Butcher’s Broom
The root of butcher’s broom contains ruscogenen and neoruscogenin, which have been found to have anti-inflammatory characteristics and to cause contraction of veins. These properties have led to the modern uses of the plant as supportive care for chronic venous insufficiency (CVI), hemorrhoids, and varicose veins.2
Human studies have investigated formulations containing butcher’s broom for their effects on insufficient blood flow to the lower limbs, including in chronic venous disease (CVD) and/or CVI. CVD of the lower limbs can be recognized by symptoms such as varicose veins and venous ulcers, as well as edema, venous eczema, hyperpigmentation of the skin of the ankle, atrophie blanche (white scar tissue), and lipodermatosclerosis.8 CVD is often graded according to 7 classes of CEAP classification (e.g., clinical, etiologic, anatomical, and pathophysiological), which range from C0 to C6. The term CVD is applied to the full spectrum of symptoms from C0 to C6, whereas CVI is generally restricted to more severe disease (C4 to C6).
