Nerprun

Related Terms

3'-O-acetylfrangulin, aglycones, Alaternus buckthorn, alder buckthorn, alder-leaf buckthorn, alderleaf buckthorn, alizarin, anthranoids, anthraquinone, Asian Chinese buckthorn, Avignon buckthorn, birchleaf buckthorn, California buckthorn, Carolina buckthorn, cascara, Cascara buckthorn, cascara sagrada, chitticum, coffeeberry, common buckthorn, coyotillo, Dahurian buckthorn, dichloromethanes, dimeric anthracenone, dogwood, Dyer's buckthorn, emodin, flavonols, Frangula alnus, Frangula azorica, Frangula betulifolia, Frangula californica, Frangula caroliniana, Frangula purshiana, Frangula rubra, Frangula sphaerosperma, gesho, hartsthorn, highwaythorn, hollyleaf buckthorn, hollyleaf redberry, Hoxsey formula, Island redberry buckthorn, Italian buckthorn, Japanese buckthorn, Karwinskia humboldtiana, lanceleaf buckthorn, Lokao buckthorn, methanol, Persian berry, prinoidin bianthrones, prinoidin-emodin bianthrones, purging buckthorn, Pursh's buckthorn, R. alaternus, R. alnifolia, R. cathartica, R. crocea, R. (F.) californica, R. (F.) caroliniana, R. (F.) purshiana, R. glandulosa, R. infectoria, R. prinoides, R. utilis, ramsthorn, red buckthorn, redberry buckthorn, Rhamnaceae (family), rhamnepalins, rhamnosylanthraquinone, rhamnosylanthrones, Rhamnus alaternus, Rhamnus alnifolia, Rhamnus arguta, Rhamnus betulaefolia, Rhamnus californica, Rhamnus caroliniana, Rhamnus cathartica, Rhamnus cathartica L., Rhamnus crocea, Rhamnus davurica, Rhamnus diffuses, Rhamnus frangula, Rhamnus glandulosa, Rhamnus globosa, Rhamnus ilicifolia, Rhamnus infectoria, Rhamnus japonica, Rhamnus lanceolata, Rhamnus latifolia, Rhamnus libanotica, Rhamnus lycioides, Rhamnus nepalensis, Rhamnus petiolaris, Rhamnus pirifolia, Rhamnus prinoides, Rhamnus purshiana, Rhamnus rubra, Rhamnus saxatilis, Rhamnus serrata, Rhamnus smithii, Rhamnus sphaerosperma, Rhamnus staddo, Rhamnus tinctoria, Rhamnus utilis, rock buckthorn, Sanguinho, sawleaf buckthorn, sharp-tooth buckthorn, shiny-leaf buckthorn, Smith's buckthorn, Staddo, toxin T-514, tullidora, waythorn, West Indian buckthorn.

Background

Species of buckthorn, which are shrubs or trees that usually grow to a height of 1-10 meters, are widely spread in temperate and subtropical parts of the world. They are classified as belonging to the family Rhamnaceae but may be subclassified into either Rhamnus or Frangula genera.
Traditionally, the berries and bark of buckthorn species have been used for stomach disorders. Buckthorn, especially its bark, is known to increase bowel movements in animals and people. The bark of the largest buckthorn, Rhamnus purshiana, is often called cascara sagrada or chitticum bark. The berries, harvested when fully ripe, may increase urine production or cause violent laxative properties.
The laxative effect of buckthorn may be caused by chemicals that also damage cells that line the colon and may promote tumor formation. Therefore, it is suggested that such laxatives, including buckthorn, be used only for short time periods.
Current research is investigating of the ability of buckthorn to prevent mutations and cause toxic effects against cancer cells. More recently, limited studies have investigated the ability of buckthorn to prevent cell growth, prevent mutations, and cause antioxidant effects.
Buckthorn is not generally recognized as safe and effective by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Evidence Table

These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. GRADE *


Preliminary evidence suggests that buckthorn may be effective in treating intestinal blockage. Further research is required with buckthorn alone before a firm conclusion may be made.

 C


Preliminary evidence suggests that buckthorn may be effective in treating intestinal blockage. Further research is required with buckthorn alone before a firm conclusion may be made.

