Herb & supplement monograph

Butcher's Broom Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by ·Updated July 2026
What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Butcher's Broom interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Butcher's Broom is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Butcher's Broom is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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On this page

Butcher's Broom Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Butcher's Broom drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and all of them rest on animal and lab research rather than documented effects in humans.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The entire profile comes down to one theme: butcher's broom may stimulate certain receptors, called alpha-adrenergic receptors, that some medications also target. In theory it could add to the effects and side effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists, and it could work against alpha-adrenergic antagonists, making them less effective. Neither concern has been confirmed in human studies, but they are the interactions most worth knowing about if you take a medicine in either group.

What the rest of the list means

The long list of interacting medications reflects just these two drug classes, which include many individual products, rather than many separate concerns. Because the evidence is theoretical, drawn from lab and animal work, a listed interaction does not mean the combination has caused problems in people. That said, limited evidence is not proof of safety, so a measure of awareness is reasonable.

Check your medications against Butcher's Broom

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Butcher's Broom interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Butcher's Broom

158 medications have a known interaction with Butcher's Broom, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

2,830 drugs
"phentolamineOraVerse, Rogitine, Ryzumvi
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Antagonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might reduce the effects of alpha-adrenergic antagonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + "phentolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineDimetapp Cold and Flu
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Brompheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, PhenylephrineHycomine Compound
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Caffeine, Chlorpheniramine, Hydrocodone, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, PhenylephrineColrex
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Codeine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PhenylpropanolamineMulti Symptom Cold Relief
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Cold Plus Cough, Tylenol Cold Ex Strength
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic GG
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylephrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS, Histex SR, Protid
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, SalicylamideRhinogesic, Rhinogesic JR
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylephrine, Salicylamide interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PhenylpropanolamineAlumadrine, Conex, Sinadrin Max Strength, Sinulin
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, OpiumHista-Derfule
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Opium interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineNorel Plus
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Liquid Gels, Children's Tylenol Cold, Codimal, Comtrex, Extra Strength Tylenol Allergy Sinus, Lorsin +3 more
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Chlorpheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, PseudoephedrineSinadrin Plus
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dexbrompheniramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineVicks NyQuil
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylephrineConar-A
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylephrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PhenylpropanolamineAnatuss
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, PseudoephedrineRobitussin Cold, Severe Cold, Suphedrine Cold/Cough
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Guaifenesin, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, PyrilamineTheracaps
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Phenylpropanolamine, Pyrilamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, PseudoephedrineAlka-Seltzer PLUS Flu Liquid Gels, Non Aspirin Cold Caps, Tylenol Cold, Tylenol Flu Daytime Ex Strength, Tylenol Flu Ex Strength
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Dextromethorphan, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Allergy, Cold Control, Contac Night Allergy Relief
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Diphenhydramine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, PseudoephedrineEx Strength Tylenol Sinus Nighttime
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Doxylamine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, ChlorpheniramineSuper Cold Tabs
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Phenylephrine, Chlorpheniramine interaction
Acetaminophen, PhenylpropanolamineTetra Caps
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine interaction
Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, PhenyltoloxamineSinubid
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Phenylpropanolamine, Phenyltoloxamine interaction
Acetaminophen, PseudoephedrineChildren's Tylenol Sinus, Dristan N.D., Non-Aspirin Sinus, Ornex, Ornex-Max, Sinutab +5 more
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine interaction
Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, TriprolidineActifed Plus ES
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acetaminophen, Pseudoephedrine, Triprolidine interaction
Acrivastine, PseudoephedrineSemprex D
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Acrivastine, Pseudoephedrine interaction
AlfuzosinUroxatral
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Antagonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might reduce the effects of alpha-adrenergic antagonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Alfuzosin interaction Alfuzosin drug page: uses, dosage & side effects
Aminophylline, Amobarbital, EphedrineAmesec
Moderate Alpha-adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.

Read the full Butcher's Broom + Aminophylline, Amobarbital, Ephedrine interaction
Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

  • Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
  • Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
  • Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
  • No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

  • Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
  • Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
  • Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
  • Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

  • Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
  • Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Butcher's Broom combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
  • Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.
The big picture

The kinds of drugs Butcher's Broom affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Butcher's Broom is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 2 drug categories Butcher's Broom interacts with
Alpha-adrenergic AgonistsAlpha-adrenergic Antagonists
Alpha-Adrenergic Agonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might increase the effects and adverse effects of alpha-adrenergic agonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Alpha-Adrenergic Antagonists

Theoretically, butcher's broom might reduce the effects of alpha-adrenergic antagonists.
Animal and in vitro studies show that butcher's broom has alpha-adrenergic agonist effects.

Likelihood Possible Evidence D
Monograph

Butcher's Broom: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by · Reviewed July 2026 ·
The bottom line

Butcher's broom is a plant extract most often used for circulation problems in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency, where some evidence suggests it may help reduce swelling and discomfort. Quality and dosing vary widely between products, and it should not replace proven treatments. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting it, especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have a health condition.

