Description
Butcher's broom extract
Item: NL***8
Botanical origin: Ruscus aculeatus
Grade: *0:1
Appearance: Fine brown red powder
Type of extraction: water
Solubility: Good solubility in water
Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher's Broom) is a low evergreen Eurasian
shrub, with flat shoots known as cladodes that give the appearance
of stiff, spine-tipped leaves. Small greenish flowers appear in
spring, and are borne singly in the centre of the cladodes. The
female flowers are followed by a red berry, and the seeds are
bird-distributed, but the plant also spreads vegetatively by means
of rhizomes. Ruscus aculeatus occurs in woodlands and hedgerows,
where it is tolerant of deep shade, and also on coastal cliffs. It
is also widely planted in gardens, and has spread as a garden
escape in many areas outside its native range.
Butcher's broom has been known to enhance blood flow to the brain,
legs, and hands. It has been used to relieve constipation and water
retention and improve circulation. Since Butcher's broom tightens
blood vessels and capillaries, it is used to treat varicose veins.
It is also used for hemorrhoids. In a ***9 open-label (not blinded)
clinical trial, the herb was tested as a hemorrhoid treatment and
showed statistically significant positive results. It also showed
reduction in venous insufficiency in two other studies. It was
approved by the German Commission E guidelines for hemorrhoids
treatment, It is occasionally prescribed for varicose veins which
can be a complication of pregnancy. However, since it is classified
as a natural product, there is no evidence or trials to suggest
complete safety for the fetus. A qualified healthcare practitioner
should be consulted prior to using this compound during pregnancy.
A study published in ***9 suggested that Butcher's Broom may also
improve symptoms of postural hypotension without increasing supine
blood pressure. Suggested mechanisms to explain this include
stimulation of venous alpha 1 and 2 adrenoreceptors and decreased
capillary permeability.