Butcher's Broom (Ruscus aculeatus)

Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) shrub with red berry-like fruits. This evergreen plant has a long history in herbal medicine for circulatory disorders.

Butcher’s broom is a medicinal shrub traditionally used to support blood circulation and vein health. In folk and herbal medicine, it has been applied to relieve “heavy legs” and varicose veins, and to treat hemorrhoids and other venous insufficiency symptoms ^[1].

Modern research has investigated its efficacy for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) – a condition that includes varicose veins – and its potential use for varicocele (an enlargement of veins in the scrotum). Below is a summary of traditional uses, clinical findings on efficacy, proposed mechanisms, and known side effects.

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Traditional Uses in Herbal Medicine

Historically, butcher’s broom rhizome preparations have been used as a vascular tonic for venous disorders. Key traditional uses include:

Chronic venous disorders: Used for centuries to alleviate symptoms of poor vein circulation such as “heavy legs,” venous fragility, and varicose veins ^[1].
Hemorrhoids: Applied in folk medicine to shrink hemorrhoids, likely due to its vasoconstrictive (vein-tightening) properties ^[1].
Diuretic and anti-inflammatory uses: The root was also taken to increase urination and reduce swelling. It was considered a mild diuretic and anti-inflammatory remedy, used for ailments like urinary disorders, edema, and even atherosclerosis ^[1].
Historical longevity: Written records date back at least 2000 years regarding its use as a “phlebotherapeutic” (vein-strengthening) agent ^[1]. The herb has been widely used in Europe for decades to treat chronic venous insufficiency and related vascular problems.

Clinical Studies on Varicose Veins (Chronic Venous Insufficiency)

A number of clinical trials and reviews have evaluated butcher’s broom extract for varicose veins and CVI. Overall, findings indicate it can improve symptoms and edema, though some sources call for further research.

Key Evidence:

Randomized Controlled Trials (CTs): A 12-week placebo-controlled RCT in patients with CVI found that oral Ruscus aculeatus extract significantly reduced leg edema and circumference and relieved symptoms like leg heaviness and swelling compared to placebo. The extract was well tolerated; The authors concluded butcher’s broom is a safe and effective treatment for chronic venous insufficiency^[2].
Meta-analysis (Cyclo 3 Fort combination): Butcher’s broom is often combined with flavonoids (hesperidin methyl chalcone) and vitamin C in a product called Cyclo 3 Fort. A meta-analysis of 20 trials (over 10,000 patients) on Cyclo 3 Fort reported significant improvements in venous symptoms. Patients had reduced leg pain, cramping, heaviness, and paresthesia, as well as a measurable decrease in venous distensibility, compared to placebo ^[3]. There was also a trend toward reduced ankle swelling. The analysis provided strong evidence of clinical efficacy of the Ruscus-containing formula for CVI.
Systematic reviews: Recent reviews classify butcher’s broom as a venotonic (phlebotonic) agent that can modestly relieve CVI symptoms and edema. For example, an updated 2017 review of Ruscus+HMC+Vit C found consistent symptom relief and graded the evidence as high quality (leading to a recommendation in European guidelines) ^[4]. However, a Cochrane review (2016) of veno-active therapies noted that while Ruscus-based treatments showed benefit in edema reduction and symptom improvement, some trials had methodological limitations.
Conservative therapy context: Mainstream medical literature acknowledges butcher’s broom as a potential supportive treatment for varicose veins, but also notes limitations. An American Family Physician review cited that it “has been used” for varicose veins, but that robust clinical data are lacking to fully establish its effectiveness and long-term safety ^[5]. In practice, it may be suggested alongside measures like leg elevation and compression stockings, but it is not a first-line standalone cure for severe varicosities.

Use in Varicocele

Varicocele (a varicose vein of the spermatic cord in the scrotum) shares a similar vein congestion mechanism with leg varicose veins. Direct research on butcher’s broom for varicocele is very limited. There have been no high-quality clinical trials specifically testing Ruscus aculeatus in varicocele treatment, so evidence is mostly extrapolated or anecdotal.

Extrapolated rationale: Because butcher’s broom can increase venous tone and reduce pooling of blood, some herbal practitioners speculate it might help shrink a varicocele or relieve discomfort by improving blood outflow. In naturopathic protocols, butcher’s broom extract (standardized to ~10% ruscogenins) is sometimes recommended for varicocele (e.g. doses around 100 mg, taken 3 times daily) ^[6]. This is based on its venotonic action observed in other contexts, not on direct clinical proof.
Lack of clinical studies: To date, no published clinical studies have confirmed that butcher’s broom can reduce varicocele size or improve fertility outcomes. Varicoceles are usually managed by surgical or interventional procedures (if symptomatic or linked to infertility). While herbal supplements like butcher’s broom are occasionally tried as conservative measures, their efficacy for varicocele remains unproven. Patients should temper expectations and consult a doctor for evidence-based varicocele treatments, using butcher’s broom only as a complementary approach if at all, given the absence of specific research data.

