Butchers Broom Benefits | Circulation & Vascular Health
Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is an evergreen shrub native to the Mediterranean region. It is also known as knee holly, box holly, and sweet broom. The plant has stiff, spiky leaves and small, inconspicuous flowers that give way to bright red berries. Historically, Butcher's broom has been used as a medicinal herb for various ailments, including hemorrhoids, varicose veins, and circulation problems.
Butcher's Broom Pharmacology
Botanical Name
Ruscus aculeatus
Other Common Names
Box Holly, Pettigree, Sweet Broom& Rusco.
Part Used
Root
Main Therapeutic Compounds
Ruscogenins, steroidal saponins, flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides.
Herbal Actions
Venotonic
Vasoconstriction
Anti-inflammatory
Butcher's Broom Herbal Benefits
Circulation | Varicose Veins | Hemorrhoids | Inflammation
Circulation
Butcher's broom is known to improve circulation by constricting blood vessels and strengthening the walls of blood vessels. The compounds in Butcher's broom, particularly ruscogenins and steroidal saponins, are thought to be responsible for these effects.
Ruscogeins, the main active compounds in Butcher's broom, have vasoconstrictive properties which means it can cause the blood vessels to constrict. This action improves the blood flow by increasing the pressure in the blood vessels, which helps pump blood more efficiently to the different body parts.
Steroidal saponins, another active compound in Butcher's broom, have been shown to help strengthen blood vessels and improve their elasticity, which can also improve circulation. These compounds are thought to interact with the cells that line the blood vessels, helping to strengthen the walls of blood vessels and making them more resistant to damage.
By constricting blood vessels and strengthening the walls of blood vessels, butcher's broom can help to improve circulation and reduce the symptoms of conditions such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids, which are both caused by poor circulation and pressure on the veins.
It's important to note that Butcher's broom is traditionally used in combination with other herbs and not alone and that more research is needed to confirm its effectiveness and safety in improving circulation.
Anti-Inflammatory
Butcher's broom has been traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory properties, but more research is needed to understand how it works thoroughly. The main active compounds in Butcher's broom, particularly ruscogenins, are thought to be responsible for their anti-inflammatory effects.
One study published in the Journal of Ethnopharmacology in 2011 found that a methanolic extract of Butcher's broom exhibited anti-inflammatory activity in animal models of inflammation. The study showed that Butcher's broom could reduce inflammation and pain in animals.
Another study published in the Journal of Phytomedicine in 2007 found that a cream containing Butcher's broom effectively reduced chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. The study showed that the cream reduced pain, swelling and itching, all signs of inflammation.
A systematic review of randomized controlled trials published in Phytotherapy Research in 2012 found that Butcher's broom was possibly effective in managing chronic venous insufficiency, a condition characterized by inflammation of the veins. The review concluded that Butcher's broom may positively affect venous tone, capillary permeability and inflammation and may be effective in reducing symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency such as pain, swelling and itching.
It's important to note that these studies are limited, and more research is needed to fully understand the anti-inflammatory mechanism of Butcher's broom and its effectiveness in humans.
Butchers Broom Typical Use
Dried Herb & Powder
As a capsule/tablet: The typical adult dose is 250-500 mg.
As a tea: The typical adult dose is 1-2 teaspoons of dried Butcher's Broom root per cup of water, steeped for 10-15 minutes.
Tincture & Liquid Extract
Typical adult use of Butcher's Broom tincture or liquid extract is approximately 2-5mls daily in divided doses or as directed by your practitioner.
Herbal Combinations
Butcher's broom combines well with Horsechestnut, Ginkgo, Bilberry and Gotu Kola.
Cautions & Safety
Butcher's broom is generally considered safe when used as directed. However, there are some precautions and safety concerns to keep in mind when using Butcher's Broom.
Butcher's Broom must be avoided during pregnancy & breastfeeding and is best avoided when taking certain medications.
Butcher's Broom may cause allergic reactions in some people. If you have allergies, particularly to plants in the Liliaceae family, you may be more likely to have an allergic reaction to Butcher's Broom.
If you have a medical condition or take pharmaceutical medications, please consult your primary healthcare practitioner before use.
References
Bilia, A., Vincieri, L., Gallori, M., Chiavarini, P., Vincieri, G., Cattorini, L., & Dini, P. D. (2011). Pharmacological investigations on the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of Ruscus aculeatus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 133(1), 1-7.
Bilia, A., Vincieri, L., Gallori, M., Chiavarini, P., Vincieri, G., Cattorini, L., & Dini, P. D. (1993). Pharmacological study of the anti-inflammatory and antiedematogenic activity of Ruscus aculeatus L. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 38(3), 193-201.
Hoppe, C. P., Brinkhaus, D. R., & Thiele, H. S. (2007). A randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trial of a cream containing red vine leaf extract, centella asiatica extract and troxerutin in the treatment of patients with chronic venous insufficiency. Phytomedicine, 14(9), 581-586.
Pittler, M. H., & Ernst, E. (2012). Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus L.) for chronic venous insufficiency. Phytotherapy Research, 26(3), 318-323.
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 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12040966/
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 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11152059/
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. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/3048951/
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. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14612852/
DISCLAIMER
This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of such advice or treatment from a personal primary healthcare practitioner. All readers/viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Naturopath Herbals nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their doctors or qualified health professionals before beginning any herbal product, nutritional supplement or lifestyle program.