Introduction
Butcher’s broom is a shrub with bright red berries. The root has been used to increase blood flow and urination. Butcher’s broom can be taken as a pill, powder, or extract.
Dosages
There aren’t any advised doses for butcher’s broom.
What Research Shows
Likely Effective
- Chronic venous insufficiency —may ease edema and improve quality of lifeA1-A4
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Editorial process and description of evidence categories can be found at EBSCO NAT Editorial Process.
Safety Notes
It is likely safe to take butcher’s broom for a short time. Not enough studies have been done to say whether it is safe to take for a long period.
Interactions
Talk to your doctor about any supplements or therapy you would like to use. Some can interfere with treatment or make conditions worse.
References
REFA Chronic Venous Insufficiency
REFA1 Vanscheidt W, Jost V, 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.
REFA2 Guex JJ, Avril L, et al. Quality of life improvement in Latin American patients suffering from chronic venous disorder using a combination of Ruscus aculeatus and hesperidin methyl-chalcone and ascorbic acid (quality study). Int Angiol. 2010 Dec;29(6):525-532.
REFA3 Allaert FA. Meta-analysis of the impact of the principal venoactive drugs agents on malleolar venous edema. Int Angiol. 2012 Aug;31(4):310-315.
REFA4 Kakkos SK, Allaert FA. Efficacy of Ruscus extract, HMC and vitamin C, constituents of Cyclo 3 fort®, on improving individual venous symptoms and edema: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized double-blind placebo-controlled trials. Int Angiol. 2017 Apr;36(2):93-106.