Ruscus aculeatus and the Gastrointestinal tract: Gastrointestinal side effects have been reported (5).
Ruscus aculeatus and skin reactions: This herb caused contact dermatitis when applied topically in a cream (3).
Assessment and Plan: Butcher’s Broom, Ruscus aculeatus
- Boyle P et al authored a meta-analysis of 25 studies which showed that Cyclo 3 Fort (150 mg Ruscus aculeatus, 150 mg hesperidin methyl chalcone, and 100 mg ascorbic acid) taken twice per day significantly reduced severity of pain, cramps, heaviness, paraesthesias, and edema versus placebo in patients with chronic venous insufficiency (1).
- Cappelli R et al found that 2 capsules 3 times daily of 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 (phlebitis) of the lower limbs in a double-blind trial with 40 subjects (2).
- Vanscheidt W et al found that leg volume and circumference significantly improved over placebo at 8 and 12 weeks. Adverse events were similar to placebo. (5)
- Ruscus aculeatus was well tolerated in multiple studies but not without adverse effects. 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). Caution should be exercised in patients with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, and patients taking blood pressure medications since it may make blood pressure increase. Gastrointestinal side effects have also been reported (5). This herb caused contact dermatitis when applied topically in a cream (3).
