Brief Introduction
Synonyms--- Kneeholy, Knee Holly, Kneeholm, Jew’s Myrtle, Sweet Broom,
Pettigree
Ruscogenin (Ruscogenin, Ruscogenine, Ruscogenin(P), Ruscorectal)
Chemical Name: (1B,3B,25R)-SPIROST-5-ENE-1,3-DIOL,
(25R)-spirost-5-ene-1-beta,3-beta-diol, Spirost-5-ene-1,3-diol,
(1.beta.,3.beta.,25R)-
Molecular Formula: C27H42O4
Mol. Wt.: 430.62
Molecular Structure:
Butcher's broom, Ruscus aculeatus, is a low evergreen Eurasian
shrub of the lily family (Liliaceae), 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 is very
hardy, thriving in almost any soil or situation, its root is thick,
striking deep into the ground. When dry, it is brownish grey, 2 to
4 inches long and 1/3 inch in diameter, having somewhat crowded
rings and rounded stem scars on the upper surface and many woody
rootlets below. If a transverse section be made, a number of
vascular bundles in the central portion are to be seen. It is often
planted in shrubberies or edges of woods, on account of its
remaining green after the deciduous trees have shed their leaves.
It is also widely planted in gardens, and has spread as a garden
escape in many areas outside its native range. The matured branches
used to be bound into bundles and sold to butchers for sweeping
their blocks, hence the name: Butcher's Broom. It is frequently
made into besoms in Italy.
The young shoots of Butcher's Broom in Spring have often been eaten
like those of the Asparagus, a plant to which it is closely allied.
The roots or rhizomes for medicinal uses are collected and prepared
in autumn. The root has no odor, but its taste is sweetish at first
and then slightly acrid.
The plant has a long history of use. More than 2000 years ago, it
was noted as a laxative, diuretic, and a phlebotherapeutic
(beneficial to veins) agent. Extracts, decoctions, and poultices
have been used throughout the ages, but the medicinal use of this
plant did not become common until the last century. Early
investigations during the 1950s indicated that extracts of
butcher's broom could induce vasoconstriction and therefore might
have use in the treatment of circulatory diseases. The increasing
popularity of natural and herbal remedies in Europe in the 1970s
reaffirmed its position in modern medicine. Novel uses for this
plant have included its use as an anti-inflammatory agent and to
prevent atherosclerosis.
The Butcher’s Broom Extract used in dietary supplements is derived
from the roots of Ruscus aculeatus Linn.
Benefits
Improve chronic venous insufficiency
Treat Varicose veins
Prevent Atherosclerosis
Vasoconstriction (blood vessel narrowing) effects
Tone up a sluggish venous system and reduces capillary fragility
Treat venous circulatory disorders (especially for women
complaining of a heavy sensation in the legs, and leg cramps,
itching and swelling)
Enzymatic effect reduces pain and swelling
Treat hemorrhoids
Anti-inflammatory
Mechanism
The primary contituents of butcher's broom include steroidal
saponins such as Ruscogenin and Neo-ruscoginin (totally called
Ruscogenins), which are believed to be responsible for the herbs
medicinal effects. Ruscogenin is the aglycone of ruscin, and
Neo-ruscogenin is another steroidal saponin. The two aglycones are
more similar to each other than are isomers (which are identical
except for rotation). Neo-ruscogenin simply has one more double
bond than ruscogenin. Neo-ruscogenin is also biologically active,
and its presence in the guaranteed potency herb preparation is
counted with ruscogenin. This is done, even though the two
aglycones occur in variable amounts of each, depending on the
region where the butcher's broom rhizomes were gathered, because
the two chemicals are almost identical, both in chemistry and in
activity.
The active components of butcher's broom are ruscogenins. In
guaranteed potency form, these saponins should be present in a 10%
concentration. Whole butcher's broom should be used, since isolated
ruscogenins may not possess the same activity or lack of toxicity
as whole plant materials
Safety
Standard dosage as food or medicine has no side effects, even at
high doses. Concomitant toxicological screenings suggested the herb
was extremely safe to use, much more than other preparations being
used to treat hemorrhoids. Based on the low toxicity findings,
several pharmaceutical houses quickly prepared creams, salves and
ointments for testing as external applications to hemorrhoids in
human patients. The results were highly significant.
Nausea and queasiness may result in rare cases.
Neoruscogenin and ruscognin phytosterols that decrease vascular
permeability and anti-inflammatory effect may cause small veins to
restrict to increases perspiration.
Because of venous constriction avoid if you have high blood
pressure, or are on blood pressure reducing drugs.
Any steroidal-like compound should be carefully considered if you
have a history of cancer in your family.
Consult your holistic health care physician.
This herb has approval status by the German Commission E.
Pregnancy/nursing:Information regarding safety and efficacy in pregnancy and lactation (nursing ) is lacking. Avoid use.
Interactions: The antiinflammatory activity of butcher's broom can be seriously
inhibited by phenobarbital and certain other sedatives and
hypnotics (chloral hydrate, meprobamate, etc.), as well as a
beta-adrenergic blocking agents (propranolol).
Colchicine may increase sensitivity or enhance the response to
butcher's broom.
The sympathomimetic action of the uterine relaxant Ritodrine
Hydrochloride and the vasocontricting property of butcher's broom
are additive.
Toxicities: Not known to be toxic.
Dosage
The typical dose is 100mg-1000mg per day (usually in 2-3 doses
throughout the day).
Consult physicians for different condition specifics.
GNI's Butcher's Broom Extract Features and Benefits:
Butcher's Broom Extract is one of GNI's main products, with many advantages as list
in the following, produced as our patent-pending process and
know-how technology from Ruscus aculeatus Linn. Roots
Produced with pure water only
High purity: over 20%
NO solvent - residual free
Pesticide-free
Natural Brown-Yellow in appearance
High solubility in water
High anti-bacteria, and longer shelf life
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