Botanical and nutrient profile
Shepherd’s Purse for bleeding
Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Hormonal balance and reproductive health
Other potential benefits
Safety and side effects
How to use
References
Further reading
Shepherd’s Purse is a traditionally used Brassicaceae herb with emerging scientific support for its hemostatic, anti-inflammatory, 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, and dermatologic applications.
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This article reviews the history of Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), key bioactive compounds present in this herb, and current evidence for its therapeutic roles in bleeding, inflammation, and hormonal dysregulation.
Botanical and nutrient profile
Shepherd’s 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
Glucosinolate–isothiocyanate metabolism is represented by sulforaphane and characteristic organosulfur metabolites such as bursapastoris A and B. Shepherd’s 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
Capsella bursa-pastoris plant (a); inflorescence shoot with cauline leaves (b); inflorescence shoot with flowers and heart-shaped siliques (c).1
Shepherd’s Purse for bleeding
Shepherd’s 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.
The herb’s astringent and hemostatic effects may derive from its tannin content, flavonoids, and biogenic amines with cholinergic activity. Laboratory studies also describe peptides from Shepherd’s Purse that exhibit uterotonic, oxytocin-like effects, supporting its traditional use for promoting uterine tone. Vitamin K content may further contribute to clotting support.
The triple-blind clinical trial evaluating hydroalcoholic extracts of Shepherd’s Purse demonstrated a significantly greater reduction in PBLAC-measured bleeding compared to a mefenamic-acid/placebo control. The 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
The European Medicines Agency lists Shepherd’s 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.
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Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects
Polyphenol-rich extracts of Shepherd’s Purse demonstrate anti-inflammatory effects in vitro by reducing lipopolysaccharide-induced nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6. These outcomes are mediated by inhibition of NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling, and by induction of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1).4
Flavonoids such as quercetin and kaempferol glycosides contribute to these actions.1,4 Sulforaphane-containing preparations from Shepherd’s Purse further suppress iNOS and COX-2 expression and reduce IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and nitric oxide production in macrophages.5
In animal models, Shepherd’s Purse extracts reduce carrageenan-induced inflammation and oxidative stress markers. In mice, doses between 100–400 mg/kg produced significant reductions in paw edema, malondialdehyde levels, and inflammatory cytokines while raising superoxide dismutase activity.4
Hormonal balance and reproductive health
Clinical evidence supports Shepherd’s Purse as an adjunct therapy for heavy menstrual bleeding, consistent with its traditional use in menstrual irregularities.1,3 The plant’s astringent and uterotonic effects offer a mechanistic rationale for its observed benefits.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shepherd’s 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
Although Shepherd’s 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.
Other potential benefits
Shepherd’s 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 250–1,000 μg/ml. The same extracts reduced proinflammatory mediators associated with tissue injury, suggesting potential as an adjunct in wound-related inflammation.5
Shepherd's Purse Herb: A Herb of a Million Uses!
Safety and side effects
Shepherd’s 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
Individuals with thyroid disorders may wish to avoid high intake of Shepherd’s Purse, as some Brassicaceae plants contain goitrogenic constituents that could interfere with iodine metabolism.
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
How to use
Shepherd’s 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.
Tinctures and fluid extracts from the fresh herb are commercially available. Shepherd’s 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
References
- Łukaszyk, A., Kwiecień, 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
- Onea, 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
- Naafe, 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): 694–700. DOI:10.1089/acm.2017.0267, https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/10.1089/acm.2017.0267
- Peng, J., Hu, T., Li, J., et al. (2019). Shepherd’s Purse Polyphenols Exert Its Anti‐Inflammatory and Antioxidative Effects Associated with Suppressing MAPK and NF‐κB Pathways and Heme Oxygenase‐1 Activation. Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity. DOI:10.1155/2019/7202695, https://www.hindawi.com/journals/omcl/2019/7202695/
- Choi, W. J., Kim, S. K., Park, H. K., et al. (2014). Anti-inflammatory and anti-superbacterial properties of sulforaphane from shepherd's Purse. The 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
Further Reading
Last Updated: Nov 25, 2025