Scientific name
Ruscus aculeatus
Family
Liliaceae
Origin
Europe
Synonyms
Butcher's Broom, Butcher's BroomParts Used
Drug given by roots and rhizomes.
Chemical constituents
- Essential oil;
- Resin;
- Calcium salts;
- Potassium salts;
- steroidal saponins (among which ruscogenin stands out);
- Flavonoids;
- Phytosterols;
- Polyphenols;
- Tannins.
Butcher's Broom in Herbalist: Properties of the Butcher's Broom
The butcher's broom, in the form of standardized extract or as a decoction, is ideal for anti-inflammatory and anti-edema purposes.
In the cosmetic field, the dry extract is used for the vaso-protective activity of saponins in the treatment of the skin, in intimate hygiene and in anti-cellulite adjuvants.
The most important biological activity of the holly rhizome is due to the steroidal saponins which, due to their chemical structure, would have an anti-inflammatory effect even higher than that of aescin (Horse chestnut).
