European Buckthorn
OTHER NAME(S): Buckthorn, Hartshorn, Highwaythorn, Kreuzdornbeeren, Nerprun, Nerprun Commun, Nerprun Purgatif, Ramsthorn, Rhamni Cathartica Fructus, Waythorn, Rhamnus cathartica, Buckthorn Berry, Rhamnus Catharticus, Espino Cerval Europeo, Nerprun Cathartique
Overview
European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It also grows in North America. Its berries are used as medicine.
European buckthorn contains chemicals that have laxative effects.
People sometimes use European buckthorn for constipation. It is also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
Don't confuse European buckthorn with alder buckthorn, sea buckthorn, or Cascara sagrada (California buckthorn). These are not the same.
Uses
We currently have no information for European Buckthorn overview.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: European buckthorn is possibly unsafe when used for more than a few days. It can lower blood levels of potassium, needed for the heart and muscle to work properly. Side effects might also include stomach pain, cramps, and watery diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European buckthorn is safe to use short-term.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: European buckthorn is possibly unsafe when used for more than a few days. It can lower blood levels of potassium, needed for the heart and muscle to work properly. Side effects might also include stomach pain, cramps, and watery diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European buckthorn is safe to use short-term.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: European buckthorn is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Avoid use.
Children: European buckthorn is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children younger than 12 years-old. Avoid use.
Stomach conditions such as Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis: Don't use European buckthorn if you have any of these conditions.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with European BuckthornEuropean buckthorn is a type of laxative. Using European buckthorn in high doses or long-term can increase the adverse effects of cardiac glycosides, including digoxin.
- Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with European BuckthornEuropean buckthorn is a laxative and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not take excessive amounts of European buckthorn.
- Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with European BuckthornEuropean buckthorn is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking European buckthorn along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.
- Stimulant laxatives interacts with European BuckthornEuropean buckthorn is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking European buckthorn with other stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.
Dosing
There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of European buckthorn might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
References
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- Newall CA, Anderson LA, Philpson JD. Herbal Medicine: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals. London, UK: The Pharmaceutical Press, 1996.
- Schulz V, Hansel R, Tyler VE. Rational Phytotherapy: A Physician's Guide to Herbal Medicine. Terry C. Telger, transl. 3rd ed. Berlin, GER: Springer, 1998.
- Wichtl MW. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Ed. N.M. Bisset. Stuttgart: Medpharm GmbH Scientific Publishers, 1994.
- McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, Goldberg A, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, LLC 1997.
- Brinker F. Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions. 2nd ed. Sandy, OR: Eclectic Medical Publications, 1998.
- Young DS. Effects of Drugs on Clinical Laboratory Tests 4th ed. Washington: AACC Press, 1995.
- Nusko G, Schneider B, Schneider I, et al. Anthranoid laxative use is not a risk factor for colorectal neoplasia: results of a prospective case control study. Gut 2000;46:651-5.
- Gardner Z, McGuffin M, eds. American Herbal Products Association's Botanical Safety Handbook. 2nd Ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press. 2013.
- Rhamnus cathartica L. U.S. National Plant Germplasm System. https://npgsweb.ars-grin.gov/gringlobal/taxonomydetail.aspx?id=31018. Accessed April 30, 2020.