Interactions on record — worth a quick check against your medications. Check your meds →
Dietary supplement

Butcher's Broom Ingredients & Drug Interactions

by NOW

Butcher's Broom label
See full label image
Capsule Category: Botanical
Most serious interaction: Moderate
Clinical methodology reviewed by · Updated Sep 16, 2026 · Label data from the NIH DSLD
What is this page for?

First and foremost: checking Butcher's Broom against your medications. The heart of this page is the interaction checker and the full interaction report — how this product’s ingredients may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medicines you may be taking.

Around that, we add a pharmacist’s high-level view of the product as a whole — what’s inside, the evidence for its stated use, how transparent the label is, and what safety data exists — so you can see the full picture in one place. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases and the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist — not medical advice — and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

The interaction bottom line Most serious interaction: Moderate

Butcher's Broom is a dietary supplement by NOW with 1 active ingredient. Its ingredients are commonly taken for chronic venous insufficiency, varicose veins, leg swelling and heaviness.Based on those ingredients, 158 medications have a known interaction with it, the most serious rated moderate. The ingredients most likely to interact are Butcher's Broom extract. Use the checker below to test your specific medication, or read the full HelloPharmacist Interaction Report.

Jump to a section

Check Your Meds Against Butcher's Broom by NOW

Ask about any prescription or over-the-counter medication and we check it for interactions with Butcher's Broom by NOW — and tell you which ingredient is responsible.

Pharmacist-reviewed data Checks every ingredient Answer in seconds
Prefer a human? Send your question to our licensed pharmacists — free, answered by email within 24 hours.

HelloPharmacist Scorecard of Butcher's Broom by NOW

Our pharmacy team’s full take, with four database checks built into the cards below — a summary of what is known, not a grade of the product itself.

From our pharmacy team — supplement deep dive

Generated from HelloPharmacist’s pharmacist-curated databases and editorial rules · Last generated Jul 11, 2026

What’s inside

Full disclosure
Ingredient Transparency · database check
Full

Every active ingredient lists its own amount on the label.

Why this rating?
  • The label discloses an exact amount for 1 of its 1 active ingredient.
  • No proprietary blends here — you can verify the dose of every single component.

This product has one active ingredient: butcher's broom extract. The capsule also contains inactive ingredients — rice flour, hypromellose (a capsule binder), magnesium stearate, and silicon dioxide — that help form and protect the capsule.

Does it work?

Moderate evidence
Evidence for Intended Use · database check
By FDA rules, dietary supplements can’t claim to treat, cure, or prevent disease — so labels speak in careful marketing language. We discern each product’s intended use from its name, label claims, and label statements, then grade the clinical evidence for that use. How these ratings are computed
Moderate

Some clinical evidence supports this product's ingredients for its stated purpose, but it isn't conclusive.

Why this rating?
  • The label markets this product for: venous circulation and leg health.
  • We looked for evidence on: Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), Varicose veins, Hemorrhoids, leg swelling, venous insufficiency, circulation.
  • The strongest evidence on file: Butcher's Broom is rated "Possibly Effective" for Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) (Natural Medicines).
  • Also on file: Butcher's Broom is rated "Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate" for Hemorrhoids, Varicose veins.

Butcher's broom is possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency (heaviness, swelling, or pain in the legs caused by weakened veins). For other uses — diabetic retinopathy (eye damage from diabetes), hemorrhoids, orthostatic hypotension (dizziness on standing), and lymphedema (fluid buildup in the limbs) — we don't have enough reliable evidence in our data to say whether it works.

The evidence, ingredient by ingredient Butcher's Broom

How safe is it?

Well-documented data
Safety Information · database check
Well characterized

Adverse-effect, pregnancy, and general safety data are on file for most of these ingredients.

Why this rating?
  • We hold adverse-effect (side-effect) data for 1 of the 1 matched ingredient.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding safety ratings cover 1 of 1.
  • General safety write-ups exist for 1 of 1.
  • Remember: this measures how much safety information exists. Thin data is not the same as being safe.

Butcher's broom is generally well tolerated in the short term for most healthy adults, but long-term safety data is limited. The most common side effects taken by mouth are digestive upset: diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, nausea, and vomiting.

One hospitalized case involved severe vomiting and diarrhea after five days of use. If applied to skin, it may cause a rash in sensitive people.

Safety during pregnancy has not been established, so avoid it if you're pregnant. There isn't enough safety information for breastfeeding either — talk with your pharmacist or doctor for personalized advice if you're nursing.

Side effects, ingredient by ingredient Butcher's Broom

Meds to double-check

Moderate interaction found
Known Interaction Concern · database check
Moderate identified

The most serious documented interaction for these ingredients is Moderate. Check your medications for a personalized result.

