BUTCHER'S BROOM: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a small evergreen shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. The root is used to make medicine.

Chemicals in butcher's broom might cause the blood vessels to narrow or constrict. This might improve blood circulation in the legs.

People use butcher's broom for poor circulation that causes the legs to swell. It is also used for swelling of the arms, varicose veins, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse butcher's broom with scotch broom or Spanish broom. These are not the same.

Uses & Effectiveness ?

Possibly Effective for

Poor circulation that can cause the legs to swell (chronic venous insufficiency or CVI). Taking butcher's broom by mouth, alone or with vitamin C and hesperidin, seems to help with the symptoms of this condition, such as pain, heaviness, cramps, itching, and swelling.

There is interest in using butcher's broom for a number of other purposes, but there isn't enough reliable information to say whether it might be helpful.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Butcher's broom is possibly safe when products containing the rhizome extract or root extract are used for up to 3 months. Side effects might include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn.

When applied to the skin: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe. It may cause allergic reactions in some people.

Special Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if butcher's broom is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Interactions ?

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

Medications used for high blood pressure (Alpha-adrenergic antagonists) interacts with BUTCHER'S BROOM
Butcher's broom might increase blood pressure. Taking butcher's broom might reduce the effects of blood pressure medications. Monitor your blood pressure closely.
Stimulant Medications (Alpha-adrenergic agonists) interacts with BUTCHER'S BROOM
Butcher's broom might increase blood pressure, make the heart beat faster, and stimulate the brain. Stimulant medications have similar effects. Taking them together with butcher's broom might make the blood pressure go too high or the heart beat too fast.

Dosing

Butcher's broom has most often been used by adults in doses of 75-300 mg by mouth daily for up to 3 months. Speak with a healthcare provider to find out what dose might be best for a specific condition.

View References

REFERENCES:

Dunouau, C., Belle, R., Oulad-Ali, A., Anton, R., and David, B. Triterpenes and sterols from Ruscus aculeatus. Planta Med 1996;62(2):189-190. View abstract.

Jiminez Cossio, J. A., Magallon Orton, P. J., and Capilla Montes, M. T. Therapeutic test of Ruscus extract in pregnant women: evaluation of the fetal tolerance applying the pulse Doppler's method of the cord. In: Vanhoutte, P. M. Return Circulation and Norepinephrine: An Update. Paris: John Libbey Euretext;1991.

Lagrue, G., Behar, A., Chaabane, A., and Laurent, J. Edema induced by calcium antagonists. Effects of Ruscus extract on clinical and biological parameters. In: Vanhoutte, P. M. Return Circulation and Norepinephrine: An Update. Paris: John Libbey Euretext;1991.

Landa, N., Aguirre, A., Goday, J., Raton, J. A., and Diaz-Perez, J. L. Allergic contact dermatitis from a vasoconstrictor cream. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22(5):290-291. View abstract.

MacKay, D. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options. Altern Med Rev 2001;6(2):126-140. View abstract.

Mimaki, Y., Kuroda, M., Kameyama, A., Yokosuka, A., and Sashida, Y. Aculeoside B, a new bisdesmosidic spirostanol saponin from the underground parts of Ruscus aculeatus. J Nat.Prod 1998;61(10):1279-1282. View abstract.

Mimaki, Y., Kuroda, M., Kameyama, A., Yokosuka, A., and Sashida, Y. Steroidal saponins from the underground parts of Ruscus aculeatus and their cytostatic activity on HL-60 cells. Phytochemistry 1998;48(3):485-493. View abstract.

Monteil-Seurin, J. Efficacy of Ruscus extract in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome. In: Vanhoutte, P. M. Return Circulation and Norepinephrine: An Update. Paris: John Libbey Euretext;1991.

Rudofsky, G. [Improving venous tone and capillary sealing. Effect of a combination of Ruscus extract and hesperidine methyl chalcone in healthy probands in heat stress]. Fortschr.Med 6-30-1989;107(19):52, 55-52, 58. View abstract.

Weindorf, N. and Schultz-Ehrenburg, U. [Controlled study of increasing venous tone in primary varicose veins by oral administration of Ruscus aculeatus and trimethylhespiridinchalcone]. Z.Hautkr. 1-1-1987;62(1):28-38. View abstract.

