Botanical Profile
Hemp-agrimony is a European wetland plant with a long record in herbals and pharmacognostic literature.
Eupatorium cannabinum L. is a perennial with strong stems, opposite leaves usually divided into three to five leaflets, and pink to purplish-pink inflorescences. The species grows along banks, ditches, wet meadows, floodplains, spring areas and tall-herb communities. The specific epithet cannabinum refers to the hemp-like divided leaves, without implying botanical relationship to hemp. Eupatorii herba is described pharmacognostically.
Phytochemistry
Hemp-agrimony contains sesquiterpene lactones such as eupatoriopicrin, flavonoids, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, phenolic acids, tannins, triterpenes and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. The latter are relevant to professional and regulatory classification. The combination of sesquiterpene lactones, polyphenols and alkaloidal constituents makes the species chemotaxonomically interesting.
Traditional Uses
Hemp-agrimony has been described in European herbals since the Middle Ages. Because of its wide distribution in damp habitats, the plant was readily available and appears in regional herbal traditions. Pharmacognostic reference works list Eupatorii herba as a traditional wild-plant drug.
Current Research
Research investigates sesquiterpene lactones, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, flavonoids, chemotaxonomy of the Eupatorieae, wetland ecology, pollinator value and genetic relationships within the Asteraceae.
Sources
- Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Wasserdost
- Hagers Handbuch der Pharmazeutischen Praxis – Eupatorium cannabinum
- PubMed literature on sesquiterpene lactones and pyrrolizidine alkaloids of Eupatorium cannabinum
Notice
The information presented in this botanical profile has been compiled to the best of our knowledge and belief from botanical, phytochemical, historical and scientific sources. It is intended solely for general professional information and initial orientation.
The content does not constitute an assurance of specific properties, effects, qualities or possible uses of products or extracts. In particular, it does not constitute a guarantee, a statement of suitability, or a statement regarding marketability, permissibility or usability in specific applications or markets.
Assessment of the suitability of a raw material or extract for a particular intended use, as well as compliance with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements, is the sole responsibility of the respective user.