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Mw3.5
Motherwort Research
Mostly mechanism / observational
21 peer-reviewed studies
What the evidence says
Mostly mechanism / observational
Most Motherwort studies are mechanism or observational rather than RCTs that measure a clinical effect — keep findings provisional.
Most evidence is from high-quality meta-analyses and randomised trials published 2006–2026 with a typical study size of 97 participants.
Based on 21 studies · 1 meta-analysis · 4 RCTs · 587 total participants
Confidence
Moderate confidence
What the studies found
1helped· 20 more without graded effect data
By outcome
Women's health & postpartumTraditional menstrual-support use; no direct PMS trials · 1-3 cycles
Mostly mechanism / observational16 studies
Heart & blood pressureTraditional cardiotonic; oral palpitation evidence is small and preliminary · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational9 studies
Therapeutic & clinical
Mostly mechanism / observational8 studies
Anxiety & stressOne small oral RCT in hypertensive patients showed anxiety improvement; otherwise traditional · 2-4 weeks
Mostly mechanism / observational5 studies
Safety profile
Mostly mechanism / observational4 studies
Depression & moodMild calming reported in small trials; not established for mood · 1-2 weeks
Too few graded studies2 studies
Inflammation
Too few graded studies1 study
Neuroprotection & brain aging
Too few graded studies1 study
By the numbers
Pulled from 5 studies with measurable effects
People studied
587
typical study: 97 people
Strongest designs
5
1 pooled, 4 randomised
Showed benefit
100%
1/1 studies
Populations Studied
Pregnant women with cesarean section1
Women undergoing cesarean section1
Patients with cardiovascular diseases, cancer, renal disorders, gynecological conditions, and inflammation-associated pathologies1
Patients with anxiety and depressive disorders1
Steady research
5 studies in the last 5 years · Latest meta-analysis: 2018
200620162026
1Systematic ReviewCited 2×2025
Higher Education Press.
Wang R et al. · Frontiers of medicine (2025)
Diseases of the cardiovascular system and central nervous system are "major health threats" that threaten human life and health worldwide, however, many drugs have certain side effects right now.
This paper reviews the potential molecular therapeutic effects of leonurine on cardiovascular system and central nervous system diseases, highlights the current findings of research progress, and focuses on the therapeutic effects of leonurine in various diseases.
At present, leonurine is in the stage of clinical experiment, and we hope that our summary can provide guidance for its future molecular mechanism study and clinical application.
The cardioprotective and vasoprotective activities of stachydrine are related to its inhibition of β-MHC, excessive autophagy, SIRT1, eNOS uncoupling and TF, promotion of SERCA, and angiogenesis.
Cheng F et al. · Pharmacological research (2020)
The cardioprotective and vasoprotective activities of stachydrine are related to its inhibition of β-MHC, excessive autophagy, SIRT1, eNOS uncoupling and TF, promotion of SERCA, and angiogenesis.
In addition to its anticancer action, regulation of the uterus, neuroprotective effects, etc. the pharmacokinetic properties of stachydrine are also discussed.
Notably, five targets (i.e., AKT1, PTGS2, ESR1, AR and PPARG) were screened as hub genes based on a degree algorithm.
Wang C et al. · Computational biology and chemistry (2020)
Notably, five targets (i.e., AKT1, PTGS2, ESR1, AR and PPARG) were screened as hub genes based on a degree algorithm.
Moreover, most of the bioactive components in motherwort had good binding ability with these genes, implying that motherwort could regulate their biological function.
Collectively, this study elucidated the molecular mechanisms that underlay the efficiency of motherwort against MDs and demonstrated the potential of network pharmacology as an approach to uncover the action mechanism of herbal medicines.
The current study presents the progress made within the 2010-2018 timeframe regarding the potential applications and scientific evidences supporting the traditional use of motherwort, in the same time suggesting future research opportunities.
Fierascu RC et al. · BioMed research international (2019)
Leonurus cardiaca L. (motherwort) is a perennial herb, native to Asia and southeastern Europe, with widespread global occurrence in present days.
The plant was historically used as cardiotonic and for treating gynaecological afflictions (such as amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopausal anxiety, or postpartum depression).
Although its use in oriental and occidental medicine is relatively well documented, the recent progress registered raises the need for an update of the Medicines Agency assessment report on Leonurus cardiaca L., herba (2010).
Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin also decreased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.35.) CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women with cesarean section, motherwort injection suggests an obvious benefit and less adverse event.
