Botanical Profile
Meadowsweet is a traditional European wet-meadow plant with a particular salicylate and aroma context.
Filipendula ulmaria is a perennial with pinnate leaves, large cream-white, sweetly fragrant inflorescences and spirally twisted achenes. The species is native to Europe and parts of western and northern Asia and grows in wet meadows, along streams, ditches, floodplains and tall-herb communities. It belongs to the Rosaceae and is a characteristic species of traditional wet landscapes. Filipendulae flos and Filipendulae herba are described pharmacognostically.
Phytochemistry
Meadowsweet contains salicylate-related compounds such as salicylaldehyde, methyl salicylate and salicylic-acid derivatives, as well as flavonoids including spiraeoside, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives, ellagitannins, phenolic acids, procyanidins and other polyphenols. Its former placement in the genus Spiraea is reflected in historical terminology and in the name spiraeoside. The plant has scientific-historical significance in salicylate research.
Traditional Uses
Meadowsweet appears in medieval herbals, monastic gardens and regional traditions. Because of its fragrance, it was used to flavour beverages, rooms and traditional preparations. EMA/HMPC, ESCOP and specialist works treat Filipendula ulmaria as a classic European medicinal plant with a long tradition.
Current Research
Research investigates salicylate derivatives, flavonoids, spiraeoside, ellagitannins, polyphenols, chemotaxonomy of the Rosaceae, wet-meadow ecology and the effects of changing land use on populations. Modern HPLC, GC-MS and LC-MS methods characterise constituent profiles in detail.
Sources
- European Union herbal monograph on Filipendula ulmaria (L.) Maxim., flos
- ESCOP Monographs – Filipendula ulmaria
- Wichtl M. Teedrogen und Phytopharmaka – Mädesüß
- PubMed literature on salicylate derivatives, spiraeoside and polyphenols of Filipendula ulmaria
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.