Yarrow – pharmacological aspects of the effects of active ingredients on blood clotting ability

Atabaeva O.Sh.

Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia

This review examines the plant Achillea millefolium, a species of the genus Achillea in the family Asteraceae, its chemical composition, and its effect on the blood system. Yarrow is included in the State Pharmacopoeia, 14th edition, and is included in the State Register of Medicines as a hemostatic and anti-inflammatory agent. The medicinal plant is used as a hemostatic agent for internal (intestinal, hemorrhoidal, uterine, etc.) and external (nasal, wound) bleeding. Pathological conditions associated with blood loss can lead to anemia, cardiac dysfunction, and other organ dysfunction. During bleeding, degranulation and the release of new stimulants from platelets involved in the process occur in the affected area. This contributes to the growth of platelet aggregations and can disrupt normal blood flow. The pharmacological effect of the active ingredients in yarrow is unique in that they activate fibrin but do not lead to thrombus formation. This pharmacological action is attributable to the presence of a complex of biological substances with diverse effects, such as vitamin K, alkaloids, flavonoids, and coumarins. Aqueous extracts based on yarrow are hemostatic agents that maintain hemostasis by simulating physiological conditions. The purpose of this review is to analyze and systematize the mechanisms of action of yarrow’s active ingredients on blood clotting ability.

For citations: Atabaeva O.Sh. Yarrow – pharmacological aspects of the effects of active ingredients on blood clotting ability. Pharmateca. 2026;33(6):89-94. (In Russ.). DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18565/pharmateca.2026.6.89-94

Conflicts of interest: The authors confirm that they have no conflicts of interest to declare.
Funding: The study was conducted without any sponsorship.

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About the Authors

Olga Sh. Atabaeva, Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacology named after Prof. V.M. Bryukhanov, Altai State Medical University, Barnaul, Russia; oatabaeva@mail.ru, ORCID: https://orcid.org/0009-0007-6591-6326