Lady's mantle – a traditional plant as part of the horse and dog diet

Lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) has long been known particularly as a so-called women's herb. The English name Lady's Mantle refers to the plant's long history and a certain traditional use across different cultures.

Seasonal changes and annual cycles can cause physiological strain and discomfort in mares. In such cases, a varied nutrient intake and diversity of plant-based raw materials as part of the overall diet become particularly important in feeding.

Nutrients and natural compounds of lady's mantle

Lady's mantle naturally contains several nutrients and the plant's own compounds, which form its characteristic nutritional profile.

The following have been identified in the plant in particular:

phenolic compounds and flavonoids, which are considered natural antioxidants of plants, tannins, essential oils, small amounts of salicylates, which naturally occur in many plant species.

Lady's mantle is also naturally rich in vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the body's normal antioxidant system and contributes to a varied nutrient intake.

Phenolic compounds, vitamins and other natural compounds of the plant occur together in lady's mantle and complement each other synergistically as part of the plant's nutritional profile.

Nutrients (naturally, approximate values / 100 g dried lady's mantle)

Vitamin C: approx. 40–80 mg, Calcium: approx. 250–350 mg, Potassium: approx. 600–900 mg, Magnesium: approx. 70–110 mg, Iron: approx. 2–4 mg, Phenolic compounds (total phenolics): approx. 3–6 %, Tannins: approx. 5–10 %.

(Natural variation in content typical of natural products is possible depending on growing conditions, harvest, plant part and drying method.)

Dietary use

Lady's mantle is suitable for use as part of a varied herbal diet for both horses and dogs. The use of herbs in feeding is based on variety, the different compositional properties of plants, and optimising nutrient intake as part of the overall diet. Plants and herbs contain different nutritional components and compounds, and their effects vary accordingly.

Composition

100 % lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris)

Dosage:

Horses (approx. 500 kg):
3 tbsp – 1 dl (approx. 10–20 g) per day as part of the diet.

Dogs:
½ – 2 tsp per day as part of the diet.

Measurement guide:
1 tbsp ≈ 2 g
1 dl ≈ 15 g

Additional information – research background (lady's mantle)

The chemical profile and phytochemical compounds contained in lady's mantle (Alchemilla vulgaris) have been examined in numerous scientific publications. Studies have identified abundant phenolic compounds, such as flavonoids and tannins, as well as the plant's natural essential oils, which are part of the plant's own structure.

In addition, the polyphenolic composition and antioxidant properties of lady's mantle have been studied under laboratory conditions and in literature reviews.

Examples of studies and reviews:

Phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Alchemilla species
Phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of Alchemilla species (review on phenolic compounds & antioxidant activity)

Polyphenolic profile of Alchemilla vulgaris and related species
Phytochemical profile and phenolic compounds in Alchemilla vulgaris extracts (Balkan study)

Traditional uses and phytochemistry of the genus Alchemilla
A review of the traditional uses and phytochemistry of Alchemilla species

In vitro antioxidant activity of Alchemilla vulgaris extracts
Study on antioxidant components and extraction of phenolic acids/tannins from Alchemilla vulgaris