butcher’s broom

Action and Spectrum

Actions and Spectrum:  

Action: 

butcher’s broom is primarily used for its vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly used to treat conditions related to poor circulation, such as varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and edema. Its vasoconstrictive effect helps to reduce swelling and inflammation, while its anti-inflammatory action reduces pain and discomfort associated with these conditions. 

Spectrum:  

butcher’s broom has a narrow spectrum of action, primarily affecting the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It is commonly used to treat conditions such as venous insufficiency, thrombophlebitis, and lymphedema. It may also have mild diuretic properties, which can help to reduce water retention and edema. However, it is not typically used to treat conditions outside of these specific areas, as its therapeutic effects are primarily limited to the circulatory and lymphatic systems. 

Drug Interaction

Adverse Reaction

Frequency not defined  

Diarrhea 

Black Box Warning

Contraindication / Caution

Contraindication/Caution:  

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: The safety of butcher’s broom during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been established, so it is best to avoid using this supplement. 

High blood pressure: butcher’s broom can increase blood pressure, so individuals with high blood pressure should avoid using this supplement.  

Cardiovascular disease: butcher’s broom can increase blood pressure and heart rate, so individuals with cardiovascular disease should avoid using this supplement. 

Kidney disease: butcher’s broom can increase urine output and may worsen kidney function in individuals with kidney disease. 

Bleeding disorders: butcher’s broom may increase the risk of bleeding in individuals with bleeding disorders. 

Diabetes: butcher’s broom may lower blood sugar levels, so individuals with diabetes should use caution when taking this supplement. 

Pregnancy / Lactation

Pregnancy warnings:     

Pregnancy category: N/A 

Lactation: Excreted into human milk is unknown 

Pregnancy Categories:         

Category A: Studies that were well-controlled and met expectations revealed no risk to the fetus in either the first or second trimester. 

Category B: There were a lack of studies on pregnant women and no evidence of risk to the fetus in animal experiments.   

Category C: there was evidence of risk of adverse effects in animal reproduction studies, and no adequate evidence in human studies must take care of potential risks in pregnant women.    

Category D: adequate data with sufficient evidence of human fetal risk from various platforms, but despite the potential risk, and used only in emergency cases for potential benefits.   

Category X: Drugs listed in this category outweigh the risks over benefits. Hence these categories of drugs need to be avoided by pregnant women.    

Category N: There is no data available for the drug under this category

Pharmacology

Pharmacology: 

butcher’s broom, also known as Ruscus aculeatus, is a medicinal plant used for its anti-inflammatory, vasoconstrictive, and venotonic properties. It contains several active compounds, including ruscogenins, which are responsible for its pharmacological effects.  

Pharmacodynamics Mechanism: 

The pharmacodynamics of butcher’s broom involves a complex interplay of mechanisms that work together to reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and relieve the symptoms of venous insufficiency.  

Mechanism of Action:  

The main mechanism of action of butcher’s broom is its ability to constrict blood vessels, which reduces inflammation and swelling. This vasoconstrictive effect is due to the presence of ruscogenins, which activate alpha-adrenergic receptors on the smooth muscle cells of blood vessels. This causes the vessels to contract and reduces their permeability, which in turn reduces the leakage of fluid into surrounding tissues and decreases edema.  

Pharmacokinetics: 

Absorption 

The active constituents of butcher’s broom are primarily found in the roots and rhizomes of the plant. When taken orally, the compounds are absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. The absorption of the active compounds may be influenced by various factors such as the dosage form, formulation, and the presence of food in the gut. 

Distribution 

Once absorbed, the active compounds in butcher’s broom are distributed throughout the body. The distribution of the compounds may be influenced by various factors such as molecular weight, lipid solubility, and protein binding. 

Metabolism 

The active compounds in butcher’s broom undergo metabolism in the liver. The primary metabolic pathway involves glucuronidation and sulfation. These metabolic pathways can affect the bioavailability and half-life of the compounds. 

Excretion and elimination: 

The metabolites of butcher’s broom are eliminated from the body mainly via the kidneys. Some compounds may also be eliminated via the bile and feces. The elimination of the compounds may be influenced by various factors such as renal function and drug interactions. 

Adminstartion

Administration:  

Dosage: The appropriate dosage of butcher’s broom can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is important to follow the instructions on the product label or the advice of a healthcare professional. 

Form: butcher’s broom is available in several forms, including capsules, tablets, teas, and extracts. The form you choose may depend on personal preference or the severity of your condition. 

Timing: The timing of administration can also be important. For example, some people find it helpful to take butcher’s broom before meals to aid in digestion, while others prefer to take it at bedtime to help with sleep. 

Duration: It is generally recommended to take butcher’s broom for a period of 6-12 weeks to see its full effects. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional if you plan to take it for a longer period of time. 

Patient Information Leaflet

Patient information leaflet 

Generic Name: butcher’s broom 

Why do we use butchers broom?  

Hemorrhoids: butcher’s broom is often used to treat hemorrhoids, a condition where the veins in the rectum or anus become swollen and inflamed. It is believed to reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to the affected area, reducing pain and discomfort. 

Varicose veins: butcher’s broom may also be helpful in treating varicose veins, which are enlarged veins that often appear on the legs. By improving blood flow, butcher’s broom may help reduce the appearance of these veins and relieve associated symptoms like pain, itching, and swelling. 

Orthostatic hypotension: butcher’s broom is sometimes used to treat orthostatic hypotension, a condition where blood pressure drops when a person stands up after sitting or lying down. It is believed to help improve blood flow and increase blood pressure, reducing the symptoms of orthostatic hypotension. 

Edema: butcher’s broom has diuretic properties, which means it may help reduce fluid retention and swelling in the body, including edema, a condition where excess fluid builds up in the tissues.