Butcher's Broom Interactions Overview

Check For Interactions With Butcher's Broom

Butcher's Broom

Also known as
  • Ruscus aculeatus
  • Balai du Boucher
  • Box Holly
  • Fragon
  • Fragon Épineux
  • Fragon Faux Houx
  • Fragon Piquant
  • Houx Frelon
  • Jew's Myrtle
  • Knee Holly
  • Kneeholly
  • Kneeholm
  • Kneeholy
  • Petit Houx
  • Pettigree
  • Stickmyrten
  • Sweet Broom
  • Rusci Aculeati
  • Rusci Aculeati Rhizoma
  • Rusco
Butcher's Broom Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a plant species in the lily family that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a low-growing evergreen shrub with small, spiky leaves, clusters of small, greenish flowers and small red berries. Butcher's broom, specifically the rhizomes (underground stems) and roots, has been used in traditional medicine to treat a variety of conditions, including circulation problems, kidney issues, and varicose veins. It is thought to have anti-inflammatory, laxative and vasoconstrictive properties and is a popular dietary supplement, often marketed to improve circulation and reduce swelling.
There are 157 drugs known to interact with Butcher's Broom

Additional Details

Is Butcher's Broom Safe? Are There Any Warnings?

When used orally and appropriately short-term, Butcher's Broom is considered possibly safe. It has been used with apparent safety at specific doses for up to 3 months. However, there is insufficient information about its safety when used topically. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it is recommended to avoid using Butcher's Broom due to insufficient information about its safety in these situations.

How Is Butcher's Broom Thought To Work? What is the Mechanism of Action?

Butcher's Broom contains various active components, including steroidal spirostanol saponins, such as ruscin and neoruscin. These components are responsible for its effects. Butcher's Broom has several mechanisms of action:

  • Anti-edema effects: Animal research has shown that Butcher's Broom reduces histamine-induced microvascular permeability and increases oncotic pressure in lymphatic vessels, helping to reduce fluid accumulation in tissues.
  • Anti-inflammatory effects: Butcher's Broom has been found to have anti-inflammatory activity, suppressing leukocyte migration and reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
  • Lymph effects: Butcher's Broom improves the contractility of lymph vessels and enhances the lymphatic pumping system, facilitating the return of peripheral lymph to the heart.
  • Vasoconstrictive effects: Butcher's Broom causes venous constriction by activating adrenergic receptors and releasing stored epinephrine. This helps reduce venous capacity and pooling of blood in the legs.

Pharmacokinetics

Unfortunately, there is not enough reliable information available about the pharmacokinetics of Butcher's Broom. More research is needed to understand how the body absorbs, distributes, metabolizes, and eliminates this herb.

Interaction Overview (See Below For Full List)

Butcher's Broom may interact with certain drugs and herbs, so caution should be exercised when combining them. It may have moderate interactions with alpha-adrenergic agonists and antagonists. However, no known interactions have been reported with supplements or lab tests.

Common Side Effects To Watch For

When taken orally, Butcher's Broom is generally well tolerated. The most common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting. Topically, it may cause contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Are Supplements Standardized?

Butcher's Broom should contain not less than 1% of total sapogenins, expressed as ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, according to the European Pharmacopoeia. These active components contribute to the therapeutic effects of the herb.

What Is Butcher's Broom Used For?

Butcher's Broom is used as a supplement for the following conditions:

  • Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI): It may help improve symptoms when taken orally in combination with hesperidin and vitamin C.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Its effectiveness for this condition is unclear when taken orally.
  • Hemorrhoids: Insufficient reliable information is available regarding the clinical effects of Butcher's Broom for hemorrhoids.
  • Lymphedema: Its effect as a standalone treatment for lymphedema is unclear, as it has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients.
  • Orthostatic hypotension: The clinical effects of Butcher's Broom for orthostatic hypotension are not well-established.
  • Varicose veins: Like with lymphedema, the effect of Butcher's Broom as a standalone treatment for varicose veins is unclear.

It's important to note that more evidence is needed to establish the efficacy of Butcher's Broom for these uses.

Drugs that interact with Butcher's Broom

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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

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