Evidence supporting the use of: Shepherd's purse
For the health condition: Menorrhagia
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2
Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) has a long history of use in traditional herbal medicine, particularly for conditions involving bleeding, such as menorrhagia (heavy menstrual bleeding). Its use dates back centuries in European, Chinese, and North American folk medicine, where it was commonly employed as an astringent and hemostatic agent. The plant contains several bioactive compounds, such as flavonoids, polypeptides, and tannins, which are believed to contribute to its purported ability to constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding.
Modern scientific validation for shepherd’s purse in the treatment of menorrhagia is limited. While a few small-scale clinical studies and animal experiments suggest some potential efficacy due to its vasoconstrictive and uterotonic properties, the overall quality of evidence is low. For example, a 2014 randomized controlled trial in Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice found that a shepherd's purse extract, when used alongside conventional therapy, may help reduce menstrual blood loss in women with menorrhagia. However, studies are generally small, with methodological limitations, and results have not been widely replicated.
In summary, shepherd's purse is primarily justified by traditional use for menorrhagia, with some preliminary but not conclusive scientific evidence. It is commonly included in herbal remedies for heavy periods, but more robust clinical research is needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
