Butcher’s Broom

Botanical name: Ruscus aculeatus

Parts used and where grown

Butcher’s broom is a spiny, small-leafed evergreen bush native to the Mediterranean region and northwest Europe. It is a member of the lily family and is similar, in many ways, to asparagus. The roots and young stems of butcher’s broom are used medicinally.

Butcher’s broom has been used in connection with the following conditions (refer to the individual health concern for complete information):

Science Ratings

Health Concerns

Chronic venous insufficiency

Atherosclerosis

Varicose veins

Reliable and relatively consistent scientific data showing a substantial health benefit.
2Stars

Contradictory, insufficient, or preliminary studies suggesting a health benefit or minimal health benefit.
1Star

For a herb, supported by traditional use but minimal or no scientific evidence. For a supplement, little scientific support and/or minimal health benefit.

Historical or traditional use (may or may not be supported by scientific studies)

Butcher’s broom is so named because the mature branches were bundled and used as brooms by butchers. The young shoots were sometimes eaten as food. Ancient physicians used the roots as a diuretic in the treatment of urinary problems.¹

Active constituents

Steroidal saponins are thought to be responsible for the medicinal actions of butcher’s broom.² These constituents are reported to improve the strength and tone of the veins and act as mild diuretics. They may also lead to constriction of the veins, which helps blood return from the extremities.³ ⁴ Butcher’s broom extracts also exert a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

Clinical trials, one double-blind, have confirmed the benefit of a combination of vitamin C, flavonoids, and butcher’s broom for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).⁵ ⁶ In a comparison study, a product combining butcher’s broom extract, the flavonoid hesperidin, and vitamin C was more effective than a synthetic flavonoid product for treating CVI.⁷ A double-blind study, in which Butcher’s broom alone was used, has confirmed the beneficial effect of this herb in the treatment of CVI.⁸

How much is usually taken?

Encapsulated butcher’s broom extracts, in the amount of 1,000 mg three times per day, can be used for chronic venous insufficiency. These extracts are often combined with vitamin C and/or flavonoids. Standardised extracts (9–11% ruscogenins) can be taken in the amount of 100 mg three times per day.

Are there any side effects or interactions?

Side effects are rarely seen if butcher’s broom is used as directed above. However, in certain cases, butcher’s broom can cause nausea.⁹

At the time of writing, there were no well-known drug interactions with butcher’s broom.

References
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1. Grieve M. A Modern Herbal, vol I. New York: Dover Publications, 1971, 128–9.

2. Weiss RF. Herbal Medicine. Gothenburg, Sweden: Ab Arcanum, 1988, 117–8.

3. Bouskela E, Cyrino FZ, Marcelon G. Inhibitory effect of the Ruscus extract and of the flavonoid hesperidine methylchalcone on increased microvascular permeability induced by various agents in the hamster cheek pouch. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1993;22:225–30.

4. Bouskela E, Cyrino FZ, Marcelon G. Effects of Ruscus extract on the internal diameter of arterioles and venules of the hamster cheek pouch microcirculation. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 1993;22:221–4.

5. Boccalon H, Causse C, Yubero L. Comparative efficacy of a single daily dose of two capsules of Cyclo 3 Fort in the morning versus a repeated dose of one capsule morning and evening. A one month study. Int Angiol 1998;155–60.

6. Capelli R, Nicora M, Di Perri T. Use of extract of Ruscus aculeatus in venous disease in the lower limbs. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1988;14:277–83.

7. Beltramino R, Penenory A, Buceta AM. An open-label, randomized multicenter study comparing the efficacy and safety of Cyclo 3 Fort® versus hydroxyethyl rutoside in chronic venous lymphatic insufficiency. Angiology 2000;51:535–44.

8. Vanscheidt W, Jost V, Wolna P, et al. Efficacy and safety of a Butcher's broom preparation (Ruscus aculeatus L. extract) compared to placebo in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. Arzneimittelforschung 2002;52:243–50.

9. Blumenthal M, Busse WR, Goldberg A, et al. (eds). The Complete Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Boston, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 1998, 99–100.

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The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro), clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with prescription or over the counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor, practitioner, and/or chemist for any health problem and before using any supplements or before making any changes in prescribed medications. Information expires March 2007.