Chen W et al. · Journal of evidence-based medicine (2018)
Huge benefit
← WorseNo effectBetter →
Motherwort injection combined with oxytocin also decreased the risk of postpartum hemorrhage (OR 0.22, 95% CI 0.14 to 0.35.) CONCLUSIONS: In pregnant women with cesarean section, motherwort injection suggests an obvious benefit and less adverse event.
Taking advantage of the most recent findings in pharmacological research including the effects of low toxicity and good pharmacokinetics characteristics, leonurine has a very attractive prospect of...
Zhu YZ et al. · Pharmacology & therapeutics (2018)
Taking advantage of the most recent findings in pharmacological research including the effects of low toxicity and good pharmacokinetics characteristics, leonurine has a very attractive prospect of clinical application.
Our recent promising pharmacological results may be able to eradicate the barrier hindering its sale on market.
In sum, from bench to bedside is no longer a long way for leonurine.
That will allow to expand the range of sources of herbal remedies raw materials in the framework of realization of the state program for import substitution.
Sermukhamedova OV et al. · Acta poloniae pharmaceutica (2017)
The review deals with analysis and classification of literature data on phamacognostic study (botanical characteristics, geographical distribution, chemical composition and use in medicine) of species of Motherwort genus (Leonums L.).
The review unveils opportunities for comprehensive study and development of approaches to the standardization of raw materials of Turkistan motherwort (L. turkestanicus V.I.
That will allow to expand the range of sources of herbal remedies raw materials in the framework of realization of the state program for import substitution.
9Systematic ReviewCited 30×2016
In traditional Chinese medicine, the herbs that regulate blood play a vital role.
Hung HY et al. · Journal of food and drug analysis (2016)
In traditional Chinese medicine, the herbs that regulate blood play a vital role.
Besides, the analytical methods developed to qualify or quantify the active compounds of the herbs are also summarized.
Therefore, repeat testing of platelet function and coagulation studies, particularly for patients on warfarin therapy, may be required after exclusion of herbal medicines that could have possibly affected initial test results.Thieme Medical Publishers 333 Seventh Avenue, New York, NY 10001, USA.
McEwen BJ · Seminars in thrombosis and hemostasis (2015)
In vitro studies show promise in the reduction of platelet aggregation for Andrographis, feverfew, garlic, ginger, Ginkgo, ginseng, hawthorn, horse chestnut, and turmeric.
In addition, cranberry, danshen, dong quai, Ginkgo, ginseng, green tea, and St John's wort were found to have potential interactions with warfarin.
Furthermore, St John's wort interacted with clopidogrel and danshen with aspirin.
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Leonurus japonicus has marked bioactivities, especially on the uterus and as a cardioprotective agent.
Shang X et al. · Journal of ethnopharmacology (2014)
Modern pharmacological studies have demonstrated that Leonurus japonicus has marked bioactivities, especially on the uterus and as a cardioprotective agent.
These activities are related to its traditional use and provide prospects for the development of novel drugs, therapeutics and health care products for women.
However, the toxicity of Leonurus japonicus will require further study, and the nomenclature for Leonurus japonicus will require additional clarification.
This paper reviews the possible target site, toxic dosage, chemical substance and other related factors of these kidney damage caused by motherwort from both the clinic and animal experiment view.
Yu J et al. · Zhongguo Zhong yao za zhi = Zhongguo zhongyao zazhi = China journal of Chinese materia medica (2010)
Motherwort (Herb of Leonurus heterophyllus) was a traditional Chinese medicine used for the treatment of various kinds of gynaecological diseases, which was considered as non-toxic medicine since ancient times.
However, adverse effects such as kidney damage, uterus damage, allergy and diarrhea were frequently reported recently.
This paper reviews the possible target site, toxic dosage, chemical substance and other related factors of these kidney damage caused by motherwort from both the clinic and animal experiment view.
According to the Clinical Global Impression (CGI) scale, a significant improvement in the symptoms of anxiety and depression was observed in 32% of patients, a moderate improvement in 48% and a weak effect in 8%; 12% of patients did not respond to therapy.
Shikov AN et al. · Phytother Res (2011)
Fifty patients were treated for 28 days with 1200 mg LOE per day
Positive effects on psycho-emotional status and arterial blood pressure observed earlier in stage 1 than stage 2 hypertension
Significant improvement in anxiety/depression symptoms in 32% and moderate improvement in 48% of patients (CGI scale); side effects were minimal
14Prevention of postpartum hemorrhage after cesarean sectionRCTCited 14×n=440 · medium study2009
It is safe and efficacious that combined use of motherwort injection and oxytocin was to prevent postpartum hemorrhage during or after caesarian section.
