Sanguisorba officinalis

About the plant

Sanguisorba officinalis has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for thousands of years as a hemostatic, analgesic and astringent. The roots are used to treat diarrhea, chronic intestinal infections, duodenal ulcers, burns, scalds, internal hemorrhages, and inflammation. It is also applied topically to treat wounds, burns, and skin ulcers, and to treat bleeding, e.g., nosebleeds. It is known to be effective against urticaria, eczema, and allergic dermatitis, and helps protect skin from the ravages of ageing.

It is reported to possess the following activities: antioxidant anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, neuroprotective and antitumor.
Sanguisorba officinalis roots contain phenolic acids (notably, gallic acid) and also flavonoids, terpenes and triterpenoids.