Studies show benefit of Butcher’s broom in patients with chronic venous insufficiency of the legs.
Butcher’s broom contains chemicals called saponins that scientists think cause constriction of arteries and veins. Butcher’s broom may also reduce inflammation and increase lymphatic flow, but these effects have not been fully confirmed in humans.
Purported Uses
To treat circulatory disorders such as chronic venous insufficiency
A few clinical trials show that products containing butcher’s broom can help improve the symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, but the long-term safety and effectiveness of these products are not known.
To treat constipation
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat hemorrhoids
Butcher’s broom is known to have effects on veins in general, but it is not known what effect they would have on the swollen veins that cause hemorrhoids.
To reduce inflammation
Lab studies show that compounds in butcher’s broom have anti-inflammatory effects.
To relieve leg cramps
No scientific evidence supports this use.
To treat lymphedema
One clinical trial showed that Cyclo 3 Fort, a butcher’s broom product, reduced lymphedema in women who had undergone therapy for breast cancer.
To promote urination
There are no studies to validate this claim.
Do Not Take If
You have diabetes (butcher’s broom was reported to cause diabetic ketoacidosis, characterized by high levels of compounds called ketones in the blood.)
Side Effects
Diarrhea has been reported with the product Cyclo-3, but is less common with use of other formulations of butcher’s broom.
Scientific Name
Ruscus aculeatus
Clinical Summary
Butcher’s broom is a short evergreen shrub of the Liliaceae family. Both the leaves and rhizome of the plant are believed to have diuretic and mild laxative properties. Today, the plant extracts are widely used to treat varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and lymphedema.
Ruscogenin, one of the major constituents of the plant, demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in vivo (10). Clinical studies revealed efficacy of butcher broom extracts in controlling lymphedema and chronic venous insufficiency (4)(5)(6)(8)(9)(11).
Cyclo-3, a product that contains a butcher’s broom extract as the main ingredient, was reported to cause diarrhea and abdominal discomfort (7).
Purported Uses
Circulatory disorders
Constipation
Hemorrhoids
Inflammation
Leg cramps
Lymphedema
Promote urination
Varicose veins
Mechanism of Action
Ruscogenin, one of the major components of butcher’s broom, exerts anti-inflammatory effects (10) likely by inhibiting TNF-alpha-induced over expression of ICAM-1 both at the mRNA and protein levels. It also suppresses NF-kappaB activation considerably by decreasing NF-kappaB p65 translocation and DNA binding activity (10). In another in vitro study, ruscogenin was shown to inhibt elastase, one of the enzyme systems involved in the turnover of the main components of the perivascular amorphous substance (15).
The phenolic compounds and saponins isolated from butcher’s broom decreased the thrombin-induced hyperpermeability of human microvascular endothelial cells (HMEC-1) in vitro (16).
Contraindications
Diabetes: Diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported in a 39-year-old diabetic woman 5 days after consuming butcher’s broom for mild ankle swelling. Her condition stabilized following conventional treatment with intravenous fluid, insulin, and calcium gluconate (17).
Adverse Reactions
Diarrhea has been frequently reported with the product Cyclo-3, but is less common with use of other formulations of butcher’s broom. (7)
References
Blumenthal M, et al. The Complete German Commission E Monographs: Therapeutic Guide to Herbal Medicines. Austin: American Botanical Council; 1998.
Foster S, et al. Tyler’s Honest Herbal: A Sensible Guide to the Use of Herbs and Related Remedies, 3rd ed. New York: Haworth Herbal Press; 1993.
Blumenthal M, et al. Herbal Medicine Expanded Commission E Monographs, 1st ed. Austin: American Botanical Council; 2000.
