Vol. 39 No. 3 (2025)
Reviews

Achillea millefolium L.: A Comprehensive review of its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties

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  • D. Prisa,
  • A. Jamal
D. Prisa
CREA Research Centre for Vegetable and Ornamental Crops, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics, Via Dei Fiori 8, 51012 Pescia, PT, Italy.
A. Jamal
Department of Soil and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Crop Production Sciences, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar 25130, Pakistan.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.36253/ahsc-18140
Categories

Published 2025-11-05

Keywords

  • Antioxidant activity,
  • essential oils,
  • ethnopharmacology,
  • flavonoids,
  • wound healing

How to Cite

Prisa, D., & Jamal, A. (2025). Achillea millefolium L.: A Comprehensive review of its phytochemistry and pharmacological properties. Advances in Horticultural Science, 39(3), 245–257. https://doi.org/10.36253/ahsc-18140

Copyright (c) 2025 domenico prisa; Aftab Jamal

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

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Abstract

Achillea millefolium L., commonly known as yarrow, is a perennial herb traditionally used in various cultures for its therapeutic properties. Belonging to the Asteraceae family, it has gained attention for its rich phytochemical composition, including flavonoids, terpenoids, sesquiterpene lactones, phenolic acids, and essential oils. These bioactive compounds contribute to a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antispasmodic, and wound-healing effects. Ethnobotanical use of yarrow includes treatment of gastrointestinal disorders, skin injuries, menstrual irregularities, and respiratory infections. Modern preclinical studies have substantiated many of these traditional claims, although clinical validation remains limited. Additionally, its essential oil components show potential in cosmetic and food industries due to their preservative and aromatic properties. Despite its therapeutic promise, concerns related to allergic reactions and toxicity at high doses, particularly from thujone-containing oils, warrant further safety assessment. This review aims to consolidate current scientific knowledge on A. millefolium, highlighting its pharmacological relevance, phytochemical diversity, and future potential in evidence-based herbal medicine and natural product development.

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