Herbs & Supplements:
Butcher's Broom
Ruscus aculeatus

Principal Proposed Uses
  • Chronic Venous Insufficiency, Hemorrhoids

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.

What Is Butcher's Broom Used for Today?

Butcher's broom has been approved by Germany's 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 butcher’s broom for the treatment of hemorrhoids.

This recommendation was in place 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 a reasonable supposition that butcher’s broom might be helpful

What is the Scientific Evidence for Butcher’s Broom?

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. ⁴ For a period of 12 weeks, participants received either 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 as compared to the placebo group.

Similar results were seen in a 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 148 participants.¹

Another 12-week, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with 141 participants used a combination of butcher’s broom extract and the bioflavonoid trimethylhesperidin chalcone, and found benefits.² However, a much smaller study using a Ruscus and hesperidin combination found only marginal results.³

Dosage

A typical dose of butcher's 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, butcher's broom is sometimes applied as an ointment or in the form of a suppository.

Safety Issues

In clinical trials, use of butcher's 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.

Last reviewed July 2002 by Medical Review Board

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