Butcher's broom's therapeutic uses
Butcher's broom, also known as Ruscus aculeatus, is a Mediterranean evergreen plant traditionally used for various health conditions, particularly those related to venous issues. Its primary therapeutic application is in treating chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), a condition characterized by poor blood flow that can lead to pain and swelling in the legs. The plant has been recognized by Germany's Commission E as a supportive therapy for CVI, showing promise in clinical trials that indicate significant reductions in leg swelling among participants. Additionally, Butcher's broom is suggested for managing hemorrhoids due to its similarity to varicose veins, as well as for aiding in the treatment of lymphedema after breast cancer surgery. There is also some evidence to suggest it may help with orthostatic hypotension, though further research is needed. The recommended dosage for Butcher's broom typically involves a concentrated extract taken twice daily. While generally considered safe with minimal side effects, caution is advised for pregnant women and young children due to a lack of comprehensive safety studies. Overall, Butcher's broom represents a natural option for addressing specific venous conditions, although more extensive research is warranted to fully establish its efficacy and safety across various populations.
Butcher's broom's therapeutic uses
DEFINITION: A natural plant product used to treat specific health conditions.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Chronic venous insufficiency
OTHER PROPOSED USES: Hemorrhoids, surgery support (lymphedema following breast cancer surgery), orthostatic hypotension
Overview
Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) derives its name from its branches, which were a traditional source of broom straw used by butchers. This Mediterranean evergreen bush has a long history of use in treating urinary conditions. More recently, it has been studied as a treatment for vein-related conditions.
Therapeutic Dosages
A typical dose of butcher’s broom is 36.0 to 37.5 milligrams (mg) twice daily of a methanol extract concentrated at a level of 15-20:1. This dosage supplies about 7 to 11 mg of ruscogenin daily. For hemorrhoids, Butcher’s broom is sometimes applied as an ointment or in the form of a suppository.
Therapeutic Uses
Butcher’s broom has been suggested as a treatment for various venous diseases. These are conditions marked by improper or insufficient blood flow. Examples of venous diseases include blood clots, pulmonary embolisms, and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI). Germany’s Commission E has approved Butcher’s broom as supportive therapy for CVI. Butcher’s broom has been used as an herbal treatment for thousands of years, most notably in Western Europe. The plant is known to contain compounds that have been associated with improved circulation and treatment for inflammation. Venous insufficiency, a condition closely related to varicose veins, involves pain, swelling, and fatigue in the calves. Commission E also recommends Butcher’s broom for the treatment of hemorrhoids.
This recommendation was established before any meaningful studies had been performed evaluating Butcher’s broom for either of these purposes. However, several studies performed subsequently now provide preliminary supporting evidence for its use in chronic venous insufficiency.
No substantial studies have evaluated Butcher’s broom for hemorrhoids, but because hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins, it is reasonable to suppose that Butcher’s broom might be helpful. Various treatments used for venous insufficiency have also shown promise for treating arm swelling (lymphedema) following surgery for breast cancer. One study suggests that Butcher’s broom may also be helpful for this condition.
Orthostatic hypotension, a sudden drop in blood pressure that happens when you stand up too quickly, may also be aided by supplementation with Butcher’s broom. However, it is only recommended for mild cases and more human study is needed.
Although relatively few research studies have shown the efficacy of Butcher's broom, the consensus is that few side effects result from its intake. Pregnant women and young children are nonetheless advised against its consumption.
Scientific Evidence
Venous insufficiency. A well-designed and -reported double-blind trial evaluated the effectiveness of a standardized butcher’s broom extract in 166 women with chronic venous insufficiency. For a period of twelve weeks, participants received either a placebo or Butcher’s broom (one tablet twice daily containing 36.0 to 37.5 mg of a methanol dry extract concentrated at 15-20:1). The results showed that leg swelling (the primary measurement used) decreased significantly in the Butcher’s broom group compared with the placebo group. Similar results were seen in a two-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 148 participants.
Another two-week double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 141 participants used a combination of Butcher’s broom extract and the bioflavonoid trimethyl hesperidin chalcone and found benefits. Marginal benefits were seen in a much smaller study using this combination.
Lymphedema. In a double-blind study, fifty-seven women with lymphedema received either a placebo or butcher’s broom combined with the modified citrus bioflavonoid trimethyl hesperidin chalcone. The results indicated that the use of the combination therapy resulted in significantly less swelling.
Safety Issues
In clinical trials, use of Butcher’s broom has not been associated with any serious adverse effects. Mild side effects such as nausea, stomach discomfort, and vomiting were reported. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been reported. Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, and those with liver or kidney disease have not been established.
Bibliography
MacKay, D. "Hemorrhoids and Varicose Veins: A Review of Treatment Options." Alternative Medicine Review: A Journal of Clinical Therapeutic, vol. 6, no. 2, 2001, pp. 126-40.
Raman, Ryan. "Butcher's Broom: Benefits, Side Effects and Dosage." Healthline, 26 Oct. 2018, www.healthline.com/nutrition/butchers-broom. Accessed 6 Sept. 2024.
Vanscheidt W., 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, vol. 52, no. 4, 2002, pp. 243-50, doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1299887.
"Varicose Veins." Mayo Clinic, 2023, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/varicose-veins/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350649. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.
"Venous Disease Treatments." Cleveland Clinic, 2023, my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/17613-venous-disease-treatments. Accessed 20 Aug. 2023.