Mechanisms of Action

Butcher’s broom contains active compounds (steroidal saponins called ruscogenin and neoruscogenin) that have notable effects on blood vessels. Research on its pharmacology shows multiple mechanisms that could explain its benefit in venous disorders:

Venotonic & vasoconstrictive effects: Ruscus extract causes contraction of vein walls by activating alpha-adrenergic receptors. It triggers veins to constrict via two pathways. Furthermore, it induces the release of norepinephrine (noradrenaline) from sympathetic nerve endings and also acts directly on vascular smooth muscle ^[1]. This venoconstriction increases venous tone, helping push blood out of distended veins and back toward the heart. In clinical terms, this can reduce the capacity of veins to over-distend. One study in healthy volunteers noted about a 10% decrease in venous capacity within hours of taking Ruscus extract. These effects support better venous return and may alleviate blood pooling in varicose veins.
Reduced capillary permeability (anti-edema): Butcher’s broom appears to “seal” or strengthen capillaries, preventing fluid leakage into tissues. In laboratory models, ruscogenin significantly decreased capillary permeability, which correlates with less ankle swelling in vivo ^[1]. Ruscus preparations have demonstrated anti-elastase activity. Meaning they inhibit elastase enzymes that can degrade vein wall elastin. By protecting vein integrity and reducing leakage, it produces an anti-edematous effect (lessening edema). This mechanism explains the observed reductions in leg circumference and edema in CVI patients.
Anti-inflammatory properties: In addition to its vasoactive actions, R. aculeatus exhibits anti-inflammatory effects that may benefit chronic vein disease (where inflammation can damage valves and vessels). In vitro experiments show ruscogenin can suppress inflammatory signaling: for example, it inhibits NF-κB activation and the expression of adhesion molecules (like ICAM-1) on endothelial cells, which in turn reduces leukocyte adhesion and inflammatory damage in veins ^[1] ^[7].
Improved lymphatic flow: Some sources suggest butcher’s broom may stimulate the lymphatic circulation, thereby helping to reduce lymphatic congestion and swelling ^[7]. While increased lymph flow in humans isn’t fully confirmed, one clinical study did find that Cyclo 3 Fort (with Ruscus) helped reduce lymphedema in women post breast-cancer therapy ^[7]. This hint at lymphatic support aligns with its overall edema-reducing capabilities. In summary, butcher’s broom’s efficacy appears to stem from a combination of venous vasoconstriction, reduced fluid leakage, and anti-inflammatory effects on the vascular system.

Side Effects and Safety

Butcher’s broom is generally well tolerated in published studies, with a safety profile that appears favorable. Nonetheless, like any active herbal remedy it can have side effects or precautions:

Clinical trial safety: In placebo-controlled trials for CVI, butcher’s broom extract showed a very low incidence of adverse effects. For example, over 3 months in one study, overall tolerability was rated “good,” and no serious adverse events were attributed to the extract ^[2].
Gastrointestinal issues: Mild digestive upset can occur in some individuals. Reports include occasional diarrhea or loose stools, particularly with the combination formula (Cyclo 3 Fort) at higher doses ^[7]. Taking it with food might minimize stomach discomfort.
Allergic reactions (rare): There have been rare cases of allergic skin reactions to butcher’s broom, especially from topical use. For instance, a pregnant woman using a butcher’s broom cream for varicose veins developed a pruritic (itchy) rash and swelling on her legs and eyelids ^[7]. Another case noted eczema-like skin eruptions after using a hemorrhoid cream containing ruscogenin. Such allergic responses are uncommon, but anyone who develops a rash should discontinue use.
Precaution in diabetes: Do not take butchers broom if you have diabetes. Butcher's broom was reported to cause diabetic ketoacidosis, characterized by high levels of compounds called ketones in the blood. A notable rare case report linked butcher’s broom to precipitating diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) in a patient with diabetes ^[8].
Other considerations: No major drug interactions are well documented, but individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or cardiovascular disease should consult a healthcare provider before use.

Conclusion

Butcher’s broom shows promise as a natural therapy for varicose veins and related venous insufficiency symptoms. Clinical studies (including RCTs and meta-analyses) demonstrate moderate efficacy in reducing leg swelling, pain, and heaviness. Its active saponins likely work by strengthening blood vessel tone and reducing inflammation.

The herb is generally safe with mild side effects, though caution is warranted for certain individuals. While traditional medicine extends its use to conditions like hemorrhoids and possibly varicocele, one should note that evidence for varicocele is anecdotal and not clinically proven.

As always, patients should use such herbal treatments as a complement to, not a replacement for, proven medical therapies, and discuss with their healthcare provider for personalized advice.

I used this product to help with my varicocele pain. You should consult with your doctor before you decide to take any new supplement. In my anicdotal experience, this product made a huge difference in my pain.

Blood Circulation Dietary Supplement

Purity and Quality. Made In the USA in a GMP certified plant.

This affiliate link supports my site
View on Amazon

References

Research articles and reviews from PubMed and medical journals, including clinical trials on Ruscus aculeatus for chronic venous insufficiency, meta-analyses on combination therapies, pharmacological reviews of mechanism, and safety case reports. Traditional use information is drawn from ethnobotanical literature and reputable herbal monographs.