Evidence supporting the use of: Ruscogenin
For the body system: Capillaries

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Table of Contents

Synopsis

Source of validity: Scientific
Rating (out of 5): 2

Ruscogenin is a steroidal sapogenin extracted from the plant Ruscus aculeatus (Butcher’s Broom). It has a history of use in traditional European medicine for supporting vascular health, particularly for relieving symptoms associated with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) such as swollen legs, varicose veins, and hemorrhoids. The rationale for its use is mostly based on its purported vasoconstrictive and anti-inflammatory activities.

Scientifically, ruscogenin and related saponins have been shown in some in vitro and animal studies to reduce capillary permeability, enhance venous tone, and inhibit inflammatory mediators. A few small clinical trials and reviews (e.g., Pittler & Ernst, 1998; European Medicines Agency assessment reports) suggest that extracts of Butcher’s Broom, standardized for ruscogenin content, may modestly improve symptoms of CVI compared to placebo, with effects attributed at least in part to ruscogenin. However, these studies are often limited by small sample sizes, short durations, and the use of whole plant extracts rather than isolated ruscogenin.

There is no robust, large-scale clinical evidence specifically for isolated ruscogenin in capillary support. Most available data involve the whole plant extract. The European Medicines Agency recognizes Butcher’s Broom as a traditional herbal medicinal product for symptomatic relief of CVI, but emphasizes the limited scientific data. Therefore, the evidence for ruscogenin specifically in capillary support is modest (rating 2/5), with stronger support for the traditional use of the whole plant extract rather than the isolated compound.

More about Ruscogenin
More about Capillaries

Other body systems supported by Ruscogenin

Arteries
Capillaries
Circulatory System
Lymphatics
Veins

Products containing Ruscogenin

We currently have no products on Vitabase that contain this ingredient.