ESCOP monographs The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. Online series. Epilobii herba (Willow herb). Exeter: ESCOP; 2024.

Epilobii herba

Willow herb

Epilobium parviflorum Schreb (syn. Chamaenerion parviflorum)

Epilobium angustifolium L. (syn. Chamaenerion angustifolium)

Published: 2024

Format: PDF

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Summary

The herbal monograph selects and summarises scientific studies and textbooks regarding efficacy, dosage and safety to support the therapeutic uses of willow herb.

This herbal drug, by definition, consists whole or cut dried aerial parts of Epilobium parviflorum Schreb (syn. Chamaenerion parviflorum) and E. angustifolium L. (syn. Chamaenerion angustifolium) (Onagraceae).

Studies with its main characteristic constituents, tannins and related compounds, flavonoids, phenolic acids and their derivatives and steroids are included.

The therapeutic indications are mild micturition disorders related to benign prostatic hyperplasia as well as irritable bladder.

Administration of willow herb addresses posology; its duration of use; contra-indications; special warnings; special precautions for use; interactions with other medicinal products; other forms of interaction; in pregnancy and lactation; its effects on ability to drive; undesirable effects and overdose.

In vitro experiments with willow herb demonstrated hormonal effects as well as anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, anti-aging and antioxidant/radical scavenging activities. In vivo experiments with willow herb or its extracts demonstrated hormonal, anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and analgesic properties.

Pharmacological studies in humans concern photoprotective effects.

Preclinical safety data for willow herb were assessed in toxicity studies.

Safety data were assessed in human studies.

The selection of literature cited in the monograph is aimed at bringing together relevant information about the possible physiological roles of willow herb and its major constituents.

Keywords

•     Epilobium parviflorum Schreb (syn. Chamaenerion parviflorum)

•     Epilobium angustifolium L. (syn. Chamaenerion angustifolium)

•     Epilobii herba

•     Urinary disorders

•     Benign prostatic hyperplasia

•     Irritable bladder

European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy. ESCOP monographs The Scientific Foundation for Herbal Medicinal Products. Online series. Epilobii herba (Wilow herb). Exeter: ESCOP; 2024.