Yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s.l.)

The aerial parts of yarrow (Achillea millefolium L. s.l.) are traditionally used in the treatment of inflammatory and spasmodic gastro-intestinal complaints, against hepato-biliary disorders, as appetite enhancing drug and for wound healing. The aim of this study was (1) to investigate the composition of the flavonoid and phenolcarbonic acid patterns in European taxa of yarrow and (2) the biological testing of fractions enriched in phenolic compounds in order to clarify their contribution to the pharmacological activity of the plant. The analysis of the phenolic compounds in European taxa of yarrow revealed the chemotaxonomic relevance of those plant constituents. A screening of 40 commercial samples of yarrow indicated relatively high contents of those substances in pharmaceutically used drug material. The spasmolytic activity of the drug could be attributed to the flavonoids, whereas the dicaffeoylquinic acids were shown to be the choleretically active principles. Overall, the presented results provide a comprehensive survey of the phytochemical distribution of phenolic compounds in Achillea millefolium L. s.l. and their biological activity.