Buckthorn

Information
Application
Notes
References

Photo: J. Rosse

Botanical name

Rhamnus cathartica L.

Family

Rhamnaceae

Common name

Common Buckthorn, Purging Buckthorn, European Buckthorn

Information about the plant

Common buckthorn is a diverse shrub native to Eurasia and North Africa and has been introduced to North America. It grows in riparian forests and alder swamps, and thrives on sunny, rocky slopes.

The genus name Rhamnus is derived from the Greek word “rhamnos,” which was then changed to “rhamnus” in Latin, and refers to a thorny shrub in both languages. The species epithet cathartica is derived from the Latin “catharticus” (= laxative), which can be traced back to the Greek word “katharsis” (= ritual purification, catharsis). This refers to the laxative effect of buckthorn berries, as the dried berries or syrup made from them have always been used as laxatives.

Buckthorn is a dioecious shrub or tree that grows up to 3 m tall, with upright branches bearing sparsely arranged, almost opposite twigs. The twigs usually end in thorns (buckthorns). The leaves are obliquely opposite, elliptical to round, with arched veins. The flowers are yellowish-green, small, and inconspicuous, growing in clusters at the leaf axils. In autumn, these develop into pea-sized black drupes (incorrectly called “berries”) containing up to four stone kernels (hard-shelled seeds). At the apex of the drupes, there are furrows crossing at right angles. The flowering season is from May to June.

Medicinally used parts of plants (herbal drug)

The dried, ripe fruits (buckthorn berries – Rhamni cathartici fructus) are used.

The commercially available drug comes from wild collections in Eastern Europe.

Constituents of the herbal drug

Buckthorn berries contain anthranoids (hydroxyanthracene derivatives, “anthraquinones”), flavonoids, tannins, mono- and oligosaccharides, pectins, and vitamin C.

Quality of the drug

The quality of buckthorn berries (Rhamni cathartici fructus) is specified in the German Pharmacopoeia (DAB).

Medical applications

Recognised medical use

Buckthorn berries have not been reviewed by the HMPC and ESCOP.

Traditional use

Buckthorn berries have not been classified as a traditional herbal medicinal product (aticle 16a of Directive 2001/83/EC).

Herbal drug preparations in finished dosage forms

There are currently no finished medicinal products available on the market. Dried buckthorn berries and tinctures are available on the market.

Dosage

Finished preparations: See patient information leaflet or instructions for use.

Tea: Drink one cup of buckthorn berry tea preferably in the evening, possibly also in the morning and at lunchtime.

Preparation of a tea

Add 150 mL of boiling water to approximately 4 g of crushed dried buckthorn berries and strain after 10 to 15 minutes.

Notes

Buckthorn berries should not be taken for longer than 2 weeks (laxative with irritating effect on the intestinal wall). Prolonged use may worsen constipation. It is advisable to take buckthorn berries only 2 to 3 times a week.

Due to the possible genotoxic properties of various anthranoids, their use is not recommended during pregnancy. Furthermore, the transfer of anthranoids into breast milk cannot be ruled out, so use during lactation is also not recommended. Children under the age of 12 should not take buckthorn berries.

Buckthorn berries should not be used in cases of intestinal obstruction, appendicitis, inflammatory bowel disease (e.g., Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), abdominal pain of unknown cause, or severe dehydration. Slight discoloration of the urine may occur during prolonged use.

Side effects

Occasional cramp-like gastrointestinal complaints may occur (reduce dose!). Prolonged use of buckthorn berries (abuse of laxatives) can lead to disturbances with water and electrolyte balance, particularly potassium loss.

Interactions

The effects of cardiac glycosides may be intensified, and the effects of antiarrhythmic drugs may be influenced by potassium deficiency during long-term use. Possible interactions with anticoagulant drugs such as phenprocoumon and warfarin due to antioxidant components that can inhibit cytochrome P 450 enzymes.