Lin JH et al. · Zhonghua fu chan ke za zhi (2009)
It is safe and efficacious that combined use of motherwort injection and oxytocin was to prevent postpartum hemorrhage during or after caesarian section.
Further research warranted to confirm findings
15Systematic Review2026
This review comprehensively documents stachydrine's multi-targeted and multi-organ therapeutic potential, driven by its pleiotropic mechanisms.
Tang S et al. · Drug design, development and therapy (2026)
This review comprehensively documents stachydrine's multi-targeted and multi-organ therapeutic potential, driven by its pleiotropic mechanisms.
It provides a robust foundation for clinical translation in cardiovascular diseases, cancer, renal disorders, gynecological conditions, and inflammation-associated pathologies.
Future research should prioritize high-quality clinical trials and synergistic drug-combination strategies to harness its therapeutic efficacy fully.
Priorities include standardized, chemotype-controlled formulations with PK/PD-guided dosing and adequately powered randomized trials that assess safety and herb-drug interactions.
Morariu-Briciu DM, Jîjie AR, Bolintineanu SL, Pah AM, Chiriac SD, Chevereșan A, Dumitrașcu V, Prodan Bărbulescu C, Jipa R. · Life (Basel, Switzerland) (2026)
Across studies, polyphenols (especially flavonoids and phenolic acids) and organosulfur compounds are most consistently associated with cardioprotection, while terpene-derived constituents and secoiridoids contribute mechanistically in plant-specific settings (e.g., Ginkgo and Olea ).
Predominantly in experimental models, these agents engage redox-adaptive (Nrf2), mitochondrial (mPTP), endothelial, and inflammatory (NF-κB) pathways, with reported reductions in ischemia-reperfusion injury, oxidative damage, and apoptosis.
Clinical evidence remains heterogeneous and is largely confined to short-term studies and surrogate outcomes (blood pressure, lipids, oxidative biomarkers, endothelial function), with scarce data on hard cardiovascular endpoints or event reduction.
17Anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of Romanian flora speciesReview2026
Particular attention should be given to species for which the current evidence remains predominantly experimental, by promoting research strategies that facilitate the translation of mechanistic findings into clinically meaningful outcomes.
Frenț OD, Marian E, Vicaș LG, Dejeu IL, Dejeu GE, Ganea M, Potra Cicalău GI, Ciavoi G, Cristea RA, Nagy C, Aghaei D, Iova CS. · Biomedicines (2026)
Conclusions: Phytotherapy represents a promising approach in the management of anxiety and depressive disorders, particularly as a complementary therapeutic option.
However, the strength of evidence varies considerably among the analyzed species, and clinical data remain limited for several of them.
Future directions: From a future perspective, advancing the clinical relevance of the analyzed plant species requires a more coherent integration of existing pharmacological, preclinical, and emerging clinical data.
ZTD is effective and safe for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Guo J et al. · Zhongguo Zhong xi yi jie he za zhi Zhongguo Zhongxiyi jiehe zazhi = Chinese journal of integrated traditional and Western medicine (2008)
The total effective rate in the treatment group was 89.00% (43/48), while that in the control group was 73.46% (36/49), showing statistically significant difference between them (P < 0.01).
ZTD is effective and safe for the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.
Further research warranted to confirm findings
19RCTCited 5×2006
It is suggested that there is a relation between the limitation of anxiety and the improvement of visual function (sensitivity).
Ovanesov KB et al. · Eksperimental'naia i klinicheskaia farmakologiia (2006)
The chronic administration of melatonin (0.75 mg at night, 10 days) led to a significant decrease in the thresholds of retinal brightness sensitivity and improved the emotional state in anxious young subjects.
Analogous changes were less pronounced after the treatment with common motherwort (Leonurus cardiaca) tincture.
It is suggested that there is a relation between the limitation of anxiety and the improvement of visual function (sensitivity).
20Sedative, hypotensive, and cardioprotective effectsReviewCited 68×2013
Mild negative chronotropic, hypotonic and sedative effects can be attributed to the herb and preparations thereof. Pharmacological studies have confirmed its antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity, as well as its effects on the heart and the circulatory system. Sedative and hypotensive activity has been demonstrated in clinical trials.
Wojtyniak K et al. · Phytother Res (2013)
Mild negative chronotropic, hypotonic and sedative effects attributed to the herb and its preparations
Pharmacological studies confirmed antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity
Sedative and hypotensive activity has been demonstrated in clinical trials