Main Article Content
Abstract
Yarrow (Achillea millefolium), a flowering plant belonging to the Asteraceae family, has long been recognized for its diverse therapeutic and cosmetic applications. Historically associated with wound healing since the time of Achilles, yarrow is rich in phytochemicals such as flavonoids, phenolic acids, alkaloids, and essential oils, contributing to its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and wound-healing properties. Its essential oil, aqueous extracts, and flower components are widely used in skin creams, shampoos, and anti-aging products for their soothing, moisturizing, and regenerative effects. Yarrow also aids in managing oily skin, enhancing skin tone, reducing pigmentation, and supporting sensitive skin care. Beyond dermatological use, it offers traditional medicinal benefits for gastrointestinal, hormonal, and stress-related disorders. The plant’s microscopic and anatomical traits like trichomes and vascular bundle patterns support its authentication and purity verification against adulteration. Ethnobotanical records highlight its historical use in cultures worldwide, while modern studies confirm its pharmacological relevance. Despite its low toxicity, caution is advised due to potential allergic reactions and interactions with medications. Yarrow’s versatility as both a medicinal herb and cosmetic agent underscores its significance in both traditional healing systems and contemporary formulations.
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Article Details
References
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- 10. Lakshmi T, Geetha RV, Roy A, Kumar SA. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium linn). A herbal medicinal plant with broad therapeutic use-A review. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2011;9(2):136-41.
- 11. Kumar P, Shruthi R, Bindu I, Raghavendra P. Pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and molecular studies of an important medicinal herb Achillea millefolium L. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda). 2021 Apr 1;42(2):93-102.
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- 24. Jiang H, Li C, Wei B, Wang Q, Zhong J, Lu J. Serum homocysteine levels in acne patients. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018 Jun;17(3):523-6.
- 25. O'Shea JP, Holm R, O'Driscoll CM, Griffin BT. Food for thought: formulating away the food effect–a PEARRL review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2019 Apr;71(4):510-35.
- 26. Song MJ, Kim H. Analysis of ethnoveterinary treatments for cattle (Bos indicus) diseases referred in Sanrimgyeongje including twelve volumes of literature from the 7th to the 18th century. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2011 Jan 27;133(2):474-9.
- 27. Anandgaonkar V, Gupta A, Kona S, Talluri MK. Isolation, LC–MS/MS and 2D-NMR characterization of alkaline degradants of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2015 Mar 25;107:175-85.
- 28. Rizzi V, Gubitosa J, Fini P, Cosma P. Neurocosmetics in skincare—the fascinating world of skin–brain connection: a review to explore ingredients, commercial products for skin aging, and cosmetic regulation. Cosmetics. 2021 Jul 16;8(3):66.
- 29. Gajbhiye R, Shambharkar S, Meshram P, Marwadkar P. Natural Cosmeceuticals Contribution to Skin Care Preparations: A Review.
- 30. Ashique S, Sandhu NK, Haque SN, Koley K. A systemic review on topical marketed formulations, natural products, and oral supplements to prevent androgenic alopecia: a review. Natural products and bioprospecting. 2020 Dec;10:345-65.
- 31. Yan HM, Sun E, Cui L, Jia XB, Jin X. Improvement in oral bioavailability and dissolution of tanshinone IIA by preparation of solid dispersions with porous silica. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2015 Sep;67(9):1207-14.
- 32. Cefali LC, Franco JG, Nicolini GF, Ataide JA, Mazzola PG. In vitro antioxidant activity and solar protection factor of blackberry and raspberry extracts in topical formulation. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Apr;18(2):539-44.
- 33. Lee W, Koh IS, Oh W, Yang EJ. Ocular complications of soft tissue filler injections: a review of literature. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020 Apr;19(4):772-81.
- 34. Kazmi I, Saleem S, Ahmad T, Afzal M, Al-Abbasi FA, Kumar V, Anwar F. Protective effect of oleane-12-en-3β-ol-28-oic acid 3β-D-glucopyranoside in ethanol induced gastric ulcer by enhancing the prostaglandin E2 level. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2018 Jan 30;211:394-9.
- 35. Saeidnia S, Gohari AR, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea. DARU: Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 2011;19(3):173.
- 36. Cefali LC, Franco JG, Nicolini GF, Ataide JA, Mazzola PG. In vitro antioxidant activity and solar protection factor of blackberry and raspberry extracts in topical formulation. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Apr;18(2):539-44.
- 37. Jamil WN, Lindberg M. Effects of time and recall of patch test results on quality of life (QoL) after testing. Cross‐sectional study analyzing QoL in hand eczema patients 1, 5 and 10 years after patch testing. Contact Dermatitis. 2017 Aug;77(2):88-94.
- 38. De Troya‐Martín M, de Gálvez‐Aranda MV, Rivas‐Ruiz F, Blázquez‐Sánchez N, Fernández‐Morano MT, Padilla‐España L, Herrera‐Ceballos E. Prevalence and predictors of sunburn among beachgoers. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2018 Mar;34(2):122-9.
