Fragariae folium

Wild strawberry leaf is the common name for the leaf of the plants Fragaria vesca L., Fragaria moschata Weston, Fragaria viridis Weston and Fragaria x ananassa (Weston) Duchesne ex Rozier.

The HMPC conclusions only cover wild strawberry leaf preparations that are obtained by comminuting the leaves (reducing them into tiny pieces).

Herbal medicines containing this wild strawberry leaf preparation are usually available as herbal tea to be drunk.

Wild strawberry leaf preparations may also be found in combination with other herbal substances in some herbal medicines. These combinations are not covered in this summary.

The HMPC concluded that, on the basis of its long-standing use, this wild strawberry leaf preparation can be used to increase urine production in patients with minor problems affecting the urinary tract (structures that carry urine) and to relieve symptoms of mild diarrhoea.

Wild strawberry leaf medicines should only be used in adults and adolescents from 12 years of age. If symptoms last longer than 2 weeks while taking the medicine for minor urinary complaints or longer than 3 days for mild diarrhoea, a doctor or a qualified healthcare practitioner should be consulted. Detailed instructions on how to take wild strawberry leaf medicines and who can use them can be found in the package leaflet that comes with the medicine.

The HMPC conclusions on the use of these wild strawberry leaf medicines for urinary complaints or diarrhoea are based on their ‘traditional use’. This means that, although there is insufficient evidence from clinical trials, the effectiveness of these herbal medicines is plausible and there is evidence that they have been used safely in this way for at least 30 years (including at least 15 years within the EU). Moreover, the intended use does not require medical supervision.

The HMPC noted the lack of studies with strawberry leaf in patients.

At the time of the HMPC assessment, no side effects had been reported with these medicines.

Wild strawberry leaf medicines must not be used for urinary complaints in patients with conditions where a reduced fluid intake is recommended, such as severe heart or kidney disease.

Further information on the risks associated with these wild strawberry leaf medicines, including the appropriate precautions for their safe use, can be found in the monograph under the section ‘Documents’.

Any applications for the licensing of medicines containing wild strawberry leaf have to be submitted to the national authorities responsible for medicinal products, which will assess the application for the herbal medicine and take into account the scientific conclusions of the HMPC.

Information on the use and licensing of wild strawberry leaf medicines in EU Member States should be obtained from the relevant national authorities.

Further information on the HMPC assessment of wild strawberry leaf medicines, including details of the Committee’s conclusions, can be found under the section ‘Documents’.

For more information about treatment with wild strawberry leaf medicines, read the package leaflet that comes with the medicine or contact your doctor or pharmacist.