Ruscus aculeatus
Ruscus aculeatus, commonly known as Butcher's-broom, is a resilient evergreen shrub native to European woodlands. Renowned for its medicinal properties, it contains saponins that support venous circulation. Traditionally used to alleviate leg heaviness and hemorrhoids, this versatile plant remains a valuable subject in modern phytotherapy and botanical research.
- Scientific name: Ruscus aculeatus
- Family: Asparagaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant, known scientifically as Ruscus aculeatus, belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta. It is classified under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae, falling into the order Asparagales. Finally, it is a member of the family Asparagaceae and is categorized under the genus Ruscus.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Asparagales | WCVP |
| Family | Asparagaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Ruscus | WCVP |
Distribution
This plant exhibits a specific range of occurrence across several European regions. In Northern Europe, its presence can be noted in both Great Britain and Ireland. Moving into Middle Europe, the species is also found within the borders of Germany. Additionally, its distribution extends to the landscapes of Hungary. Finally, the plant completes its documented range in Switzerland.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Switzerland | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Baleares | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Corse | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | France | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Portugal | WCVP |
| Southwestern Europe | Sardegna | WCVP |
Chemicals
Ruscus aculeatus has 10 reported phytochemicals identified across 15 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include ruscogenin, flavonoids, neoruscogenin, ascorbic acid, bioflavonoids.
- Total chemicals
- 10
- Scientific sources
- 15
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ruscogenin | 4 | ★★☆☆☆ |
| flavonoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| neoruscogenin | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| ascorbic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| bioflavonoids | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| chrysophanic acid | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| coronatine | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| esculin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| euparone | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| saponins | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Activities
Ruscus aculeatus has 2 reported activities identified across 3 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Venotonic, Venotropic.
- Total activities
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 3
Most Reported Activities
| Activity | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| Venotonic | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Venotropic | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Ruscus aculeatus has 7 reported medicinal uses identified across 11 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include hemorrhoids, orthostatic hypotension, varicose veins, venous insufficiency, cancer.
- Total uses
- 7
- Scientific sources
- 11
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| hemorrhoids | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| orthostatic hypotension | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| varicose veins | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| venous insufficiency | 2 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| cancer | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| capillary fragility | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| edema | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |