Butcher's broom is a woody, evergreen shrub native to Europe, North Africa, western Asia and the southern United States. The word “broom” is a reference to its former use by butchers to brush work surfaces clean of debris. Because the herb promotes a sweeping action in the intestines, it is used in folk medicine to remedy constipation. In modern medicine, it is used to treat varicose veins. Butcher’s broom is not toxic, but can produce side effects and interact with other medications. Speak to your doctor before using butcher's broom to treat any condition.
Plant Profile
Butcher’s broom, or Ruscus aculeatus, is also known as sweet broom, thorny fragon, knee holly, box holly, Jew's myrtle and pettigree. The shrub yields clusters of small, greenish-white flowers that emerge from the center of the leaves and develop into scarlet-colored berries that remain on the plant all winter. Butcher’s broom self-propagates by sending out underground runners, which are the medicinal parts of the plant.
Pharmacology
Butcher’s broom contains up to 6 percent steroidal saponins, including ruscogenin and neoruscogenin. The plant also contains the phytosterols sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol, various coumarin compounds, tyramine and sparteine. The “Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines” describes this herb as supportive therapy for chronic venous insufficiency, which is characterized by pain and swelling in the legs and varicose veins. The Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center says that the saponins in the plant are likely responsible for causing veins and arteries to tighten. According to a study published in the "Journal of Pharmacological Sciences" in 2008, ruscogenin prevents leukocytes from attaching to endothelial cells that line the surface of blood vessels, which translates to an anti-inflammatory effect.
Potential Side Effects
There are no significant reports of toxicity associated with the therapeutic use of butcher’s broom, although some people may experience mild stomach upset. An analysis of clinical trials and studies involving more than 10,000 people published in "International Angiology" shows that Cyclo 3 Fort, a medication that combines butcher’s broom, hesperidin methyl chalcone and ascorbic acid, is safe and effective for varicose veins. However, efficacy and safety of this herb during pregnancy or nursing has not been studied. Do not give butcher’s broom to children.
Known Drug Interactions
Because this herb contains tyramine, it may induce migraines in sensitive individuals. This substance may also increase the effects of a class of antidepressant medications called monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The coumarin compounds in butcher’s broom might also increase the activity of anti-platelet drugs and blood-thinning medications. Consult a qualified health care practitioner before using this herb to self-treat any condition, especially if you have a chronic condition or use other medicines.
References
- “Physicians’ Desk Reference for Herbal Medicines”; Thomas Brendler, et al.; 2007
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Butcher’s Broom
- "Journal of Pharmacological Sciences"; Possible Mechanism of the Anti-inflammatory Activity of Ruscogenin: Role of Intercellular Adhesion Molecule-1 and Nuclear Factor-kappaB; Y.L. Huang, et al.; October 2008
- Drugs.com: Butcher’s Broom
- "International Angiology"; Meta-analysis of Clinical Trials of Cyclo 3 Fort in the Treatment of Chronic Venous Insufficiency; P. Boyle; September 2003
