Related Terms

• Aculeoside A, aculeoside B (2), benzofuran euparone, bisdesmosidic spirostanol saponin, box holly, butchers broom, butchers' broom, butchersbroom, campesterol, chrysophanic acid, coumarins, Cyclo 3 Fort®, Fabroven®, Fagorutin Ruscus, flavonoids, FLEBS CREMA®, furanostanol saponins, glycolic acid, Jew's myrtle, kapseln, knechulver, knee holly, kneeholly, kneeholm, Liliaceae, lily family, neoruscogenin, pettigree, Phelbodril®, RAES, Ruscaceae, Rusciaculeate, Rusci aculeati rhizoma, Rusci aculeati rhizome, ruscin, ruscodibenzofuran, ruscogenin, ruscogenin diglycoside, ruscoside, Ruscus aculeatus L. extract, rutin, sitosterol, sparteine, spirostanol saponins, steroidal sapogenins, sterols, stigmasterol, sulfated steroidal saponins, sweet broom, tetracosanoic acid, triterpenes, triterpines, tyramine.

• Note: May be confused with Scotch broom flower, Scotch broom herb, or Spanish broom. These are not topics of this monograph.

• Selected combination products: Cyclo 3 Fort® and Fabroven®, a combination of root extract of the Ruscus aculeatus plant (150mg per capsule), hesperidin methyl chalcone (150mg), and ascorbic acid (100mg); Phelbodril®, a combination of trimethylhesperidin chalcone, a flavonoid, and Ruscus extract; FLEBS CREMA® (extracts of Ruscus aculeatus and Melilotus officinalis).

Background

• Butcher's broom is a small evergreen shrub that grows throughout Europe and North Africa. Historically, European butchers may have used the leaves and twigs of the Ruscus aculeatus plant to clean and scrub their chopping blocks, hence the name "butcher's broom." The rhizome shoots of butcher's broom may be eaten as food in many cultures. Both the root and the stem are used as part of herbal preparations.

• Butcher's broom may have been used for the past 2,000 years for its beneficial effects on the circulatory system. These beneficial effects may include promoting vein narrowing and improving the tone of blood vessel walls. The chemicals found in butcher's broom may attach to and strengthen certain parts of blood vessels, especially collagen, resulting in a tightening of blood vessels, which allows blood to circulate throughout the body and provides greater flexibility to blood vessel walls.

• Today, butcher's broom is most frequently used in combination with hesperidin methyl chalcone (150mg) and vitamin C (100mg) in a product known as Cyclo 3 Fort®, which is used to treat certain circulatory diseases, particularly chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).

• Butcher's broom has also been studied as a treatment for other diseases and conditions, including varicose veins, secondary lymphedema (swelling of arms) after breast cancer treatment, and premenstrual syndrome symptoms, and for healing sprains and contusions. However, most of these studies have evaluated butcher's broom herbal combinations, so the effect of butcher's broom alone is still unclear. Further research is required.

• Butcher's broom may have been used by the ancient Greeks as a diuretic (an agent that promotes urine) and laxative. Historically, throughout Europe, it may have been used to regulate menstrual periods, to get rid of jaundice and headaches, and to heal broken bones. Butcher's broom has also been used to increase sweating, to treat gout and kidney stones, and to promote improved blood flow.

Scientific Evidence

Tradition/Theory

The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious and should be evaluated by a qualified health care professional.

• Antibiotic, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, blood clots, blood flow enhancement, bone fractures, breathing, cosmetic uses, constipation, decreased perspiration (decreased sweating), diuretic (increases urination), expectorant (mucus thinner), fluid retention, gallstones, gout, headache, jaundice, kidney stones, laxative, leukemia, orthostatic hypotension (dizzy spells).

Dosing

The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.

Adults (18 years and older)

• In general, 0.5-1.5 milliliters of the alcohol extract of the whole butcher's broom plant has been given by mouth three times daily. Decoctions of the root, which include one pint of boiling water to one ounce of twigs, or 1/2 ounce of the bruised fresh root (sometimes mixed with honey), and infusions have been given by mouth as a tea.

• For long-term venous disorders, 16 milligrams of butcher's broom extracts have been given by mouth, while 64-96 milligrams of extract has been applied to the skin daily.

• Two to three commercial butcher's broom capsules (known as Cyclo 3 Fort®, Phlebodril®, and Fabroven®), which contain 30-150 milligrams of butcher's broom root combined with trimethyl hesperidin chalcone and vitamin C, have been given by mouth three times daily.

• To improve breathing and when used as an expectorant, infusions containing one pint of boiling water to one ounce of the twigs of butcher's broom or 1/2 ounce of the bruised flesh root, sweetened with honey, have been taken by mouth as a tea.

• For chronic (long-term) venous insufficiency, 72-75 milligrams of dried extract of butcher's broom has been given by mouth daily for 12 weeks. Two capsules containing 150 milligrams of butcher's broom extract have been given by mouth daily for 60 days. Two capsules containing 16.5 milligrams of butcher's broom extract have been given by mouth three times daily for two months. Butcher's broom extract (150 milligrams) has been taken by mouth daily for 90 days. FLEBS CREMA® has been applied to the skin of both legs 2-3 times daily for three weeks

• For diabetic retinopathy (disease of the retinas), 0.0375 grams of butcher's broom extract (Fagorutin-Ruscus, Fink GmbH) has been given by mouth twice daily for three months.

• For lymphedema (swelling in the limbs due to fluid accumulation), three capsules of Cyclo 3 Fort® have been given by mouth three times daily for 90 days.

• For varicose veins, an unknown dose of Phlebodril® has been given by mouth for two weeks. Three capsules of Cyclo 3 Fort® have been given by mouth daily for approximately seven days.

Children (under 18 years old)

• There is no proven safe or effective dose for butcher's broom in children.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Allergies

• Avoid using in individuals with a known allergy or sensitivity to butcher's broom, its parts, or members of the Ruscaceae family.

• Butcher's broom may cause contact dermatitis (skin inflammation) when applied to the skin.

Side Effects and Warnings

• Although negative side effects are limited, individuals should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before using butcher's broom.

• Butcher's broom may cause abdominal pain, contact dermatitis (skin inflammation), narrowing of blood vessels, nausea, and stomach or intestinal discomfort.

• Butcher's broom may interact with alpha-blockers, antidepressants, blood pressure-lowering agents, lithium, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

• Butcher's broom may cause narrowing of blood vessels, leading to high blood pressure. Caution is advised in people with high blood pressure or those experiencing benign prostate hyperplasia (prostate enlargement).

• Use cautiously in people taking antidepressants, particularly lithium and MAOIs.

• Avoid using butcher's broom in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

• There is currently a lack of scientific evidence on the use of butcher's broom during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Interactions

Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.

Interactions with Drugs

• Butcher's broom may cause narrowing of the veins, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure when taken with drugs used to reduce blood pressure. Examples include the alpha-adrenergic antagonist drugs prazosin and terazosin.

• Butcher's broom may interact with alpha-blockers, antidepressants, diuretic agents (agents that increase urination), lithium, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

• Butcher's broom may cause narrowing of the veins, leading to an increased risk of high blood pressure when taken with herbs or supplements that are used to reduce blood pressure.

• Butcher's broom may interact with antidepressant herbs or supplements and herbs or supplements that increase urination.

Author Information

• This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

References

Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

1. Archimowicz-Cyrylowska B. Clinical effect of buckwheat herb, Ruscus extract and troxerutin on retinopathy and lipids in diabetic patients. Phytotherapy Res 1996;10:659-662.

2. Beltramino R, Penenory A, Buceta AM. An open-label, randomised multicentre study comparing the efficacy and safety of CYCLO 3 FORT versus hydroxyethyl rutoside in chronic venous lymphatic insufficiency. Int Angiol. 1999;18(4):337-342. View Abstract

3. Bennani A, Biadillah MC, Cherkaoui A. Acute attack of hemorrhoids: Efficacy of. Cyclo 3 Fort® based on results in 124 cases reported by specialists. Phlebologie 1999;52:89-93.

4. Boyle P, Diehm C, Robertson C. Meta-analysis of clinical trials of Cyclo 3 Fort in the treatment of chronic venous insufficiency. Int Angiol. 2003;22(3):250-262. View Abstract

5. Cappelli R, Nicora M, Di Perri T. Use of extract of Ruscus aculeatus in venous disease in the lower limbs. Drugs Exp Clin Res 1988;14(4):277-283. View Abstract

6. Cluzan RV, Alliot F, Ghabboun S, Pascot M. Treatment of secondary lymphedema of the upper limb with CYCLO 3 FORT. Lymphology 1996;29(1):29-35. View Abstract

7. Lagrue G, Behar A, Chaabane A., and Laurent, J. Edema induced by calcium antagonists. Effects of Ruscus extract on clinical and biological parameters. In: Vanhoutte, P. M. Return Circulation and Norepinephrine: An Update. Paris: John Libbey Euretext;1991.

8. Landa N, Aguirre A, Goday J, Raton JA, Diaz-Perez JL. Allergic contact dermatitis from a vasoconstrictor cream. Contact Dermatitis 1990;22(5):290-291. View Abstract

9. MacKay D. Hemorrhoids and varicose veins: a review of treatment options. Altern Med Rev 2001;6(2):126-140. View Abstract

10. Monteil-Seurin J. Efficacy of Ruscus extract in the treatment of the premenstrual syndrome. In: Vanhoutte, P. M. Return Circulation and Norepinephrine: An Update. Paris: John Libbey Euretext;1991.

11. 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. Clinical Drug Investigation, 1999;8(4):255.

12. Redman DA. Ruscus aculeatus (butcher's broom) as a potential treatment for orthostatic hypotension, with a case report. J Altern Complement Med 2000;6(6):539-549. View Abstract

13. Rudofsky G. [Improving venous tone and capillary sealing. Effect of a combination of Ruscus extract and hesperidine methyl chalcone in healthy probands in heat stress]. Fortschr.Med 6-30-1989;107(19):52, 55-52, 58. View Abstract

14. Vanscheidt W, Jost V, Wolna P, et al. Efficacy and safety of a Butcher's broom preparation (Ruscus aculeatus L. extract) compared to placebo in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. Arzneimittelforschung 2002;52(4):243-250. View Abstract

15. Weindorf N, Schultz-Ehrenburg U. [Controlled study of increasing venous tone in primary varicose veins by oral administration of Ruscus aculeatus and trimethylhespiridinchalcone]. Z.Hautkr. 1-1-1987;62(1):28-38. View Abstract