{"id":154106,"date":"2025-11-26T05:09:10","date_gmt":"2025-11-26T05:09:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/154106\/"},"modified":"2025-11-26T05:09:10","modified_gmt":"2025-11-26T05:09:10","slug":"abnormal-bleeding-hormones-and-more","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/154106\/","title":{"rendered":"Abnormal Bleeding, Hormones, and More"},"content":{"rendered":"

Botanical and nutrient profile<\/a>
Shepherd\u2019s Purse for bleeding<\/a>
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects<\/a>
Hormonal balance and reproductive health<\/a>
Other potential benefits<\/a>
Safety and side effects<\/a>
How to use<\/a>
References<\/a>
Further reading<\/a><\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse is a traditionally used Brassicaceae herb with emerging scientific support for its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory<\/a>, and antioxidant properties. Modern analyses confirm the presence of bioactive flavonoids, glucosinolates, and uterotonic peptides that may aid in the treatment of bleeding disorders, inflammation<\/a>, and dermatologic applications.<\/p>\n

Image Credit: Wirestock Creators \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

This article reviews the history of Shepherd\u2019s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), key bioactive compounds present in this herb, and current evidence for its therapeutic roles in bleeding, inflammation, and hormonal dysregulation.<\/p>\n

Botanical and nutrient profile<\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse is a Brassicaceae herb that contains diverse phytochemicals, including flavonoids such as kaempferol and quercetin derivatives, phenolic acids, lignan glycosides, and biogenic amines such as choline, acetylcholine, and histamine.1,2 The plant exhibits substantial organ-specific variability in its phytochemical profile, with flowers and fruits showing the highest flavonoid concentrations and antioxidant capacity.2<\/p>\n

Glucosinolate\u2013isothiocyanate metabolism is represented by sulforaphane and characteristic organosulfur metabolites such as bursapastoris A and B. Shepherd\u2019s Purse is also a source of vitamins A and C, B-complex vitamins, and minerals including potassium, calcium, sodium, iron, zinc, and copper.1,2 Histological examinations confirm high polyphenolic content throughout the aerial parts, supporting their use as the primary medicinal material.2<\/p>\n

\"Capsella<\/p>\n

Capsella bursa-pastoris plant (a); inflorescence shoot with cauline leaves (b); inflorescence shoot with flowers and heart-shaped siliques (c).1<\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse for bleeding<\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse has a long history of use as a uterine astringent and hemostatic agent. Pharmacopoeial and ethnomedical sources describe vasoconstrictive and antihemorrhagic properties relevant to gynecologic bleeding, including postpartum hemorrhage and heavy menstrual bleeding.<\/p>\n

The herb\u2019s astringent and hemostatic effects may derive from its tannin content, flavonoids, and biogenic amines with cholinergic activity. Laboratory studies also describe peptides from Shepherd\u2019s Purse that exhibit uterotonic, oxytocin-like effects, supporting its traditional use for promoting uterine tone.\u00a0Vitamin K content may further contribute to clotting support.<\/p>\n

The triple-blind clinical trial evaluating hydroalcoholic extracts of Shepherd\u2019s Purse demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in PBLAC-measured bleeding compared to a mefenamic-acid\/placebo control.\u00a0The intervention produced a statistically significant greater decline in bleeding volume by the second cycle, and gastrointestinal symptoms did not differ from those in the control group, suggesting comparable tolerability.3<\/p>\n

The European Medicines Agency lists Shepherd\u2019s Purse herb as a traditional herbal medicinal product for reducing heavy menstrual bleeding in women with regular cycles.1 For postpartum use, evidence remains limited to historical and ethnobotanical accounts, not controlled clinical studies.<\/p>\n

Image Credit: teatian \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects<\/p>\n

Polyphenol-rich extracts of Shepherd\u2019s Purse demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects in vitro by reducing lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-\u03b1, and interleukin-6. These outcomes are mediated by inhibition of NF-\u03baB and p38 MAPK signaling, and by induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1).4<\/p>\n

Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol glycosides contribute to these actions.1,4 Sulforaphane-containing preparations from Shepherd\u2019s Purse further suppress iNOS and COX-2 expression and reduce IL-1\u03b2, IL-6, IL-10, and nitric oxide production in macrophages.5<\/p>\n

In animal models, Shepherd\u2019s Purse extracts reduce carrageenan-induced inflammation and oxidative stress markers. In mice, doses between 100\u2013400 mg\/kg produced significant reductions in paw edema, malondialdehyde levels, and inflammatory cytokines while raising superoxide dismutase activity.4<\/p>\n

Hormonal balance and reproductive health<\/p>\n

Clinical evidence supports Shepherd\u2019s Purse as an adjunct therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding, consistent with its traditional use in menstrual irregularities.1,3 The plant\u2019s astringent and uterotonic effects offer a mechanistic rationale for its observed benefits.<\/p>\n

