Butcher’s Broom for Chronic Venous Insufficiency

A 2002 study found that Butcher’s broom (Ruscus aculeatus) significantly improved chronic venous insufficiency in women compared to placebo over 12 weeks. Improvement was determined by measured leg volume. Symptoms such as leg heaviness also significantly improved with Butcher’s broom. Butcher’s broom may cause gastrointestinal or other side effects.

Vanscheidt W, Jost V, Wolna P, Lücker PW, Müller A, Theurer C, Patz B, Grützner KI. Efficacy and safety of a Butcher's broom preparation (Ruscus aculeatus L. extract) compared to placebo in patients suffering from chronic venous insufficiency. Arzneimittelforschung. 2002;52(4):243-50. doi: 10.1055/s-0031-1299887. PMID: 12040966.