Shepherd's purse

Shepherd's Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): A Comprehensive Reference

1. Identity and Botanical Classification

Scientific Name and Taxonomy

Shepherd's purse, known botanically as Capsella bursa-pastoris, is a small flowering plant in the mustard family. Like cabbage, mustard, and rape, it belongs to the cruciferous family (Brassicaceae). It was formally described by the Swedish botanist Carl Linnaeus in his seminal publication Species Plantarum (1753) and then published by Friedrich Kasimir Medikus in Pflanzen-Gattungen in 1792. The genus name Capsella means "little box," and the specific epithet bursa-pastoris means "purse of the shepherd."

Synonyms and Historical Names

Older classifications placed the plant in the genus Thlaspi (pennycresses), so some 19th-century texts refer to it as Thlaspi bursa-pastoris. Additional synonyms include Bursa abscissa, Bursa druceana, and Capsella concava. European folk names include "Pick-purse," "Shepherd's Bag," and in French Bourse de pasteur — a consistency in naming across languages that is rare in plant nomenclature. In German the plant is called Hirtentasche; other English common names include lady's purse, mother's heart, pepper-and-salt, clappedepouch, and caseweed. In China, where it is known as jìcài (荠菜; 薺菜), its use as food has been recorded since the Zhou Dynasty.

Morphology and Distribution

Shepherd's purse is a ruderal annual or biennial plant that grows from a rosette of lobed basal leaves, from which emerges a stem most often 10–50 cm tall, bearing pointed leaves that partly grasp the stem. Small white flowers are borne in loose racemes and produce flattened, two-chambered seed pods called silicles, which are approximately 6 mm long and triangular to heart-shaped. The plant owes its name to these heart-shaped pods, which resemble the shoulder bags used by shepherds in the past.

The plant is native to Eurasia but is naturalized and considered a common weed in many parts of the world, especially in colder climates. Having been introduced on every continent, shepherd's purse is said to be the most common weed on Earth after dooryard knotweed (Polygonum aviculare).

Pharmacopeial Recognition

The monograph of C. bursa-pastoris can be found in the Pharmacopoea Genevensis of 1780 (under the name Thlaspi Bursa-Pastoris Linn or Bursa Pastoris Le Tabouret), as well as in the Pharmacopoea Parisiensis of 1758. The herb has a monograph, Bursae pastoris Herba, published by German Commission E, and since 2014 it has been included in the Deutscher Arzneimittel Codex. In 2023, C. bursa-pastoris (Bursae pastoris herba) was introduced into the European Pharmacopoeia, 11th edition. Since 2011, the plant has also had a herbal monograph from the Committee on Herbal Medicinal Products (HMPC) of the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

Plant Parts Used and Common Forms

The dried above-ground parts of the plant — leaves, stems, flowers, and fruits — collected at flowering time are used medicinally. The HMPC conclusions cover shepherd's purse preparations obtained by drying and comminuting (reducing into tiny pieces) the aerial parts, or by putting the plant material in a solvent (such as ethanol) to dissolve compounds and form a liquid extract. Commercial preparations include dried herb for infusion (herbal tea), hydroethanolic dry extracts in capsules or tablets, liquid tinctures, and topical preparations. Shepherd's purse is often sold dried as a supplement in liquid, capsule, or tablet form.

2. Traditional and Historical Uses

Ancient and Pre-Historic Use

This species has been known and used by humans for at least 8,000 years; during archaeological research, seeds of C. bursa-pastoris were found in excavations of Neolithic settlements at Çatalhöyük in Turkey, dating to around 5950 B.C. In early medicinal traditions, C. bursa-pastoris was used as a hemostatic, vasoconstrictor, and antipyretic agent, and to treat edema, hypertension, kidney and nerve disorders.

East Asian Traditions

Shepherd's purse has been used as a traditional herbal medicine for a long history, which has been recorded in TCM ancient books Ben Cao Gang Mu and Ming Yi Bie Lu. The species is well known for its properties supporting the functioning of the digestive system and for antihemorrhagic properties in the ethnomedicine of Far Eastern countries. In China, where it has been consumed as food since the Zhou Dynasty, it was historically used to make geng soup and congee, and was preserved as yāncài. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, shepherd's purse is included in formulas intended to reduce uterine bleeding and support recovery after childbirth.

