Rusco (Pungitopo) and Ruscogenina

What is Rusco

Butcher's broom ( Ruscus aculeatus ) is a perennial shrub-like plant that grows wild in forests and undergrowths throughout Europe.

The drug consists of the rhizome (a robust and branched underground stem) and is particularly known in the cosmetic field for its diuretic and anti-edema, vasoconstrictor, anti-inflammatory and vasoprotective properties. For these reasons, butcher's broom finds ample space in draining products and in those aimed at treating cellulite, varicose veins and hemorrhoids.

Active principles

The main components responsible for the aforementioned properties are two steroidal saponins, known as ruscogenin and neoruruscogenin, and several flavonoids (such as rutin or rutoside). These substances carry out their activity by increasing the resistance of the capillary walls and normalizing their permeability; this results in less fluid leakage and a reduction in bleeding symptoms.

Properties and Uses

Butcher's broom is appreciated in the therapy of venous insufficiency, as it favors the return of blood from the periphery to the heart; this effect is also useful in the presence of edema, hence the use in draining products, against tired, heavy and swollen legs.

The ruscus is often recommended to provide relief from the typical symptoms of haemorrhoids, such as itching and burning, and in the presence of anal fissures and proctitis.

On the market freeze-dried extracts of butcher's broom or its rhizome (improperly called "ruscus root" and suitable for the preparation of decoctions) are available. The dry extract is generally marketed in the form of capsules or drops and is widely used also in the preparation of gels and ointments dedicated to the treatment of disorders and conditions listed so far. For this purpose it is commonly added to other ingredients with which it shares the same phytotherapeutic properties (Centella asiatica, Horse Chestnut, Red Vine, Blueberry, Acerola, Ginko Biloba) and vitamins (C, E).

Mode of use

The recommended dosage for preparations to be taken orally is around 100-150 mg / day (which provide an average of 7 to 15 mg of ruscogenins).

Side effects

the rare, and in any case mild, side effects of ruscus are limited to the possible appearance of nausea and gastric disorders; the phytotherapeutic prestige of butcher's broom is also supported by the absence of important drug interactions.