Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula)

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) is a member of the Rhamnaceae family, native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. Traditionally, its bark, fruits, and leaves have been used for decoctions, infusions, and powders.

This herb is particularly valued for its astringent, anti-inflammatory, and bitter actions, and has a long history of use in european herbal medicine, mediterranean herbal traditions, and japanese kampo medicine.

Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) dried pieces of the herb arranged on a wooden table for reference — Common Buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) dried pieces of the herb arranged together on a wooden table for reference, used in teas and remedies.

Quick Facts / Key Information

Common Name	Common Buckthorn
Scientific Name	Rhamnus frangula
Plant Family	Rhamnaceae
Genus	Rhamnus
Species	frangula
Native Range	Europe, Asia, North Africa
Plant Parts Used	Bark, Fruits, Leaves
Primary Medicinal Actions	Astringent, Anti-Inflammatory, Bitter
Primary Traditional Systems	European Herbal Medicine, Mediterranean Herbal Traditions, Japanese Kampo Medicine
Historical Preparation Methods	Decoction, Infusion, Powder

Botanical Identity

Scientific Name: Rhamnus frangula
Common Name: Common Buckthorn
Synonyms / Alternative Names: European Buckthorn, European Buckthorn, Common Buckthorn
Plant Family: Rhamnaceae
Genus: Rhamnus

Botanical Description

Growth Habit: Perennial herbaceous plant.
Height: It typically grows to a height of 3 to 8 meters.
Leaves: Simple leaves with upper surface dark green and lower surface pale green, featuring distinct stomatal bands along the midrib.
Flowers: Inflorescences are racemose with small yellow flowers having five sepals, five stamens, and two carpels, exhibiting actinomorphic symmetry.
Stems: Erect, woody, branched stems with opposite phyllotaxis, smooth to slightly hairy surfaces, and persistent thorns along the nodes.

Traditional Uses / Historical Use

Traditional Systems

European Herbal Medicine
Mediterranean Herbal Traditions
Japanese Kampo Medicine
Traditional Chinese Medicine

Historical Preparation Methods

Decoction
Infusion
Powder
Poultice

Medicinal Actions

Astringent: In herbal texts, considered a cooling astringent, in structural-support contexts.
Anti-inflammatory: In herbal literature, noted as a warming anti-inflammatory, in tissue-soothing contexts.
Bitter: Historically regarded as a gentle bitter, for digestion-related formulations.
Tonic: Commonly referenced as a mild tonic, in whole-system applications.

Active Compounds

Tannin: Naturally occurring polyphenols widely distributed in woody and leafy plant parts.
Phenolic Acid: A class of aromatic plant compounds commonly found in leaves, seeds, and stems.
Flavonoid: A group of naturally occurring compounds commonly present in many flowering plants.
Coumarin: Organic compounds biosynthesized as part of plant secondary metabolism.

Modern Research Overview

Scientific research related to this plant is ongoing. This section will be expanded in the future to include summaries of phytochemical studies, laboratory research, and other relevant scientific literature as it becomes available.

Safety & Contraindications

General Precautions: Specific general precautions associated with this herb have not been well documented.
Contraindications: Certain contraindications have been reported in relation to the use of this herb.
Allergies: Information regarding allergic responses to this herb is limited.
Drug Interactions: Interactions between this herb and prescription medications are not clearly established.
Toxicity: Toxic effects have been reported in association with the use of this herb.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding has not been well documented.

Preparation & Usage Methods

Infusion: Water is poured over plant material and allowed to steep before straining.
Decoction: Decoctions are made by heating plant material in water for an extended time.
Poultice: Poultices involve external application of prepared plant matter.
Powder: Powdered preparations use finely milled plant parts.
Tincture: Tinctures are liquid extracts produced through alcoholic maceration.

Growing, Harvesting & Storage

Growing / Cultivation

Soil: Prefers loamy soil with well-drained conditions. Typically grows best in organically rich soils.
Sunlight: Thrives in partial shade. Tolerates full sun to partial shade.
Watering: Prefers moist soils. Tolerates periodic dry conditions.