.
constituting 90.8% of the total oil. Eucalyptol, camphor,
37
alpha-terpineol, beta-pinene, and borneol were the SAFETY FACTORS & TOXICITY
principal components comprising 60.7% of the oil. The oil
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) causes Contact dermatitis,
strongly reduced the diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical
photosensitization, and other allergic reactions may occur
(IC(50)=1.56 micro g/ml) and exhibited hydroxyl radical
in sensitive individuals. This herb has approval status by
scavenging effect in the Fe(3+)-EDTA-H(2)O(2)
the German Commission E. Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium)
deoxyribose system (IC(50)=2.7 micro g/ml). It also
Extract is an extract of the yarrow plant, Achillea
inhibited the nonenzymatic lipid peroxidation of rat liver
millefolium, supplied in polypropylene glycol, which is
homogenate (IC(50)=13.5 micro g/ml). The polar phase of
reported to function as a "biological additive" in cosmetic
the extract showed antioxidant activity. The oil showed
products. Sesquiterpene lactones, polyacetylenes, simple
antimicrobial activity against Streptococcus pneumoniae,
coumarins, and flavonoids have been identified among
Clostridium perfringens, Candida albicans,
the many components of A. millefolium. Yarrow Extract
Mycobacterium smegmatis, Acinetobacter woffii and
was reportedly used in 65 cosmetic formulations.
Candida krusei while water-insoluble parts of the
Historically, Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Extract was
methanolic extracts exhibited slight or no activity. This
reported to be used at concentrations of < or =25%, but
study confirms that the essential oil of yarrow (Achillea
recent data indicate that this ingredient is supplied with
millefolium) possesses antioxidant and antimicrobial
actual Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium).
properties in vitro.
Extract content of 2% to 25% and used at concentrations
Anti nociceptive activity34
of 0.5% to 10%. Only limited toxicity data were available.
In a study the hydroalcohol extracts of Achillea Guinea pigs were sensitized to crude extracts of the
millefolium L. (AM) and Artemisia vulgaris L. (AV), both whole plant and the flowers of A. millefolium. A.
belonging to the Asteraceae family, were evaluated by millefolium tea was weakly genotoxic in a somatic
the hot plate, writhing, formalin and intestinal transit mutation and recombination test using Drosophila
tests in an attempt to confirm their folk use as analgesic, melanogaster. In clinical testing, product formulations
antiinflammatory and antispasmodic agents. AM 500 and containing 0.1% to 0.5% of ingredient that actually
1000 mg/kg significantly inhibited abdominal contortions contained 2% of Yarrow Extract were generally not
by 65% and 23%, respectively, whereas AV 500 and 1000 irritating. In provocative testing, patients reacted to a
mg/kg inhibited them by 48% and 59%, respectively. Composite mix that contained yarrow, as well as to
None of the extracts produced differences in the yarrow itself. Also in clinical testing, a formulation
intestinal transit in mice, nor in the response time in the containing 0.1% Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Extract (2%
hot plate or in the immediate or late responses in the Yarrow in propylene glycol and water) was not a
formalin test. In HPLC/DAD analyses 'fingerprint', sensitizer in a maximization test and alcoholic extracts of
monitored at 360 and 270 nm, both hydroalcohol extracts dried leaves and stalks of A. millefolium did not produce a
showed the same flavonoid glycoside as a principal phototoxic response.
constituent, which was identified as rutin. A high content
These data were not considered sufficient to support the
of caffeic acid derivatives were also found in both
safety of this ingredient in cosmetics. The types of data
extracts. The main differences were observed at 240 nm:
(all testing is to be performed on cosmetic-grade
AM had a higher content of rutin, while in AV the
ingredients) still required include (1) ultraviolet (UV)
absorption data, if absorption occurs in the UVA or UVB
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Volume 9, Issue 2, July – August 2011; Article-022 ISSN 0976 – 044X

range, photosensitization data are needed; (2) gross on the analgesic, anti-ulcer, choleretic, hepatoprotective
pathology and histopathology in skin and other major and wound healing activities. First results on other
organ systems associated with repeated exposures; (3) interesting therapeutical areas - antihypertensive,
reproductive and developmental toxicity data; (4) two antidiabetic, antitumor, antispermatogenic activities -
genotoxicity studies, one using a mammalian system, if need confirmation.
positive, a 2-year dermal carcinogenicity assay performed
Yarrow can be used also as an insect repellent. Contact
using National Toxicology Program (NTP) methods may be
dermatitis as adverse effect may be connected to
needed; and (5) clinical sensitization testing at maximum
sesquiterpenes. The diversity and complexity of the
concentration of use. In the absence of these data, it was
effective compounds of yarrow species explains the broad
concluded that the available data are insufficient to
spectrum of their activity. According to this literature the
support the safety of Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Extract
pharmacological effects are mainly due to the essential
for use in cosmetic products.
oil, proazulenes and other sesquiterpene lactones,
38
Abortifacient activity dicaffeoylquinic acids and flavonoids. Achillea species
have different chemical and therapeutical values. Despite
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium) also has traditionally been
of numerous data, correct evaluation of the results is
used as an abortifacient, emmenagogue, contraceptive,
difficult because of missing generally accepted
and for stimulating uterine contractions. For this reason,
taxonomical nomenclature. The used chemical-analytical
it is contra-indicated for use in pregnancy. There has,
methods and bio-assays are utmost diverse, making the
however, been little scientific research carried out to
comparison complicated. Further research on the activity
either confirm or refute this recommendation Female rats
is needed using exactly defined plant material,
were dosed, orally by gavage using 56 times the human
standardized methods and chemical analysis.
dose of yarrow daily on either gestation days (GD) 1-8 or
GD 8-15. Two groups of controls were included; the first Acknowledgement: The author is also thankful to
received water and the second received an equivalent Dr.N.DJayakumar, Principal, saveetha Dental college &
dose of ethanol to that found in the yarrow preparation Hospitals, Chennai. & Dr.M.Nallanayagam, H.O.D of
over the two gestation periods. On GD 20, rats were Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College & Hospitals,
sacrificed, placentae were weighed, and corpora lutea Chennai-77, for their kind support. More over The
counted. The fetuses were weighed and examined for authors are also grateful to the authors/editors of all
signs of external, internal or skeletal malformations. those articles, journals and books from where the matter
for this article has been reviewed and discussed.
In the study it was found that yarrow, when administered
to rats at 56 times the human dose, was associated with
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