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Butcher's Broom
What is Butcher's Broom?
Butcher's broom is a low-growing common evergreen shrub. It is widely distributed, from
Iran to the Mediterranean and the southern United States. The plant develops edible
shoots that are similar to asparagus in form. Butcher's broom has tough, erect, striated
stems with false thorny leaves. The name of this plant should not be confused with broom
(Cytisus scoparius) or Spanish broom (Spartium junceum).

Scientific Name(s)
Ruscus aculeatus

Common Name(s)
Butcher's broom also is known as box holly, knee holly, pettigree, sweet broom, and Jew's
myrtle.

What is it used for?

Traditional/Ethnobotanical uses
R. aculeatus was given its common name, butcher's broom, because its stiff twigs were
bound together and used by butchers in Europe to keep their cutting boards clean. The
plant has a long history of use. More than 2000 years ago, it was noted as a laxative,
diuretic, and a phlebotherapeutic (beneficial to veins) agent. Extracts, decoctions, and
poultices have been used throughout the ages, but the medicinal use of this plant did not
become common until the last century. Early investigations during the 1950s indicated that
extracts of butcher's broom could induce vasoconstriction and therefore might have use in
the treatment of circulatory diseases. The increasing popularity of natural and herbal
remedies in Europe in the 1970s reaffirmed its position in modern medicine. Novel uses
for this plant have included its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and to prevent
atherosclerosis.

Venous conditions

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A variety of compounds have been isolated from butcher's broom. The 2 primary active
saponin compounds are ruscogenin and neoruscogenin. Butcher's broom is the active
component in several produce formulations and topical treatments for venous diseases
and venous insufficiency, such as varicose veins and hemorrhoids. Limited results
showing some promise from clinical trials are available. The German Commission E
approves oral use for supportive therapy for discomforts of chronic venous insufficiency
and complaints of hemorrhoids. Butcher's broom also may be useful for orthostatic
hypotension, although data is limited.

Other uses
Novel modern uses for this plant have included its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and
to prevent atherosclerosis. The discovery of new pharmacological activity of butcher's
broom, particularly as a cytotoxic agent, demonstrate the need for continued research on
butcher's broom.

Butcher's broom has been used in many forms as a laxative, diuretic, treatment for
circulatory disease, and cytotoxic agent, although limited results from clinical trials are
available.

What is the recommended dosage?

Butcher's broom has been used in clinical trials for chronic venous insufficiency
standardized to 7 to 11 mg of ruscogenin. Hesperidin methyl chalcone also has been used
as a marker for standardization in the product Cyclo 3 Fort. Extracts have been dosed at
16 mg daily for chronic phlebopathy, while a topical cream formulation was used to apply
64 to 96 mg of extract daily.

Contraindications
Contraindications have not yet been identified.

Pregnancy/Lactation
Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation is lacking. Avoid use.

Interactions
None well documented.

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Side Effects
No adverse reactions have been reported.

Toxicology
Not known to be toxic.

References
1. Butcher's Broom. Review of Natural Products. factsandcomparisons4.0 [online]. 2006. Available from Wolters Kluwer Health, Inc.
Accessed April 16, 2007.

Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page
applies to your personal circumstances.

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