 C
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)
* Key to grades

A: Strong scientific evidence for this use
B: Good scientific evidence for this use
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use
D: Fair scientific evidence for this use (it may not work)
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use (it likley does not work)

Tradition / Theory

The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)
There is no proven safe or effective dose for buckthorn in adults.

Safety

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs
Buckthorn may cause low blood pressure. Caution is advised in people taking drugs that lower blood pressure.
Buckthorn may interact with anticancer agents, calcium, drugs that are eliminated from the body by the kidney, and laxatives.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com).

Bibliography

Ammar RB, Bouhlel I, Valenti K, et al. Transcriptional response of genes involved in cell defense system in human cells stressed by H2O2 and pre-treated with (Tunisian) Rhamnus alaternus extracts: combination with polyphenolic compounds and classic in vitro assays. Chem Biol Interact. 7-20-2007;168(3):171-183.
Chakurski I, Matev M, Koichev A, Angelova I, Stefanov G. [Treatment of chronic colitis with an herbal combination of Taraxacum officinale, Hipericum perforatum, Melissa officinaliss, Calendula officinalis and Foeniculum vulgare]. Vutr.Boles. 1981;20(6):51-54.
Giavina-Bianchi PF, Castro Jr. FF, Machado ML, Duarte AJ. Occupational respiratory allergic disease induced by Passiflora alata and Rhamnus purshiana. Ann.Allergy Asthma Immunol 1997;79(5):449-454.
Gomez-Silva M, Garza-Ocanas L, Waksman N, Rivas V, Pineyro-Lopez A. In vitro metabolism and toxicity assessment of toxin T-514 (Peroxisomicine A1) of Karwinskia humboldtiana in microsomes and primary cultured hepatocytes. Toxicol In Vitro 2005;19(1):47-53.
Huang HC, Lee CR, Chao PD, Chen CC, Chu SH. Vasorelaxant effect of emodin, an anthraquinone from a Chinese herb. Eur J Pharmacol 12-3-1991;205(3):289-294.
Hypocalcemia due to cascara intoxication. Am Pract Dig.Treat. 1954;5(5):396-398.
Manojlovic NT, Solujic S, Sukdolak S, Milosev M. Antifungal activity of Rubia tinctorum, Rhamnus frangula and Caloplaca cerina. Fitoterapia 2005;76(2):244-246.
Matev M, Chakurski I, Stefanov G, Koichev A, Angelov I. [Use of an herbal combination with laxative action on duodenal peptic ulcer and gastroduodenitis patients with a concomitant obstipation syndrome]. Vutr.Boles. 1981;20(6):48-51.
National Toxicology Program. Toxicology and carcinogenesis studies of EMODIN (CAS NO. 518-82-1) feed studies in F344/N rats and B6C3F1 mice. Natl Toxicol Program Tech Rep Ser. 2001;493:1-278.
Pineyro-Lopez A, Martinez de Villarreal L, Gonzalez-Alanis R. In vitro selective toxicity of toxin T-514 from Karwinskia humboldtiana (buckthorn) plant on various human tumor cell lines. Toxicology 9-6-1994;92(1-3):217-227.
Siegers CP, von Hertzberg-Lottin E, Otte M, Schneider B. Anthranoid laxative abuse--a risk for colorectal cancer? Gut 1993;34(8):1099-1101.
Standish LJ, Greene K, Greenlee H, Kim JG, Grosshans C. Complementary and alternative medical treatment of breast cancer: a survey of licensed North American naturopathic physicians. Altern Ther Health Med 2002;8(5):68-70.
Turner NJ, Hebda RJ. Contemporary use of bark for medicine by two Salishan native elders of southeast Vancouver Island, Canada. J Ethnopharmacol 1990;29(1):59-72.
van Gorkom BA, de Vries EG, Karrenbeld A, Kleibeuker JH. Review article: anthranoid laxatives and their potential carcinogenic effects. Aliment.Pharmacol Ther 1999;13(4):443-452.
Willems M, van Buuren HR, de Krijger R. Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli. Neth.J Med 2003;61(1):22-24.