Why this rating?
  • 1 of the 1 matched ingredient can interact with medications — Butcher's Broom.
  • The most serious interaction on file is rated Moderate.
  • For scale: 158 individual medications appear in the full list. A big number alone doesn't make a product dangerous — what matters is whether YOUR medication is on it, so run yours through the interaction checker on this page.

Before taking this product, double-check any alpha-adrenergic agonists or alpha-adrenergic antagonists you're on (Moderate severity for both). These include certain decongestants and several blood pressure or prostate medications.

The interaction tool on this page will tell you if any of your drugs fall into these categories.

Check your own medication Run your meds through the checker above

The bottom line

Scorecard at a glanceFully disclosed formula with some supporting evidence for its stated purpose. Moderate medication interactions have been identified, and safety information is well characterized.

Butcher's Broom by NOW may help with chronic venous insufficiency symptoms. If you take any decongestants, blood pressure medications, or other drugs that affect nerve receptors, check them against the interaction tool below before you start — the interactions here can be meaningful.

Not for pregnancy or breastfeeding without professional guidance.

Educational only — not medical advice; always confirm with your pharmacist. Our editorial policy · How we use AI

Assessment coverage: 1 of 1 active ingredient matched to our full ingredient reviews (monographs). Based on the product label dated Jan 25, 2020.

This Scorecard evaluates available label information, ingredient evidence, and known medication-safety considerations. It does not independently verify product identity, purity, potency, contamination, or manufacturing quality. How these ratings are computed

At a glance

General information

Key facts about Butcher's Broom, straight from the product label.

Brand NOW
Barcode (UPC) 733739046154
Net contents 100 Veg Capsule(s)
Market status On market
Date entered into DSLD Jan 25, 2020
DSLD ID 211132
Product type Botanical
Supplement form Capsule
Dietary claims / uses All Other, Structure/Function
Intended target group(s) Vegan, Vegetarian, Adult (18 - 50 Years), Kosher, Gluten Free, Dairy Free
From the label
Everything in this section is reproduced from the manufacturer’s own product label — it’s the label speaking, not HelloPharmacist. We show it so you can see exactly what the maker states; we don’t verify or endorse those statements.

Supplement Facts

The label details for Butcher's Broom by NOW, sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database.

Supplement Facts

Daily Value (DV) Target Group(s):
Adults and children 4 or more years of age
Minimum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Maximum serving Sizes:
2 Veg Capsule(s)
Servings per container
50
UPC/BARCODE
733739046154
IngredientAmount% DV
Butcher's Broom extract200 mg--

Other ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide

Tap any ingredient to jump to its full detail below.

Label statements
These statements are the manufacturer’s wording, reproduced from the product label — the label is saying it, not HelloPharmacist. We don’t verify or endorse them.
Suggested/Recommended/Usage/Directions

Suggested Usage: Take 2 capsules 1 to 2 times daily.

Formula

Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus) is an evergreen shrub indigenous to Mediterranean Europe and some parts of Africa. It was well known to the ancient Greek herbalists and has been used extensively throughout Europe for centuries. Butcher's broom's primary active constituent is ruscogenin; however, it has also been found to be abundant in other bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, saponins, phytosterols, and glycolic acid. Scientific studies indicate that butcher's broom may help support the maintenance of vascular tone.

Triangle K

FDA Disclaimer Statement

This statement has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Precautions

Caution: For adults only.

Consult physician if pregnant/nursing, taking medication, or have a medical condition.

Keep out of reach of children.

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients. Produced in a GMP facility that processes other ingredients containing these allergens.

Formulation

Natural color variation may occur in this product.

Non-GMO

Vegetarian/vegan

Not manufactured with yeast, wheat, gluten, soy, milk, egg, fish, shellfish or tree nut ingredients.

General Statements

Standardized extract Herbal supplement Traditional herb

Botanicals/herbs Family owned since 1968.

FDA Statement of Identity

A Dietary Supplement

Seals/Symbols

Triangle K

GMP Quality Assured

Storage

Store in a cool, dry place after opening.

Is this label outdated? Report a formula or label change and our pharmacy team will review it.

See for yourself

Butcher's Broom by NOW label

The label scan from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database. Tap to enlarge.

Butcher's Broom label

Label images are published by the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database for the version of this product on file. Always read your actual product label.

View the full label (PDF)
What’s inside

The Ingredients in Butcher's Broom by NOW

This is the 1 active ingredient this product is made of. Select it to open its full monograph.

Serving size2 Veg Capsule(s) Dosage formCapsule Servings per container50 Amounts shown are per serving.

