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Shepherd's purse - Capsella bursa-pastoris

Shepherd's purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a flowering plant in the mustard family (Brassicaceae) that has been used traditionally in various folk medicine systems. Despite its long history of use, modern scientific research on this plant remains relatively limited compared to more extensively studied herbs.

Image source and license: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Capsella_bursa-pastoris_TK_2023-05-04_1.jpg.
Modified by Peter Jorgensen.

Nomenclature and Identification

Botanical name: Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik.

Common names: shepherd's purse, shepherd's heart, lady's purse, witches' pouches, case-weed, mother's heart, shovelweed, pepper-and-salt, blind-weed, and St. James weed.

Plants sometimes confused with shepherd's purse include field pennycress (Thlaspi arvense) and hairy bittercress (Cardamine hirsuta), which are in the same family but have different medicinal properties and chemical constituents.

Bioactive Compounds

The main bioactive compounds in shepherd's purse include flavonoids (quercetin, kaempferol, and rutin), alkaloids, peptides, choline, acetylcholine, histamine, tyramine, fumaric acid, and glucosinolates. The plant also contains minerals (potassium, calcium) and vitamins (A, C, and K). The seeds contain fatty acids including linoleic, palmitic, oleic, and stearic acids.

Evidence-Based Health Benefits

Current scientific evidence for shepherd's purse is preliminary for most conditions, with relatively few randomized controlled trials. The following therapeutic applications have some scientific support:

• Hemostatic (bleeding control) effects: The strongest evidence exists for shepherd's purse as a hemostatic agent. Several clinical studies have shown efficacy in reducing postpartum hemorrhage and menorrhagia.
• Anti-inflammatory properties: In vitro and animal studies suggest anti-inflammatory effects, potentially beneficial for arthritis and inflammatory conditions.
• Antioxidant activity: Extract components show free radical scavenging abilities in laboratory studies.
• Antimicrobial effects: Some studies show inhibitory activity against certain bacteria and fungi, though clinical applications remain unconfirmed.
• Antihypertensive potential: Limited evidence suggests mild blood pressure-lowering effects, attributed to flavonoid content.
• Diuretic properties: Traditional use as a diuretic has some support in animal studies, though human trials are lacking.

Standardization and Dosage

There is no universally accepted standardization for shepherd's purse extracts. Common preparations and dosages based on traditional use and limited clinical data include:

• Dried herb: 2-4g three times daily
• Liquid extract (1:1 in 25% alcohol): 2-4mL three times daily
• Tincture (1:5 in 45% alcohol): 1-2mL three times daily
• For acute hemorrhage: 5-10mL of tincture has been used traditionally

It's important to note that these dosages are not firmly established by clinical trials, and standardization regarding specific bioactive compounds is lacking in most commercial products.

Side Effects and Contraindications

Shepherd's purse is generally considered safe when consumed in food amounts or in medicinal doses for short periods. However, safety data from long-term controlled studies is lacking. Reported and potential side effects include:

• Stomach upset and digestive discomfort
• Potential for uterine stimulation (contraindicated during pregnancy)
• May interfere with thyroid function due to goitrogenic compounds
• Possible interactions with blood pressure medications and blood thinners
• Allergic reactions, particularly in individuals with Brassicaceae family allergies

Due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions, shepherd's purse should be avoided during pregnancy except under medical supervision specifically for postpartum hemorrhage. Its use should also be avoided in individuals with thyroid disorders, and caution is advised in those taking medications for blood pressure, blood clotting, or thyroid conditions.

Studies on High Dosage Efficacy and Safety

There is a significant knowledge gap regarding high-dose studies of shepherd's purse. No comprehensive clinical trials have systematically evaluated dosages above the traditionally recommended ranges. Animal toxicity studies suggest low acute toxicity, but chronic toxicity at high doses has not been adequately investigated. This represents a substantial research gap that should be addressed before any recommendations regarding higher dosages can be made.

Conclusion

While shepherd's purse has a long history of traditional use and some promising preliminary research, particularly for hemostatic applications, much of the evidence remains at the in vitro or preclinical stage. The lack of standardization, well-designed clinical trials, and comprehensive safety evaluations limits its current medical applications. Further research, particularly controlled clinical trials with standardized preparations, is needed to establish efficacy, optimal dosing, and safety profiles for specific indications.

References

Al-Snafi, Ali Esmail. "The chemical constituents and pharmacological effects of Capsella bursa-pastoris-A review." International Journal of Pharmacology and toxicology 5.2 (2015): 76-81.

Cha, J. M., Suh, W. S., Lee, T. H., Subedi, L., Kim, S. Y., & Lee, K. R. (2017). Phenolic glycosides from Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik and their anti-inflammatory activity. Molecules, 22(6), 1023.

Dar, M. A., Mir, R. H., Mohi-ud-din, R., Mir, P. A., Masoodi, M. H., Akbar, S., ... & Sawhney, G. (2021). Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medic: An Insight into its Pharmacology, Expository Traditional Uses and Extensive Phytochemistry. Current Traditional Medicine, 7(2), 168-179.

Ghalandari, S., Kariman, N., Sheikhan, Z., Mojab, F., Mirzaei, M., & Shahrahmani, H. (2017). Effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Capsella bursa pastoris on early postpartum hemorrhage: A clinical trial study. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 23(10), 794-799.

Karageçili, H., Polat, T., Yılmaz, M. A., Fidan, M., Karaismailoğlu, M. C., & Gülçin, İ. (2024). Evaluation of the Antioxidant, Antidiabetic and Anti-Alzheimer Effects of Capsella bursa-pastoris-Polyphenolic Profiling by LC-MS/MS. Records of Natural Products, 18(6).