European Traditions

Capsella bursa-pastoris has long-standing ethnomedical records spanning Pakistan, India, Iraq, Cyprus, Turkey, Iran, Azerbaijan, Europe, Saudi Arabia, China, and many other Asian countries. In Western Europe, the plant became closely identified with the control of hemorrhage. During World War I, shepherd's purse became the hemostatic herb of choice when hydrastis and ergot became scarce. It was also used for excessive lochia and catarrh of the bladder, and in cases of dropsy, it was used as a diuretic to increase the output of the kidneys.

Midwives have used shepherd's purse for centuries to stimulate uterine contractions during active labor. Post-partum, it was used to aid in expelling the placenta and bringing the uterus back down to size, and to decrease the lochia in the weeks following delivery.

Native American Use

Native American use of shepherd's purse was both as drug and food: the Ojibwe, Costanoan, and Mahuna tribes boiled the whole plant to make a remedy for dysentery and diarrhea, while the Mohegan tribe used the seedpods to treat stomach pains and as a deworming method. Native Americans also ground the seeds into a meal and made a beverage from the plant.

Culinary Uses Across Cultures

Shepherd's purse is eaten as a leaf vegetable and cultivated as a commercial food crop in Asia. All edible parts — leaves, roots, and seeds — have long histories of use in Eurasian, Native American, and early settler cuisines. Young leaves can be used in salads and have a mild, peppery taste.

3. Key Constituents and Active Compounds

Overview of Phytochemical Groups

The main active compounds responsible for the activity profile of the raw material are flavonoids, phenolic acids, amino acids, phytosterols, vitamins, and bioelements. Previous studies found that shepherd's purse contained a wide range of chemicals including flavonoids, alkaloids, polypeptides, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, tyramine, fatty acids, sterols, organic acids, amino acids, sulforaphane, many trace elements, vitamins, and many other compounds.

Flavonoids and Phenolic Compounds

The most important group of secondary metabolites isolated from the aerial parts of C. bursa-pastoris include flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Studies on extracts of C. bursa-pastoris confirmed a high content of flavonoids: kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside, quercetin-3-O-glucoside, quercetin-6-C-glucoside, kaempferol, and quercetin. Analytical identification by UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS has identified twenty-four chemical compounds, mainly including phenolic acids and flavonoids. UPLC-TQ/MS analysis has identified seven flavonoids in water extracts, with luteolin-7-O-glucoside and isoorientin as the major compounds.

The plant material is rich in kaempferol-3-O-rutinoside (with a mean value of 2247.09 mg/kg of dry plant), quinic acid (95,628.00 mg/kg of dry plant), arginine, palmitic acid, and β-sitosterol (28%).

Biogenic Amines and Alkaloids

Shepherd's purse contains a wide spectrum of compounds including biogenic amines, resins, tannins, flavones, trace alkaloids, and mineral salts. Chemical analysis has identified alkaloids, namely calystegines, glucosinolates, and saponins. Biogenic amines with pharmacological significance include choline, acetylcholine, histamine, and tyramine; these are thought to contribute to the plant's effects on uterine and smooth-muscle tone. Important constituent groups include flavonoids (including diosmin, which is used for quality control), biogenic amines, amino acids, and proteins.

Glucosinolates and Sulforaphane

Sulforaphane, an isothiocyanate, is present in shepherd's purse as it belongs to the Brassicaceae family. It has gained interest for its powerful chemo-preventive effect, and it not only prevents chemically generated tumors in animal models but also inhibits the development of existing tumors. Glucosinolates are also present, and their hydrolysis products — isothiocyanates — are associated with antimicrobial and other bioactivities.

Vitamins and Minerals

The plant is rich in vitamin K and has been used to treat nosebleeds and hemorrhages. Additional vitamins documented in the plant include vitamin A and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). Phytosterols such as β-sitosterol, and mineral elements including potassium and calcium, have also been identified in the aerial parts.

Phenolic Glycosides

A new sesquilignan glycoside, together with seven known phenolic glycosides, have been isolated from the aerial parts of Capsella bursa-pastoris. The anti-inflammatory effects of these compounds were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine microglia BV-2 cells; two compounds exhibited moderate inhibitory effects on nitric oxide production, with IC₅₀ values of 17.80 and 27.91 µM, respectively.