Archimowicz-Cyrylowska B, Adamek B, Drozdzik M, et al. Clinical effect of buckwheat herb, Ruscus extract and troxerutin on retinopathy and lipids in diabetic patients. Phytother Res 1996;10:659-62.

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.. View abstract.

Bennani, A., Biadillah, M. C., and Cherkaoui, A. Acute attack of hemorrhoids: Efficacy of. Cyclo 3 Fort® based on results in 124 cases reported by specialists. Phlebologie 1999;52:89-93.

Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J, eds. Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications, 2000.

Calapai G, Minciullo P, Miroddi M, et al. Contact dermatitis as an adverse reaction to some topically used European herbal medicinal products - part 3. Contact Dermatitis 2016;74:131-44. View abstract.

Cappelli 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. View abstract.

Engels G. Butcher's broom. HerbalGram 2010;85:1-4.

European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Ruscus Aculeatus L rhizome. EMEA/HMPC/261939/2007. London, September 4, 2008. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2009/12/WC500018288.pdf. Accessed September 25, 2017.

Huang YL, Kou JP, Ma L, Song JX, Yu BY. Possible mechanism of the anti-inflammatory activity of ruscogenin: role of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 and nuclear factor-kappaB. J Pharmacol Sci 2008;108(2):198-205. View abstract.

Jager, K., Eichlisberger, R., Jeanneret, C., and Lobs, K. H. Pharmacodynamic Effects of Ruscus Extract (Cyclo 3 Fort) on Superficial and Deep Veins in Patients with Primary Varicose Veins: Assessment by Duplexsonography. Clinical Drug Investigation 1999;17(4):265-73.

Kakkos SK, Allaert FA. Efficacy of Ruscus extract, HMC and vitamin C, constituents of Cyclo 3 fort, on improving individual venous symptoms and edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Int Angiol 2017;36(2):93-106. View abstract.

Montorsi F, Strambi LF, Guazzoni G, et al. Effect of yohimbine-trazodone on psychogenic impotence: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Urology 1994;44:732-6. View abstract.

Parrado F, Buzzi A. A study of the efficacy and tolerability of a preparation containing Ruscus aculeatus in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency of the lower limbs. Clin Drug Invest 1999;18(4):255-61.

Ramirez-Hernandez M, Garcia-Selles J, Merida-Fernandez C, Martinez-Escribano JA. Allergic contact dermatitis to ruscogenins. Contact Dermatitis 2006;54(1):60. View abstract.

Rauly-Lestienne I, Heusler P, Cussac D, et al. Contribution of muscarinic receptors to in vitro and in vivo effects of Ruscus extract. Microvasc Res 2017;114:1-11. View abstract.

Redman DA. Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom) as a potential treatment for orthostatic hypotension, with a case report. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6:539-49.. View abstract.

Sadarmin PP, Timperley J. An unusual case of Butcher's Broom precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis. J Emerg Med 2013;45(3):e63-e65. View abstract.

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;52:243-250.. View abstract.

Bohmer, D. Action of Ruscus extract cream in the treatment of sports injuries. In: Vanhoutte, P. M. Return Circulation and Norepinephrine: An Update. Paris: John Libbey Euretext;1991.

Bouskela, E., Cyrino, F. Z., and 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(2):221-224. View abstract.

Bouskela, E., Cyrino, F. Z., and Marcelon, G. Possible mechanisms for the inhibitory effect of Ruscus extract on increased microvascular permeability induced by histamine in hamster cheek pouch. J Cardiovasc.Pharmacol 1994;24(2):281-285. View abstract.

Boyle, P., Diehm, C., and Robertson, C. Meta-analysis of clinical trials of Cyclo 3 Fort in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Int Angiol. 2003;22(3):250-262. View abstract.

Cluzan, R. V., Alliot, F., Ghabboun, S., and Pascot, M. Treatment of secondary lymphedema of the upper limb with CYCLO 3 FORT. Lymphology 1996;29(1):29-35. View abstract.

Consoli, A. [Chronic venous insufficiency: an open trial of FLEBS Crema]. Minerva Cardioangiol. 2003;51(4):411-416. View abstract.

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CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

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BUTCHER'S BROOM - Uses, Side Effects, and More