Cinquefoil

Botanical

What is it

Cinquefoil is a common name for several plants in the genus Potentilla, especially Potentilla erecta (tormentil) and Potentilla reptans (creeping cinquefoil). The roots and leaves are rich in tannins and have been used traditionally as astringents for diarrhea, sore throat, and minor bleeding.

Evidence for 2 uses

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Acute diarrhea

Limited Evidence

Tormentil extracts have shown reduction in duration of rotavirus diarrhea in small pediatric trials.

Sore throat and oral inflammation

Mixed Evidence

Astringent gargles have traditional use; limited modern clinical evidence.

How it works

Cinquefoil contains high concentrations of hydrolyzable and condensed tannins (notably agrimoniin), flavonoids, and triterpenes. Tannins bind to mucosal proteins, producing the astringent effect that underlies traditional use for diarrhea and minor wound care. Tormentil has shown antiviral activity against rotavirus in vitro and modest efficacy in small trials for childhood diarrhea.

Dosage

Traditional doses use 2 to 5 grams of dried root daily, brewed as decoction or used as tincture. Modern standardized extracts vary by product.

When and how to take it

For diarrhea, traditionally taken several times per day until symptoms resolve. To minimize impact on iron absorption, do not take with iron-rich meals or supplements.

2 commercial forms

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Tormentil root extract

Powdered root, capsules, or tinctures.

Tannins act mostly locally in the gut.

Cinquefoil tincture

Traditional liquid extract preparation.

Alcohol extract.

Safety

Tannin-rich preparations can cause stomach upset, nausea, or constipation. Long-term use of high doses is not recommended due to potential interference with mineral absorption (notably iron).

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to lack of safety data. Use cautiously in people with chronic constipation or iron-deficiency anemia.

Interactions

Tannins can bind iron and other minerals, reducing absorption when taken together with meals or supplements. They may also reduce absorption of certain medications. Theoretical interaction with anticoagulants from astringent effects is minimal.

Frequently asked questions

Is cinquefoil safe for children?⌄

Small trials of tormentil for rotavirus diarrhea in children showed acceptable tolerability, but use should be supervised by a clinician.

Will cinquefoil constipate me?⌄

Tannin-rich preparations can cause constipation, especially with regular use.

Can I use cinquefoil for chronic diarrhea?⌄

Persistent diarrhea should be evaluated by a clinician rather than self-treated with herbal astringents.

References

Cinquefoil on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Cinquefoil on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Cinquefoil (PubMed search) — PubMed link

Track Cinquefoil with Pilora

Set up dose reminders, check interactions, and join the community in the Pilora iPhone app.

Coming to App Store
Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.