Butcher’s Broom, Ruscus aculeatus

Ruscus aculeatus adverse reactions and interactions:

Ruscus aculeatus tolerability: Ruscus aculeatus was well tolerated in multiple studies but not without adverse effects.

Ruscus aculeatus mechanism of action: The herb is known to alleviate edema and venous insufficiency by venous constriction and activation of alpha receptors, but it also acts upon other types of blood vessels (4). For this reason, it is also being studied for use in orthostatic hypotension because it does not cause supine hypertension seen with other agents used for this condition (4). Therefore, caution should be exercised in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and patients taking blood pressure medications.