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shepherd\u2019s Purse is included in formulas intended to reduce uterine bleeding and support recovery after childbirth. These uses align with its classification as a hemostatic herb in historical materia medica.1<\/p>\n

Although Shepherd\u2019s Purse contains various secondary metabolites, available research does not demonstrate direct estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, or progesterone-modulating effects in humans.1 Studies of endocrine activity remain preliminary.<\/p>\n

Other potential benefits<\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse contains antimicrobial peptides and sulfur compounds with potential wound-healing functions. Sulforaphane-containing extracts have been shown to inhibit vancomycin-resistant enterococci and Bacillus anthracis at concentrations of 250\u20131,000 \u03bcg\/ml. The same extracts reduced proinflammatory mediators associated with tissue injury, suggesting potential as an adjunct in wound-related inflammation.5<\/p>\n

Shepherd’s Purse Herb: A Herb of a Million Uses!Play<\/p>\n

Safety and side effects<\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse should not be used during pregnancy due to its potential to stimulate uterine contractions or influence uteroplacental blood flow. EMA and multiple pharmacognosy assessments identify pregnancy as a contraindication.1<\/p>\n

Individuals with thyroid disorders may wish to avoid high intake of Shepherd\u2019s Purse, as some Brassicaceae plants contain goitrogenic constituents that could interfere with iodine metabolism.<\/p>\n

Traditional preparations include teas and extracts, while modern studies have used standardized dried preparations at doses of a few hundred milligrams once or twice daily. No major adverse effects have been identified in clinical trials, though transient gastrointestinal symptoms may occur.3<\/p>\n

How to use<\/p>\n

Shepherd\u2019s Purse can be consumed as teas, cold macerates, or hot infusions prepared from the dried aerial parts. More potent decoctions have been used traditionally for bleeding-related complaints.<\/p>\n

Tinctures and fluid extracts from the fresh herb are commercially available. Shepherd\u2019s Purse extracts are also found in dermatologic and cosmetic products such as creams, lotions, oils, and bath preparations due to their antioxidant and soothing properties.1<\/p>\n

References<\/p>\n

\u0141ukaszyk, A., Kwiecie\u0144, I., & Szopa, A. (2024). Traditional Uses, Bioactive Compounds, and New Findings on Pharmacological, Nutritional, Cosmetic and Biotechnology Utility of Capsella bursa-pastoris. Nutrients 16(24). DOI:10.3390\/nu16244390, https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2072-6643\/16\/24\/4390<\/a>
\nOnea, S., Pallag, A., Burlou-Nagy, C., et al. (2025). Histological Research and Phytochemical Characterization of Capsella bursa-pastoris Medik. from Bihor County, Romania. Life 15(1). DOI:10.3390\/life15010067, https:\/\/www.mdpi.com\/2075-1729\/15\/1\/67<\/a>
\nNaafe, M., Kariman, N., Keshavarz, Z., et al. (2018). Effect of hydroalcoholic extracts of Capsella bursa-pastoris on heavy menstrual bleeding: a randomized clinical trial. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 24(7): 694\u2013700. DOI:10.1089\/acm.2017.0267, https:\/\/www.liebertpub.com\/doi\/10.1089\/acm.2017.0267<\/a>
\nPeng, J., Hu, T., Li, J., et al. (2019). Shepherd\u2019s Purse Polyphenols Exert Its Anti\u2010Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects Associated with Suppressing MAPK and NF\u2010\u03baB Pathways and Heme Oxygenase\u20101 Activation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. DOI:10.1155\/2019\/7202695, https:\/\/www.hindawi.com\/journals\/omcl\/2019\/7202695\/<\/a>
\nChoi, W. J., Kim, S. K., Park, H. K., et al. (2014). Anti-inflammatory and anti-superbacterial properties of sulforaphane from shepherd’s Purse.\u00a0The Korean Journal of Physiology & Pharmacology 18(1). DOI:10.4196\/kjpp.2014.18.1.33, https:\/\/www.kjpp.net\/journal\/view.php?doi=10.4196\/kjpp.2014.18.1.33<\/a><\/p>\n

Further Reading <\/p>\n

Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Botanical and nutrient profileShepherd\u2019s Purse for bleedingAnti-inflammatory and antioxidant effectsHormonal balance and reproductive healthOther potential benefitsSafety and side…\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":154107,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[3032,102430,102432,134,3479,102431,111,139,69,102429,102428,9050],"class_list":["post-154106","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-health","tag-anti-inflammatory","tag-botanical-science","tag-functional-herbs","tag-health","tag-herbal-medicine","tag-natural-therapeutics","tag-new-zealand","tag-newzealand","tag-nz","tag-phytochemistry","tag-shepherds-purse","tag-womens-health"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154106","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=154106"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/154106\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/154107"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=154106"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=154106"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=154106"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}