Butcher's Broom extract

Interacts with
158 drugs
200 mg per serving Form: Saponins

Butcher's broom is a plant extract most often used for circulation problems in the legs, such as chronic venous insufficiency, where some evidence sug...

Butcher's Broom extract monograph & interactions

Other (inactive) ingredients: Rice Flour, Hypromellose, Magnesium Stearate, Silicon Dioxide. These complete the product’s ingredient list but are not active constituents.

Interaction report

Butcher's Broom by NOW Drug Interactions

Want to check YOUR meds against Butcher's Broom?

Ask about interactions with your drugs in plain English — “Can I take it with lisinopril?” — and we find you the answer in seconds, ingredient by ingredient.

 Go to the checker
158Drugs
158 Moderate

Ingredients driving the most interactions

Butcher's Broom extract 158

Individual Drug Interactions

The ingredients in Butcher's Broom interact with 158 drugs. Click any drug to see the details.

1 of the 1 ingredient in Butcher's Broom interact with drugs. Each result below shows which ingredient is responsible. Butcher's Broom extract

Each ingredient & the kinds of drugs it affects

For each ingredient in Butcher's Broom with known interactions, here are the types of medications it can affect. Open any type for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

Butcher's Broom extract2 drug types · 158 drugs

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
Butcher's Broom extract full monograph & interactions
The maker

Brand information

Manufacturer and brand details for Butcher's Broom, from the product label.

NOW

See all NOW products
Name
NOW Foods
Street Address
395 S. Glen Ellyn Rd.
City
Bloomingdale
State
IL
ZipCode
60108
Web Address
nowfoods.com
Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Butcher's Broom by NOW: Common Questions

Does Butcher's Broom by NOW interact with any medications?
Yes. Based on its ingredients, Butcher's Broom has a known interaction with 158 medications. Use the checker to see how it interacts with a specific drug.
How can one product interact with so many drugs?
Butcher's Broom contains a single active ingredient, and that one ingredient can interact with many different medications on its own. We check it against each medication and show the mechanism responsible.
Where does this information come from?
The product label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database (DSLD); the interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database and reviewed by HelloPharmacist pharmacists.
Will butcher's broom help my leg swelling and heaviness?
It's possibly effective for chronic venous insufficiency — the kind of leg symptoms caused by weakened veins. That's the one condition where we have decent evidence. For other uses, we don't have enough reliable data to say whether it works.
What are the most common side effects?
Digestive issues are the main ones: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, heartburn, and gastritis. These tend to happen early on. If you notice severe vomiting or diarrhea, stop and talk to us right away.
Can I take this while pregnant or breastfeeding?
Not while pregnant — safety hasn't been established, so we advise against it. If you're breastfeeding, we don't have enough safety data either. Talk with your pharmacist or doctor for guidance on your specific situation.
Is this safe to take long-term?
Short-term use is generally well tolerated, but we don't have much data on how safe it is over months or years. If you're thinking about taking it regularly, check in with your pharmacist.
Can I apply this to my skin?
The adverse effects we have on file mention topical use can cause a rash (contact dermatitis) in sensitive people. This product is a capsule for swallowing, not a topical cream, so that data doesn't directly apply here.

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

Not sure if Butcher's Broom is safe with your meds?

Our pharmacists answer your medication & supplement questions — free.

Ask a pharmacist

Label information is sourced from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database and reflects the product version on file; always read your actual product label. This page is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before combining supplements and medications.

Butcher's Broom label
Go deeper

The Full Monographs Behind Butcher's Broom’s Ingredients

Every ingredient we hold a full HelloPharmacist monograph for — uses, evidence, safety, and the complete interaction list.

Herb & supplement monograph

Butcher's Broom

Interacts with 158 drugs

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 di...

Read the full Butcher's Broom monograph →
Sources

Sources & How We Checked

Butcher's Broom's label data comes from the NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database; the ingredient interaction data is from the Natural Medicines database, reviewed by our pharmacists.

Content is written and reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists. See our data sources and editorial standards for how this information is built and checked.

The 8 references behind this product’s interaction data

Every citation that drives the interaction findings for this product’s ingredients, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Open an ingredient to browse its citations — links open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Butcher's Broom 8 references
  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

See these in context on the Butcher's Broom monograph →

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

Keep exploring
Supplement interaction checker › Check any supplement or product against your medications Drug–drug interactions › Check two or more of your medications against each other Browse medications A–Z › Every drug we've checked against herbs & supplements NDC & pricing lookup › Find a drug’s NDCs, packaging and costs Ask a pharmacist › Free, personal answer from our licensed team