shepherd's purse

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum: 

shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a common annual weed found in various parts of the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia. It has a history of medicinal use, particularly in traditional Chinese medicine. 

The plant contains several bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, alkaloids, and organic acids. Some of the important compounds found in shepherd’s purse include: 

Fumaric acid: This organic acid has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It may also have antimicrobial effects. 

Capsella amide: This alkaloid has been shown to have antispasmodic and vasodilatory effects. It may also have analgesic properties. 

Flavonoids: shepherd’s purse contains several flavonoids, including quercetin and kaempferol. These compounds have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. 

The actions of the shepherd’s purse include: 

Hemostatic: shepherd’s purse has long been used as a hemostatic agent to stop bleeding. It is believed to work by constricting blood vessels and promoting blood clotting. 

Diuretic: shepherd’s purse has mild diuretic properties and may help promote urine flow and reduce edema. 

Anti-inflammatory: Some compounds in shepherd’s purse, such as fumaric acid and flavonoids, have anti-inflammatory properties and may help reduce inflammation. 

Antimicrobial: shepherd’s purse has been shown to have antimicrobial effects against various bacteria, fungi, and viruses. 

In terms of its spectrum of activity, the shepherd’s purse is traditionally used for a range of conditions, including: 

Menstrual disorders: shepherd’s purse is often used to treat heavy menstrual bleeding, menstrual cramps, and other menstrual disorders. 

Hemorrhoids: shepherd’s purse may help reduce bleeding and inflammation associated with hemorrhoids. 

Urinary tract infections: shepherd’s purse may help reduce inflammation and fight off infection in the urinary tract. 

Digestive disorders: shepherd’s purse has traditionally been used to treat digestive disorders like diarrhea, dysentery, and gastrointestinal bleeding. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution: 

Contraindication 

shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is generally considered safe when used as advised by a physician, but there are some contraindications and precautions to be aware of: 

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Pregnant condition and breastfeeding women should avoid using shepherd’s purse, as insufficient safety data is available. 

Blood thinners: shepherd’s purse may have a mild effect and should be used cautiously in individuals taking blood-thinning medications such as warfarin. 

Hypotension: shepherd’s purse may lower blood pressure and should be used cautiously in individuals with hypotension. 

Surgery: shepherd’s purse should be discontinued at least 2 weeks before the scheduled surgery, as it may have a blood-thinning effect and increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. 

Allergic reactions: Individuals with a known allergy to plants in the Brassicaceae family, such as cabbage or mustard, should avoid using shepherd’s purse. 

It is typically recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new medication/supplement, including shepherd’s purse, especially if you have any underlying health conditions/taking prescription medications. 

Caution 

There are certain cautions typically to keep in mind when using shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris): 

Dosage: While shepherd’s purse is generally considered safe when used as directed, taking excessive amounts of the herb may lead to unwanted side effects. 

Interactions with medications: shepherd’s purse may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners, and may increase the risk of bleeding. Individuals taking medications should consult their healthcare provider before using shepherd’s purse. 

Allergic reactions: Certain individuals in the Brassicaceae family may be allergic to shepherd’s purse or other plants and may experience allergic reactions such as skin rashes, hives, or difficulty breathing. 

Quality and purity: As with any herbal supplement, purchasing a shepherd’s purse from a reputable source is vital to ensure quality and purity. 

Medical conditions: Certain individuals with certain medical conditions, such as hypotension or bleeding disorders, should use shepherd’s purse with caution and under the supervision of a healthcare provider. 

As with any herbal supplement or medication, it is generally recommended to consult a physician before use, especially if you have any primary health conditions or are taking prescription medications. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy consideration:  

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: N/A  

Pregnancy category: 

• Category A: well-controlled and Satisfactory studies do not show risk to the fetus in the first/later trimester.        
• Category B: there was no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal studies, and there were not enough studies on pregnant women        
• Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.       
• Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.        
• Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.        
• Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category 

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

The pharmacology of shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) needs to be better understood, and more research studies is needed to understand its action. However, some of the pharmacological properties that have been identified include: 

Uterotonic activity: shepherd’s purse contains compounds such as flavonoids and alkaloids that may have uterine-contracting properties, which can help reduce bleeding during menstruation and promote uterine healing after childbirth. 