4. Mechanisms of Action

Hemostatic and Uterotonic Mechanisms

The herb's astringent and hemostatic effects may derive from its tannin content, flavonoids, and biogenic amines with cholinergic activity. Laboratory studies describe peptides from shepherd's purse that exhibit uterotonic, oxytocin-like effects, supporting its traditional use for promoting uterine tone. Vitamin K content may further contribute to clotting support. Research suggests the hemostatic action may stem from vasoconstriction — likely due to alkaloid and flavonoid content — and pro-coagulant effects related to vitamin K.

Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms

The antioxidative and anti-inflammatory potential of shepherd's purse extract has been investigated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in RAW 264.7 macrophages and a carrageenan-induced mice paw edema model. The data indicated that shepherd's purse extract inhibited the production of nitric oxide, PGE₂, TNF-α, and IL-6 stimulated by LPS; inhibited the increase of reactive oxygen species (ROS); and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Further investigation found that the extract inhibited the phosphorylation of P38 MAPK and the activation of NF-κB. These findings are from in vitro and animal models only, and have not been reproduced in human clinical trials.

Antioxidant Activity

Studies have characterized the antioxidant capacity of C. bursa-pastoris extracts using HPLC-quantified polyphenol and flavonoid content, and have measured antioxidant potential through FRAP, CUPRAC, and DPPH free-radical scavenging methods. Antioxidant activity has been attributed primarily to the plant's high polyphenol and flavonoid content.

Cholesterol-Lowering and Hepatic Mechanisms

Ethanol extract of Capsella bursa-pastoris has been reported to have antioxidant activity via reduction of reactive oxygen species production and anti-inflammatory activity via inhibition of prostaglandin E2, TNF-α, and interleukin-6; it also protects against hepatic steatosis by inhibiting histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in HepG2 cells and in a diet-induced obese mouse model. Supplementation with 2% (wt/wt) extract in a high-fat diet in an obese mouse model significantly attenuated total cholesterol levels compared to controls. These findings are preclinical (animal and cell-based) and require human validation.

Hepatoprotective Mechanisms

Novel flavonoids isolated from the aerial parts of C. bursa-pastoris were evaluated for hepatoprotective activities against D-galactosamine-induced toxicity in WB-F344 cells; compounds tested at 10 µM exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activities. This finding remains limited to cell-culture models.

Pharmacological Effects on the Cardiovascular System

Antineoplastic, central nervous system-depressant, and hypotensive effects have been observed in experimental settings, and in vitro tests have shown smooth-muscle stimulant effects. Cardiac activity includes increased coronary blood flow, negative chronotropic effects, positive inotropic effects, and coronary vasodilation in laboratory animals. These findings derive from older animal pharmacology studies and have not been confirmed in human trials.

5. Scientific Evidence by Health Area

5.1 Heavy Menstrual Bleeding (Menorrhagia)

Clinical Evidence (Moderate Strength — Limited by Sample Size):

The effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Capsella bursa-pastoris were investigated in patients with heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB). A triple-blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted in gynecology clinics in Iran. Forty-two patients in the shepherd's purse group received 2 capsules per day, each containing 320 mg hydroethanolic (96%; DER 7.8:1) dry extract. Forty-two patients in the placebo group received 2 capsules per day including starch. Both groups also received 6 mefenamic acid capsules per day (250 mg). This triple-blind clinical trial evaluating hydroalcoholic extracts of shepherd's purse demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in PBLAC-measured bleeding compared to a mefenamic acid/placebo control. The intervention produced a statistically significant greater decline in bleeding volume by the second cycle, and gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ from those in the control group, suggesting comparable tolerability.

This single RCT provides the most robust human clinical evidence available for shepherd's purse. The study is limited by relatively small sample size (84 participants total), a single-center Iranian setting, and short follow-up. High-quality studies evaluating shepherd's purse for any use in humans are currently lacking.