Butcher's Broom
Scientific name
Ruscus aculeatus
Family
Asparagaceae
Part used
Rhizome (underground stem) and roots
Common forms
Capsules, tablets, extracts, teas, and topical creams or ointments
People commonly use it for
  • Chronic venous insufficiency
  • Varicose veins
  • Leg swelling and heaviness
  • Hemorrhoids
  • Circulation problems

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance
OverallUse caution

Generally well tolerated short-term in most healthy adults, but evidence on long-term safety is limited.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail
BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

Jump to a section

Overview

Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is a low-growing evergreen shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia and the Mediterranean. It has stiff, spiky leaf-like stems, small greenish flowers, and red berries. The name comes from its traditional use by butchers, who reportedly used bundles of the plant to clean their chopping blocks.

The parts used in supplements are mainly the rhizome (underground stem) and roots. These are made into capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, teas, and topical creams. People most often take butcher's broom for circulation problems in the legs and for related conditions like varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

How it works

Butcher's broom contains plant compounds called steroidal saponins, including ruscogenin and neoruscogenin, which are thought to be its main active ingredients. It also contains flavonoids and other plant chemicals.

Researchers believe these compounds may help tighten or tone veins (a vasoconstrictive effect) and reduce inflammation, which could help the legs move blood and fluid more effectively. This is the proposed reason it may ease swelling and heaviness in venous insufficiency.

Much of what we know about how it works comes from laboratory and animal studies, so the exact mechanisms in the human body are not fully proven. These findings should be viewed as preliminary.

Effectiveness

Does Butcher's Broom work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by .

Evidence overview · 6 uses evaluated
1 Possibly effective 5 Insufficient evidence
How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.
2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.
3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.
4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.
5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.
6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.
7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.
Possibly Effective Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral butcher's broom extract, taken in combination with hesperidin and vitamin C, seems to improve symptoms of CVI. It is unclear if oral butcher's broom alone is beneficial in these patients.

Also studied for 5 conditions — evidence insufficient to rate
Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Diabetic retinopathy
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

It is unclear if oral butcher's broom extract is beneficial in patients with diabetic retinopathy.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Hemorrhoids
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral and topical butcher's broom for hemorrhoids, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of butcher's broom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Lymphedema
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral butcher's broom extract has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Orthostatic hypotension
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Although there has been interest in using oral butcher's broom for orthostatic hypotension, there is insufficient reliable information about the clinical effects of butcher's broom for this purpose.

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Varicose veins
Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Oral butcher's broom extract has only been evaluated in combination with other ingredients; its effect when used alone is unclear.

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

For most healthy adults, butcher's broom appears to be reasonably well tolerated when used short-term at typical supplement doses. However, long-term safety has not been well studied.

People with high blood pressure, heart conditions, kidney problems, or an enlarged prostate should be cautious and check with a healthcare provider first, partly because of its proposed effects on blood vessels. Anyone with a serious medical condition or who takes regular medications should talk to a pharmacist or doctor before starting it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is not enough reliable safety information for these situations, so butcher's broom should be avoided during pregnancy and while breastfeeding. Always choose a known, conservative approach when safety is unclear.

Side effects

Butcher's broom is usually well tolerated, but it can cause side effects in some people. The most commonly reported issues are stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea.

Less commonly, some people may notice other digestive discomfort. Allergic reactions are possible, as with any plant product. Stop using it and seek medical care if you have signs of an allergic reaction, such as rash, itching, swelling, or trouble breathing.

Because research is limited, rare or long-term side effects may not be fully known. Report any unusual symptoms to your healthcare provider.

Butcher's Broom: Reported Adverse Effects

Documented safety reports on Butcher's Broom from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database, shown word-for-word from the licensed record.

Orally, butcher's broom seems to be well tolerated, short-term.

Most Common Adverse Effects:

Orally: Diarrhea, dyspepsia, gastritis, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

Topically: Contact dermatitis in sensitive individuals.

Reports by condition
Dermatitis Dermatologic

Topically, butcher's broom may cause contact dermatitis. A 30-year-old female developed an erythematous, papular, pruritic rash on both legs after applying a cream containing butcher's broom root extract (Fabroven, Pierre Fabre Iberica) to varicose veins for 2 months. The rash spread to the entire body, and the patient had positive patch tests to ethanol extracts of butcher's broom. In another report, a 34-year-old female developed pruritic eczematous lesions in the perianal area after using an antihemorrhoidal cream containing a butcher's broom extract (Proctolog, Desma Pharmaceutical). Several months later, the patient developed a generalized eczematous rash after applying another cream containing butcher's broom extract to the legs. The patient had positive patch tests to ruscogenins, which are constituents of butcher's broom.

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

Orally, butcher's broom may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, heartburn, and gastritis. A 39-year-old female with poorly-controlled diabetes reported severe vomiting and diarrhea after taking butcher's broom for 5 days and was ultimately hospitalized with dehydration, hyperkalemia, acidosis, and sinus tachycardia.

