Butchers Broom

So named because its branches were a traditional source of broom straw used by butchers, this Mediterranean evergreen bush has a long history of traditional use in the treatment of urinary conditions. More recently, it has been studied as a treatment for vein-related conditions.

Butchers Broom has been approved by Germanys Commission E as supportive therapy for chronic venous insufficiency. Venous insufficiency, a condition closely related to varicose veins, involves pain, swelling and fatigue in the calves. Commission E also recommends Butchers Broom for the treatment of hemorrhoids. This recommendation was in place before any meaningful studies had been performed evaluating Butchers 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 Butchers Broom for hemorrhoids, but because hemorrhoids are similar to varicose veins, it is a reasonable supposition that Butchers Broom might be helpful.

A well-designed and reported double-blind trial evaluated the effectiveness of a standardized Butchers Broom extract in 166 women with chronic venous insufficiency. For a period of 12 weeks, participants received either placebo or Butchers 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 Butchers Broom group as compared to the placebo group. Similar results were seen in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 148 participants. Another 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 141 participants used a combination of Butchers Broom extract and the bioflavonoid trimethylhesperidin chalcone, and found benefits. However, a much smaller study using a Ruscus and hesperidin combination found only marginal results.

A typical dose of Butchers Broom is 36.0 to 37.5 mg twice daily of a methanol extract concentrated at a level of 15-20:1. This should supply about 7-11 mg ruscogenin (also called ruscogenine) daily. For hemorrhoids, Butchers Broom is sometimes applied as an ointment or in the form of a suppository.

In clinical trials, use of Butchers Broom has not been associated with any serious adverse effects. However, comprehensive safety studies have not been reported. Maximum safe doses in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with liver or kidney disease have not been established.