5.2 Postpartum Hemorrhage

Clinical Evidence (Preliminary — One Small RCT):

A randomized clinical trial was conducted to determine the effect of shepherd's purse extract in postpartum hemorrhage in 100 women. The participants were randomly assigned to receive 10 sublingual drops of shepherd's purse extract or a placebo immediately after placental expulsion. In the first three hours after birth, the reduction in postpartum bleeding was significantly greater (32%) after the shepherd's purse extract compared with the placebo group. This trial (Ghalandari et al., 2017, J Altern Complement Med) provides preliminary positive evidence, but the study is small and the clinical magnitude requires replication.

5.3 Anti-Inflammatory Activity

Evidence Strength: Preclinical Only (In Vitro and Animal Models)

Pharmacological studies have proved that shepherd's purse possesses various bioactivities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiallergic, AChE inhibitory activity, and anticancer effects. However, all evidence in this domain is derived from cell-based and animal experiments. No human clinical trials have evaluated shepherd's purse specifically for inflammatory conditions in humans.

5.4 Diuretic Activity

Evidence Strength: Animal Models Only

In pharmacological studies, shepherd's purse has been found to have anti-inflammatory and diuretic actions. Intraperitoneal administration of shepherd's purse extract to rats blocked the formation of stress-induced ulcers and reduced recovery time. Human evidence for diuretic effects is absent; this use remains traditional.

5.5 Hepatoprotective Effects

Evidence Strength: In Vitro Only

Novel flavonoids isolated from the aerial parts of C. bursa-pastoris were isolated for the first time from this species and evaluated for hepatoprotective activities against D-galactosamine-induced toxicity in WB-F344 cells; certain compounds at 10 µM exhibited moderate hepatoprotective activities. No human studies have investigated this effect.

5.6 Cholesterol and Lipid Modulation

Evidence Strength: Animal and Cell Models Only

An ethanol extract of C. bursa-pastoris has been shown to protect against hepatic steatosis by inhibiting histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in HepG2 cells and in a diet-induced obese mouse model. Supplementation at 2% (wt/wt) in a high-fat diet in an obese mouse model significantly attenuated total cholesterol levels. These results have not been extended to human subjects.

5.7 Antimicrobial Activity

Evidence Strength: In Vitro Only

The latest studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase, and anticancer properties. Antimicrobial results have been obtained exclusively from in vitro assays (including testing against methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and do not constitute evidence for clinical efficacy.

5.8 Anticancer Activity

Evidence Strength: Preclinical Only

Sulforaphane levels are high in herbs belonging to the Brassicaceae family; it not only prevents chemically generated tumors in animal models but also inhibits the development of existing tumors. C. bursa-pastoris is a species associated with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, and hepatoprotective effects in laboratory models. No human cancer studies have been conducted with shepherd's purse specifically.

5.9 Cardiotoxicity Protection (Preclinical)

Evidence Strength: Animal and Cell Models Only

One study investigated the effects of a hot-water extract of C. bursa-pastoris on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity using H9c2 rat cardiomyocytes and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells to evaluate effects on doxorubicin-induced cell death; superoxide dismutase levels, ROS production, and oxygen consumption rate were measured in H9c2 cells. C57BL/6 mice were also treated with doxorubicin and extract to assess cardiac parameters. This is preclinical research with no clinical applicability established to date.

6. Body Systems and Health Areas Associated with Shepherd's Purse

• Reproductive/Gynecological System: Traditionally used to treat bleeding of various causes, including uterine bleeding and postpartum hemorrhage. The EMA HMPC classifies it as a traditional herbal medicinal product for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding. The German Commission E and the British Pharmacopoeia list shepherd's purse as an accepted remedy for menorrhagia and metrorrhagia.
• Circulatory / Hemostatic System: In folk medicine, shepherd's purse is used in the broadest sense to stop bleeding. Topical and internal use for nosebleeds, hemorrhoids, and minor wounds has been documented across multiple traditions.
• Gastrointestinal System: The species is known for its properties supporting the functioning of the digestive system in the ethnomedicine of Far Eastern countries. Traditional uses include treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, and stomach pain.
• Urinary System: In pharmacological studies, shepherd's purse has been found to have diuretic actions. Traditional use for urinary complaints and kidney support is documented across European and Asian herbal traditions.
• Cardiovascular System: Hypotensive effects and cardiac activity including increased coronary blood flow, negative chronotropic effects, positive inotropic effects, and coronary vasodilation have been observed in laboratory animals.
• Hepatic System: Hepatoprotective activity has been observed in cell culture models, attributed primarily to the flavonoid content.
• Immune / Inflammatory System: Anti-inflammatory effects demonstrated in vitro via NF-κB and MAPK suppression.