  1. 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..
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Sadarmin PP, Timperley J. An unusual case of Butcher's Broom precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis. J Emerg Med 2013;45(3):e63-e65.
DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

Adverse-effects data: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

Dosing

There is no single official or standardized dose of butcher's broom. Products vary widely in their strength, how they are made, and whether they include other ingredients, which makes it hard to compare them.

Many extracts are standardized to a certain amount of ruscogenins, but the right amount depends on the specific product. The safest approach is to follow the directions on the product label and not exceed the recommended amount.

Because quality and concentration differ between brands, it is a good idea to ask your pharmacist to help you choose a reputable product and confirm a dose that is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Butcher's Broom & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

Butcher's Broom & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 8 references that drive our Butcher's Broom monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

  1. 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.. PubMed
  2. 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..
  3. 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. PubMed
  4. 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.
  5. 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. DOI
  6. Sadarmin PP, Timperley J. An unusual case of Butcher's Broom precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis. J Emerg Med 2013;45(3):e63-e65. PubMed
  7. Ramirez-Hernandez M, Garcia-Selles J, Merida-Fernandez C, Martinez-Escribano JA. Allergic contact dermatitis to ruscogenins. Contact Dermatitis 2006;54(1):60. PubMed
  8. European Medicines Agency. Assessment report on Ruscus Aculeatus L rhizome. EMEA/HMPC/261939/2007. London, September 4, 2008. Available at: http://www.ema.europa.eu/docs/en_GB/document_library/Herbal_-_HMPC_assessment_report/2009/12/WC500018288.pdf. Acces
Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

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.

© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Butcher's Broom

131 brands in our database make a supplement containing Butcher's Broom.

Product directory

Supplement products with Butcher's Broom

441 products in our database contain Butcher's Broom. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Butcher's Broom 440 mg by Solaray Capsule 100 VegCap(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 440 mg by Thompson Capsule 60 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 450 mg 4:1 Extract by TerraVita Premium Collection Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 470 mg by Swanson Premium Brand Capsule 100 Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 470 mg by Vitamin World Capsule 100 Rapid Release Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 470 mg by Nature's Way Capsule 100 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 470 mg by Puritan's Pride Premium Capsule 100 Rapid Release Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 500 mg by Source Naturals Tablet Or Pill 100 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom 500 mg by Source Naturals Tablet Or Pill 250 Tablet(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Alcohol Free by Herbal Terra Liquid 2 Fluid Ounce(s) · 60 mL View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 3.5 Ounce(s) · 100 Gram(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 500 Gram(s) · 17.6 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 250 Gram(s) · 8.8 Oz(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 1 kg · 35.3 oz View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 100 Gram(s) · 3.5 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 1 Kilogram(s) · 35.3 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 250 Gram(s) · 8.8 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract by BulkSupplements.com Powder 500 Gram(s) · 17.6 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract Powder 500 mg by BulkSupplements.com Powder 100 Gram(s) · 3.5 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Extract Powder 500 mg by BulkSupplements.com Powder 250 Gram(s) · 8.8 Ounce(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Max-V by Douglas Laboratories Capsule 60 Vegetarian Capsule(s) View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Non-Alcohol by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Non-Alcohol by Hawaii Pharm Liquid 4 Fluid Ounce(s) · 120 mL View ingredients & interactions Butcher's Broom Root by TerraVita Liquid 1 Fluid Ounce(s) · 30 mL View ingredients & interactions
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Butcher's Broom: Common Questions

What is Butcher's Broom used for, and does it work?
People use Butcher's Broom for many reasons, but the evidence varies by use. According to the Natural Medicines database, there is at least some clinical evidence supporting Butcher's Broom for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). For most other uses it has been studied for, the evidence is currently insufficient to rate. See the graded list on this page, and always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Does Butcher's Broom interact with prescription medications?
Yes. We list 158 medications with a known interaction with Butcher's Broom. Use the checker above to see how Butcher's Broom interacts with a specific drug.
How are Butcher's Broom interactions rated?
Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.
Is it safe to take Butcher's Broom with my medications?
It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.
Where does this Butcher's Broom interaction information come from?
Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.
What is Butcher's Broom used for?
It is most commonly used for circulation problems in the legs, especially chronic venous insufficiency, which can cause swelling, aching, and heaviness. People also use it for varicose veins and hemorrhoids, though the evidence for these is more limited.
Does Butcher's Broom actually work?
There is modest evidence that it may help reduce leg swelling and discomfort from chronic venous insufficiency, but the research is not strong enough to call it a proven treatment. It should not replace proven options like compression stockings or medical care.
Is Butcher's Broom safe to take?
It appears reasonably well tolerated short-term in healthy adults, with stomach upset being the most common side effect. People with heart, blood pressure, kidney, or prostate conditions, and anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding, should avoid it or check with a healthcare provider first.
How do I take Butcher's Broom?
It comes as capsules, tablets, liquid extracts, teas, and topical creams. Since there is no standardized dose and products differ in strength, follow the label and ask your pharmacist for guidance.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

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