Yarrow (Achillea Millefolium) Named the Medicinal Plant of the Year 2025: Focus on Analytics, Stability, and Shelf Life
Achillea millefolium has been named the Medicinal Plant of the Year 2025. The Study Group on the Developmental History of Medicinal Plants at the University of Würzburg recognizes not only the long-standing medicinal tradition of this plant but also emphasizes current scientific findings—especially regarding analytics, stability, and the shelf life of herbal preparations.
Named after the ancient hero Achilles, yarrow is among the oldest documented medicinal plants in Europe. Today, its anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, and digestive properties are the focal points of research.
Modern Analytics for Quality Assurance
The bioactive constituents—such as essential oils, flavonoids, sesquiterpene lactones, and bitter substances—are analyzed using methods like HPLC (High-Performance Liquid Chromatography), GC-MS (Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry), TLC and UV/VIS Spectroscopy. These techniques allow for the precise determination of active ingredient levels and ensure the consistent quality of herbal medicines. Standardized analyses are essential for guaranteeing therapeutic efficacy and meeting regulatory requirements.
Shelf Life of Herbal Preparations
A key issue is the stability of the ingredients, particularly the sensitive essential oils. Factors such as light, oxygen, and temperature significantly influence the shelf life of teas, tinctures, and extracts. Studies show that light-protected storage and appropriate extraction methods—for example, ethanol-water mixtures—significantly enhance stability.
Depending on storage conditions and product formulation, the recommended shelf life is six to twelve months. For more complex formulations, regular analytical checks conducted within ICH-compliant stability studies are crucial.
Our specialized laboratory in Oldenburg has successfully implemented modern analytical methods for determining stability data. We have developed an efficient, fast and cost-saving UHPLC method for Achillea Millefolium extracts.