Hemp Agrimony

Botanical

What is it

Hemp agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) is a European wetland herb traditionally used for liver complaints, fevers, and immune support. It is unrelated to hemp/cannabis despite the name.

Evidence for 1 use

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

Traditional immune / liver support

Mixed Evidence

Traditional uses lack quality human evidence, and safety concerns from pyrrolizidine alkaloids outweigh potential benefits.

How it works

The plant contains sesquiterpene lactones (eupatoriopicrin), flavonoids, and pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Some compounds show immunomodulatory and antimicrobial activity in laboratory studies. However, the presence of pyrrolizidine alkaloids is a major safety concern because these compounds are hepatotoxic and potentially carcinogenic in cumulative exposure. Clinical evidence supporting traditional uses is minimal. Modern herbalists often avoid this species due to alkaloid concerns.

Dosage

No safe standardized dose can be recommended given pyrrolizidine alkaloid content. Traditional teas used small amounts of dried herb.

When and how to take it

Internal use is not recommended given safety concerns. Some traditional external applications were used for skin and wounds.

1 commercial form

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

Dried herb / tea

Historical preparation; not recommended for internal use.

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids extract readily into hot water.

Safety

Pyrrolizidine alkaloids cause cumulative liver damage and have been linked to veno-occlusive disease and cancer risk. Many regulatory bodies advise against internal use of plants containing these compounds.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in pregnancy, breastfeeding, in children, and in anyone with liver disease. Anyone with chronic illness or on medications metabolized by the liver should avoid internal use.

Interactions

Potential to compound liver-related effects of any hepatotoxic medication or supplement. Avoid combining with alcohol and other liver-stressing substances.

Frequently asked questions

Is hemp agrimony related to cannabis?⌄

No. The name refers to the cannabis-like leaf shape. It contains no cannabinoids.

Is it safe to take?⌄

Internal use is generally not recommended due to pyrrolizidine alkaloids that can damage the liver.

References

Hemp Agrimony on Wikidata — Wikidata link

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

Research on Hemp Agrimony (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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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.