Butcher’s Broom, Ruscus aculeatus

Ruscus aculeatus vs. placebo was studied for its effect on leg circumference in venous insufficiency. Vanscheidt W et al performed a multi-center, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial on the extract of Ruscus aculeatus rhizomes. This study found that leg volume and circumference significantly improved over placebo at 8 and 12 weeks. Adverse events were similar to placebo. (5)

Ruscus aculeatus and chronic phlebitis:

A venotropic agent containing 16.5 mg per capsule of ruscus aculeatus, 75 mg hesperidin, and 50 mg ascorbic acid was found to be better than a placebo for treating chronic phlebopathy of the lower limbs in a double-blind trial with 40 subjects. The trial involved 2 periods of treatment lasting 2 months with participants receiving 2 capsules or placebo administered 3 times daily. Symptoms and measures of changes in volume in the body were significantly better in response to ruscus aculeatus treatment. Ruscus aculeatus was also well tolerated. (2)