7. Dosage Forms and Reported Dosages

Standardized dosing has not been definitively established through large clinical trials. The following dosages are those reported in the cited studies and monograph literature:

• Dried herb infusion (tea): Infusion of 3–5 g per day has been cited in herbal practice literature (for heavy bleeding: 5 g per cup, three times daily).
• Hydroethanolic dry extract (capsules): In the randomized clinical trial for heavy menstrual bleeding, patients received 2 capsules per day, each containing 320 mg hydroethanolic (96%; DER 7.8:1) dry extract.
• Sublingual drops (postpartum hemorrhage): In one clinical trial, participants received 10 sublingual drops of shepherd's purse extract immediately after placental expulsion.
• Tincture: Tincture (1:5, 25%) at 2–10 mL three times daily, with up to 10 mL three times daily cited for heavy bleeding.
• Topical use: Poultice and compress applications have been reported for external bleeding in traditional practice.

The appropriate dose of shepherd's purse depends on several factors including the user's age, health, and other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate standardized range of doses.

8. Safety Considerations and Interactions

Pregnancy and Lactation

Shepherd's purse should be avoided during pregnancy due to its emmenagogue and abortifacient actions, and uterine stimulation. It should only be consumed while breastfeeding under the guidance of a medical practitioner, due to glucosinolate constituents which can transfer into breastmilk and potentially cause adverse effects in newborns.

Thyroid Function

Shepherd's purse or its isolated constituents have theoretically demonstrated diuretic, cardiac activity, and effects on thyroid function. Concomitant use may interfere with medications for blood pressure or thyroid dysfunction.

Drug Interactions

Shepherd's purse may theoretically interfere with anticoagulant medications, a concern related to its vitamin K and hemostatic properties. Shepherd's purse may also interact with abortifacients, antibacterials, anticancer agents, antifungals, anti-inflammatory herbs and supplements, antiulcer herbs and supplements, herbs and supplements affecting the heart, diuretics, hormonal herbs and supplements, photosensitizers, steroids, and thyroid agents. These interactions are theoretical and based on known pharmacological activity; confirmed pharmacokinetic interaction data in humans are lacking.

Oxalate Content and Renal Stones

Shepherd's purse contains oxalic acid and should be avoided by those with a history of kidney stones.

Cardiovascular Caution

Patients taking diuretics, agents that affect the heart, or thyroid agents should use shepherd's purse cautiously, as it may interfere with or enhance the effects of these agents.

Isothiocyanate Considerations

The glucosinolate-derived isothiocyanates in shepherd's purse (shared with other Brassicaceae) have the theoretical potential to cause goitrogenic effects with excessive, long-term consumption, though specific clinical data on this effect in shepherd's purse specifically are limited.

General Tolerability

In the one randomized clinical trial conducted, gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ between the shepherd's purse and control groups, suggesting comparable tolerability at the doses used. The European Medicines Agency's HMPC assessment covers the preparations obtained from the aerial parts of the plant under conditions of traditional use.

9. Evidence Summary and Limitations

This species is known for its antihemorrhagic properties and properties supporting the digestive system in the ethnomedicine of Far Eastern countries; modern research confirms these directions of activity. Additionally, the latest studies demonstrate anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, antifungal, acetylcholinesterase, and anticancer properties and supportive action in the treatment of gynecological diseases.

Despite this breadth of in vitro and traditional evidence, the human clinical evidence base for shepherd's purse remains thin. Two small randomized clinical trials — one in heavy menstrual bleeding and one in postpartum hemorrhage — provide preliminary positive results for hemostatic gynecological uses, but both are limited by sample size and require replication. There is limited scientific evidence to support the effectiveness of shepherd's purse across its range of traditional uses. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, anticancer, hepatoprotective, cholesterol-lowering, and cardiovascular effects have been demonstrated only in laboratory (cell and animal) models and cannot be extrapolated to human clinical outcomes without further study.

References

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