Butcher's Broom

Scientific Name(S): Ruscus aculeatus L. Family: Liliaceae. The nomenclature of this plant should not be confused with broom (Cytisus scoparius L.) or Spanish broom (Spartium junceum L.).

Common Name(S): Butcher's broom, box holly, knee holly, pettigree

Butcher's broom (also called Jew's Myrtle, Knee Holly, Kneeholm, Pettigree, Sweet Broom) is a small-leafed bush cultivated in the Mediterranean and Europe. It is part of the lilly family, and is quite similar to your everday asparagus plant. Both the root and stem of the plant are used in herbal preparations. Butcher's Broom contains important flavonoids (natural substances that strengthen capillary walls) such as rutin. The plant also contains glycolic acid, which is also found in parsley and juniper berries.

Botany: Butcher's broom is a low-growing common evergreen shrub. It is widely distributed, from Iran to the Mediterranean and the southern US. This plant develops shoots from rhizomes that in many ways are similar to asparagus in form.

History: This plant has a long history of use. Almost 2000 years ago, this plant had been used as a laxative and diuretic. Extracts, decoctions and poultices have been used throughout the ages, but the medicinal use of this plant did not become common until this century. Early investigations during the 1950s indicated that extracts of the mizomes of butcher's broom could induce vasoconstriction and therefore may have a clinical use in the treatment of certain circulatory diseases. Novel uses for this plant have included its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and to prevent atherosclerosis. The recent focus of research into butcher's broom has been in the elucidation of the pharmacologic activity of its components.

Uses of Butcher's Broom

Butcher's broom has been used in many forms to provide laxatives, diuretics and treatments for circulatory disease. Modern research has shown evidence of further medicinal potential. Rhizomes have been eaten as a vegetable.

Butcher's Broom is helpful in the treatment of both hemorrhoids and other types of varicose veins as this herb strengthens and builds up the structure of the veins. Butcher's Broom may also improve poor circulation and can act as an anti-inflammatory agent in the treatment of arthritis and rheumatism and in cases of inflammation in the kidney and bladder.

Side Effects of Butcher's Broom

Not known to be significantly toxic. However, nausea and queasiness may result in rare cases. Butcher's broom is not recommended for those with high blood pressure.

Typical Dosage

Ointments and suppositories including butcher's broom are typically used for hemorrhoids. Encapsulated butcher's broom extracts, often combined with vitamin C or flavonoids, can be used for systemic venous insufficiency in the amount of 1,000 mg three times daily. Additionally, standardized extracts providing 50 - 100 mg of ruscogenins per day can be taken.

Toxicology: Butcher's broom has not been associated with significant toxicity. The rhizomes had been eaten in a manner similar to asparagus in some early cultures. In the clinical trial conducted by Cappelliet al, no adverse events were attributable to therapy by the 40 patients evaluated.

Summary: Butcher's broom has been used in traditional medicine and for culinary applications for centuries. Its popularity, however, has grown during this century with the observation that components of the plant may be useful in the management of circulatory disorders. There is little data to indicate that extracts of Ruscus are effective for the management of circulatory disorders, but these products are used popularly in Europe. The plant does not appear to be associated with significant toxicity concerns.