- 39. Mahomoodally MF, Protab K, Aumeeruddy MZ. Medicinal plants brought by Indian indentured immigrants: A comparative review of ethnopharmacological uses between Mauritius and India. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2019 Apr 24;234:245-89.
- 40. Cantelmo RA, Dos Santos NA, Dos Santos AC, Joca SR. Dual effects of S-adenosyl-methyonine on PC12 cells exposed to the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2020 Oct;72(10):1427-35.
- 41. Bond S. Updates From the Literature, May/June 2018. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 2018 May 1;63(3).
References
1. Strzępek-Gomółka M, Gaweł-Bęben K, Kukula-Koch W. Achillea species as sources of active phytochemicals for dermatological and cosmetic applications. Oxidative medicine and cellular longevity. 2021;2021(1):6643827.
2. Amberg N, Fogarassy C. Green consumer behavior in the cosmetics market. Resources. 2019 Jul 30;8(3):137.
3. Mistry N. Guidelines for formulating anti-pollution products. Cosmetics. 2017 Dec 18;4(4):57.
4. Valacchi G, Sticozzi C, Pecorelli A, Cervellati F, Cervellati C, Maioli E. Cutaneous responses to environmental stressors. Annals of the New York Academy of Sciences. 2012 Oct;1271(1):75-81.
5. Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, Belsito DV, Hill RA, Klaassen CD, Liebler DC, Marks Jr JG, Shank RC, Slaga TJ, Snyder PW, Andersen FA. Safety assessment of Achillea millefolium as used in cosmetics. International journal of toxicology. 2016 Nov;35(3_suppl):5S-15S.
6. Shah R, Peethambaran B. Anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial properties of Achillea millefolium in acne treatment. InImmunity and inflammation in health and disease 2018 Jan 1 (pp. 241-248).
7. Martins A C, de Oliveira R M, Bianchi S E, et al. Development of a Chamomile Extract-Loaded Gel with Anti-Aging Effects: Influence of Skin Microbiota. Pharmaceutics 2023, 15 (4), 986.
8. Saeidnia S, Gohari AR, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea. DARU: Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 2011;19(3):173.
9. Si XT, Zhang ML, Shi QW, Kiyota H. Chemical constituents of the plants in the genus Achillea. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 2006;3(11):1163-80.
10. Lakshmi T, Geetha RV, Roy A, Kumar SA. Yarrow (Achillea millefolium linn). A herbal medicinal plant with broad therapeutic use-A review. Int J Pharm Sci Rev Res. 2011;9(2):136-41.
11. Kumar P, Shruthi R, Bindu I, Raghavendra P. Pharmacognosy, phytochemistry, and molecular studies of an important medicinal herb Achillea millefolium L. AYU (An International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda). 2021 Apr 1;42(2):93-102.
12. Nemeth E, Bernath J. Biological activities of yarrow species (Achillea spp.). Current pharmaceutical design. 2008 Oct 1;14(29):3151-67.
13. Orav A, Arak E, Raal A. Phytochemical analysis of the essential oil of Achillea millefolium L. from various European Countries. Natural product research. 2006 Oct 1;20(12):1082-8.
14. Ramzan,S, Shaheen S, Hussain K, Sharifi‐Rad J, Khan MA, Harun N, Jaffer M, Khan F. Implication of palynological techniques for the authentication of adulterated drugs traded with the same name in different herbal markets of district Lahore, Pakistan. Microscopy research and technique. 2019 Jun;82(6):931-40.
15. Vienna, Ch. F.; Graz, R. B.; Hohenheim, R. C.; Milano, D. T.; Trieste, A. T.; Wien, K. Z. Study on the assessment of plants/herbs, plant/herb extracts and their naturally or synthetically produced components as ‘additives’ for use in animal production. EFSA Supporting Publications 2007, 4 (4).
16. Sajedeh aliijani ,mohammed reza raji, zohreh emami bistgani,abdollah,mostafa farajpour; Mitigation of salinity stress in yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) plants through spermidine application
17. Franz C, Bauer R, Carle R, Tedesco D, Tubaro A, Zitterl‐Eglseer K. Study on the assessment of plants/herbs, plant/herb extracts and their naturally or synthetically produced components as ‘additives’ for use in animal production. EFSA Supporting Publications. 2007;4(4):1-297.
18. Alijani S, Raji MR, Bistgani ZE, Ehtesham Nia A, Farajpour M. Mitigation of salinity stress in yarrow (Achillea millefolium L.) plants through spermidine application. Plos one. 2024 Jun 26;19(6):e0304831
19. Rendle AB. Journal of Botany: British and Foreign. West, Newman & Company; 1889.
20. Becker LC, Bergfeld WF, et al., Safety assessment of Achillea millefolium as used in cosmetics. International journal of toxicology. 2016 Nov;35(3_suppl):5S-15S.