Hemostatic activity: shepherd’s purse has been traditionally used as a hemostatic agent or an agent that helps to stop bleeding. It is generally believed to contain compounds such as tannins that can help constrict blood vessels and reduce bleeding. 

Anti-inflammatory activity: shepherd’s purse may have anti-inflammatory properties due to flavonoids and other compounds. This may explain its traditional use in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. 

Diuretic activity: shepherd’s purse may have diuretic properties, meaning it can increase urine production and help flush out the urinary tract. This may be due to compounds such as potassium and flavonoids. 

Antimicrobial activity: Some studies have suggested that shepherd’s purse may have antimicrobial properties, which could help fight off bacteria and other pathogens. However, more research studies are needed to confirm this potential benefit. 

Pharmacodynamics: 

Mechanism of action: The action of this substance involves its effects on various physiological processes. It can influence blood pressure, boost cardiac output and pulse rate, and promote uterine contractions. The substance contains various bioactive compounds responsible for their pharmacological effects, such as bursinic acid, saponins, choline, flavonoids, beta carotene, and Vitamins C, B, and K. 

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

shepherd’s purse is primarily administered orally as a tea, tincture, or capsule. The active compounds in shepherd’s purse are thought to be absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and enter the bloodstream. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, the active compounds in shepherd’s purse are distributed throughout the body along the bloodstream. However, the specific distribution of these compounds needs to be better understood. 

Metabolism 

There needs to be further information available on the metabolism of shepherd’s purse. However, some research studies have suggested that it may be metabolized in the liver by cytochrome P450 enzymes. 

Elimination and Excretion 

There is limited information available on the excretion of shepherd’s purse. However, the active compounds are believed to be primarily excreted via the kidneys in their original form or as metabolites. 

Adminstartion

Administration: 

shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) can be administered in a variety of forms, including: 

Tea: One common way to use shepherd’s purse is by brewing it into a tea. To make tea, steep one to two teaspoons of dried shepherd’s purse in a cup of hot water for 10 to 15 minutes. The tea can be sweetened with honey if desired. 

Tincture: shepherd’s purse is also available in tincture form, a concentrated liquid extract. The tincture can be taken orally by adding it to water or placing it directly under the tongue. 

Capsules: shepherd’s purse is also available in capsule form, a convenient way to take the herb.  

Topical use: shepherd’s purse can be applied topically to the skin as a poultice or compress to help stop bleeding or reduce inflammation. To make a poultice, crush fresh or dried shepherd’s purse leaves and apply them directly to the affected area. 

It is essential to follow the manufacturer’s recommended dosage and administration instructions and to consult with a healthcare provider before using shepherd’s purse, especially if you have any primary health conditions or are taking prescription medications. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: shepherd’s purse 

Why do we use shepherd’s purse? 

shepherd’s purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) has been traditionally used for a variety of purposes, including: 

Menstrual issues: shepherd’s purse often alleviates heavy menstrual bleeding, cramps, and irregular periods. It is believed to have uterine-contracting properties that can help reduce bleeding and regulate the menstrual cycle. 

Wound healing: shepherd’s purse has been used to help stop bleeding and promote internal and external wound healing. It may be applied topically as a poultice or taken internally to help reduce bleeding. 

Digestive issues: shepherd’s purse has been used to alleviate digestive issues such as diarrhea, indigestion, and nausea. It is generally believed to have astringent properties that can help tighten and tone the digestive tract. 

Urinary tract infections: shepherd’s purse has alleviated urinary tract infections and other urinary issues. It is generally believed to have diuretic properties that can help flush out the urinary tract and reduce inflammation. 

Respiratory issues: shepherd’s purse has alleviated respiratory issues such as coughs, bronchitis, and asthma. It is generally believed to have expectorant properties to help loosen and expel mucus from the respiratory tract. 

It is critical to note that scientific research on the effectiveness of the shepherd’s purse for these uses is limited, and more studies are needed to determine its efficacy. Additionally, it is typically recommended to consult with a healthcare provider before using shepherd’s purse, especially if you have any primary health conditions or are taking prescription medications.