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Butchers Broom Extract

Also known as: Ruscus aculeatus, Butcher's broom, Knee Holly, Jew's Myrtle

Overview

Butcher's broom (*Ruscus aculeatus*) is an evergreen shrub native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Extracts from its root and rhizome are used medicinally, primarily for vascular health. It is commonly used to treat chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and lymphedema, owing to its anti-inflammatory and diuretic properties. The key active compounds, ruscogenins, are known for their venotonic and anti-inflammatory effects. While research is moderate, with several clinical trials supporting its benefits, more extensive long-term studies are needed to fully validate its efficacy and safety. Butcher's broom is available in various forms, including dried root, tablets, capsules, and liquid extracts.

Benefits

Butcher's broom has shown efficacy in treating chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial demonstrated significant reductions in leg volume and improvements in subjective symptoms like heavy, tired legs in women with CVI over 12 weeks. Another study found that a combination of *Ruscus aculeatus*, hesperidin methyl chalcone, and ascorbic acid improved capillary structure and reduced CVI symptoms, including ankle circumference and quality of life. Butcher's broom may also reduce hemorrhoid risk by improving venous tone and reducing swelling. Its anti-inflammatory effects are attributed to its ability to inhibit TNF-alpha-induced overexpression of ICAM-1 and suppress NF-kappaB activation. Patients with higher body mass index and more severe CVI may experience greater benefits.

How it works

Butcher's broom's primary mechanism of action involves ruscogenins, which inhibit TNF-alpha-induced overexpression of ICAM-1 and suppress NF-kappaB activation, contributing to its anti-inflammatory effects. It enhances venular contraction and protects veins from histamine-induced hyper-permeability, improving venous tone. Butcher's broom affects the vascular system by improving microcirculation, capillary flow, and vascular tone. It may also interact with the immune system through its anti-inflammatory properties. Ruscogenin targets ICAM-1 and NF-kappaB, key molecules involved in inflammation. While the bioavailability of ruscogenin is not extensively studied, oral supplementation has demonstrated efficacy in clinical trials.

Side effects

Butcher's broom is generally considered safe for oral use up to 3 months, but long-term safety data are limited. Common side effects include stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and heartburn. Uncommon side effects involve allergic reactions and skin eruptions, particularly with topical use. A rare case of diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported in a diabetic patient, though the causal relationship is unclear. Butcher's broom may interact with medications for high blood pressure (alpha-adrenergic antagonists) and stimulant medications (alpha-adrenergic agonists), potentially increasing blood pressure. It is contraindicated in pregnancy and breastfeeding due to insufficient safety data. Patients with diabetes should be cautious due to the potential risk of diabetic ketoacidosis. Patients on blood pressure medications should monitor their blood pressure closely.

Dosage

The typical effective dose of butcher's broom is 75-300 mg of dried extract per day. Dosages range from 1.5-3 grams per day of dried root or 200 mg (of a 4:1 concentrate) 2-3 times per day in tablet or capsule form. There is no established maximum safe dose, and use beyond 3 months is not well-studied. It is generally taken orally with meals to minimize gastrointestinal side effects. Butcher's broom is available in dried root, tablets, capsules, liquid extracts, and tinctures. The absorption of active compounds may be influenced by saponins, which can reduce the absorption of minerals like zinc and iron. Combinations with hesperidin and ascorbic acid have shown enhanced efficacy in some studies.

FAQs

Is butcher's broom safe?

It is generally safe for short-term use but should be used with caution in patients with diabetes and those on blood pressure medications. Topical use can cause allergic reactions and skin eruptions.

When should I take butcher's broom?

There are no specific timing recommendations, but it is typically taken with meals to reduce gastrointestinal side effects.

How long does it take to see results?

Improvements in symptoms of chronic venous insufficiency, such as reduced leg volume and improved quality of life, can be expected within 8-12 weeks of treatment.

Is butcher's broom a cure for vascular conditions?

No, butcher's broom is not a cure for all vascular conditions and should be used under medical supervision, especially for long-term use.

Research Sources

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12040966/ – This multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial involving 166 women with chronic venous insufficiency showed that ruscus extract significantly reduced leg volume and improved subjective symptoms compared to the placebo group. The study measured the area under the baseline of leg volume changes over 12 weeks (AUB0-12) and found a significant reduction in the ruscus extract group.
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/butchers-broom – This article provides a general overview of butcher's broom, including its traditional uses and potential health benefits. It highlights its use in treating conditions like chronic venous insufficiency and hemorrhoids, and notes potential side effects and precautions.
https://www.webmd.com/vitamins/ai/ingredientmono-320/butchers-broom – This WebMD page offers information on butcher's broom, including its uses, effectiveness, side effects, interactions, and dosage. It provides a summary of the available evidence and safety considerations for using butcher's broom as a supplement.
https://www.lipotherapeia.com/ruscogenin – This article discusses ruscogenin, the active compound in butcher's broom, and its venotonic and anti-inflammatory properties. It explains how ruscogenin can improve venous tone by enhancing venular contraction and protecting veins from histamine-induced hyper-permeability.
https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/integrative-medicine/herbs/butcher-broom – The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center page provides information on butcher's broom, including its uses, potential benefits, and side effects. It also discusses the potential drug interactions and contraindications associated with butcher's broom.