21. Phillips CJ, Hosseintabar-Ghasemabad B, Gorlov IF, Slozhenkina MI, Mosolov AA, Seidavi A. Immunomodulatory effects of natural feed additives for meat chickens. Life. 2023 May 30;13(6):1287.
22. Siqueira CF, Cabral DL, Peixoto Sobrinho TJ, de Amorim EL, de Melo JG, Araújo TA, de Albuquerque UP. Levels of tannins and flavonoids in medicinal plants: evaluating bioprospecting strategies. Evidence‐Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine. 2012;2012(1):434782.
23. Salamone S, Aiello N, Fusani P, Rosa A, Nieddu M, Appendino G, Pollastro F. Non-Volatile Terpenoids and Lipophilic Flavonoids from Achillea erba-rotta Subsp. moschata (Wulfen) I. Richardson. Plants. 2023 Jan 15;12(2):402.
24. Jiang H, Li C, Wei B, Wang Q, Zhong J, Lu J. Serum homocysteine levels in acne patients. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2018 Jun;17(3):523-6.
25. O'Shea JP, Holm R, O'Driscoll CM, Griffin BT. Food for thought: formulating away the food effect–a PEARRL review. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2019 Apr;71(4):510-35.
26. Song MJ, Kim H. Analysis of ethnoveterinary treatments for cattle (Bos indicus) diseases referred in Sanrimgyeongje including twelve volumes of literature from the 7th to the 18th century. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2011 Jan 27;133(2):474-9.
27. Anandgaonkar V, Gupta A, Kona S, Talluri MK. Isolation, LC–MS/MS and 2D-NMR characterization of alkaline degradants of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2015 Mar 25;107:175-85.
28. Rizzi V, Gubitosa J, Fini P, Cosma P. Neurocosmetics in skincare—the fascinating world of skin–brain connection: a review to explore ingredients, commercial products for skin aging, and cosmetic regulation. Cosmetics. 2021 Jul 16;8(3):66.
29. Gajbhiye R, Shambharkar S, Meshram P, Marwadkar P. Natural Cosmeceuticals Contribution to Skin Care Preparations: A Review.
30. Ashique S, Sandhu NK, Haque SN, Koley K. A systemic review on topical marketed formulations, natural products, and oral supplements to prevent androgenic alopecia: a review. Natural products and bioprospecting. 2020 Dec;10:345-65.
31. Yan HM, Sun E, Cui L, Jia XB, Jin X. Improvement in oral bioavailability and dissolution of tanshinone IIA by preparation of solid dispersions with porous silica. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2015 Sep;67(9):1207-14.
32. Cefali LC, Franco JG, Nicolini GF, Ataide JA, Mazzola PG. In vitro antioxidant activity and solar protection factor of blackberry and raspberry extracts in topical formulation. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Apr;18(2):539-44.
33. Lee W, Koh IS, Oh W, Yang EJ. Ocular complications of soft tissue filler injections: a review of literature. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2020 Apr;19(4):772-81.
34. Kazmi I, Saleem S, Ahmad T, Afzal M, Al-Abbasi FA, Kumar V, Anwar F. Protective effect of oleane-12-en-3β-ol-28-oic acid 3β-D-glucopyranoside in ethanol induced gastric ulcer by enhancing the prostaglandin E2 level. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2018 Jan 30;211:394-9.
35. Saeidnia S, Gohari AR, Mokhber-Dezfuli N, Kiuchi F. A review on phytochemistry and medicinal properties of the genus Achillea. DARU: Journal of Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences. 2011;19(3):173.
36. Cefali LC, Franco JG, Nicolini GF, Ataide JA, Mazzola PG. In vitro antioxidant activity and solar protection factor of blackberry and raspberry extracts in topical formulation. Journal of cosmetic dermatology. 2019 Apr;18(2):539-44.
37. Jamil WN, Lindberg M. Effects of time and recall of patch test results on quality of life (QoL) after testing. Cross‐sectional study analyzing QoL in hand eczema patients 1, 5 and 10 years after patch testing. Contact Dermatitis. 2017 Aug;77(2):88-94.
38. De Troya‐Martín M, de Gálvez‐Aranda MV, Rivas‐Ruiz F, Blázquez‐Sánchez N, Fernández‐Morano MT, Padilla‐España L, Herrera‐Ceballos E. Prevalence and predictors of sunburn among beachgoers. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine. 2018 Mar;34(2):122-9.
39. Mahomoodally MF, Protab K, Aumeeruddy MZ. Medicinal plants brought by Indian indentured immigrants: A comparative review of ethnopharmacological uses between Mauritius and India. Journal of ethnopharmacology. 2019 Apr 24;234:245-89.
40. Cantelmo RA, Dos Santos NA, Dos Santos AC, Joca SR. Dual effects of S-adenosyl-methyonine on PC12 cells exposed to the dopaminergic neurotoxin MPP+. Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology. 2020 Oct;72(10):1427-35.
41. Bond S. Updates From the Literature, May/June 2018. Journal of Midwifery & Women's Health. 2018 May 1;63(3).