Rhamnus cathartica
Other Names: Buckthorn Berry, Common Buckthorn, Hartshorn, Highwaythorn, Purging Buckthorn, Ramsthorn, Waythorn
Should I take it?
Native to the wooded areas of Europe, Rhamnus cathartica has spread to northern Africa, western Asia, and eastern North America. Popular as fence rows, it grows as a shrub or bushy tree that is usually between 6 feet and 18 feet tall. If not controlled, Rhamnus cathartica will crowd out other trees and plants because it spreads quickly and it resists diseases and insects.
Although the outer bark is dark, rough, and flaky; the inner bark of Rhamnus cathartica is yellow and the fresh wood has a pink or orange color. Its shiny, dark leaves stay green after the leaves of most other trees have dropped off in the fall. Its smaller branches end in spikes or large thorns. In late spring, Rhamnus cathartica bears clusters of small white, yellow, or greenish flowers that are followed by pea-sized berries, which turn dark purple or black when they ripen in the fall. Rhamnus cathartica berries are used in medicine--either dried or crushed to produce strong-smelling, bitter-tasting juice. Fresh Rhamnus cathartica juice is green or yellow-green, but it darkens to a purple-red color with age.
Once widely used in medicine, Rhamnus cathartica has largely been replaced by more effective laxatives. Bark and unripe berries from Rhamnus cathartica are still used to make yellow-green dyes. Ripe berries yield a green-brown color called sap green that is used in paints.
Dosage and Administration
Note: Using Rhamnus cathartica is not recommended.
If Rhamnus cathartica is taken, it should be used only as long as needed to produce a soft stool. No laxative should be taken for longer than 7 days to 10 days at a time. The use of Rhamnus cathartica should be limited to no more than once or twice a year, as well.
Dosing recommendations for Rhamnus cathartica are not consistent. However, in Germany, where it is used more than it is in the U.S., Rhamnus cathartica is available in capsules. Usually taken at bedtime, the recommended daily dose range is 20 mg to 30 mg of glucofrangulin A.
Rhamnus cathartica tea is made by soaking 2,000 mg to 4,000 mg (2 grams to 4 grams) of the dried berries in about 5 ounces of boiling water for 10 minutes to 15 minutes and then straining out the solid particles. Either the tea or fresh berry juice can be taken by mouth once in the evening and then again, only if needed, the following morning.
Summary
Dried Rhamnus cathartica berries and Rhamnus cathartica berry juice are used as laxatives.
Risks
Rhamnus cathartica should not be used for longer than 10 days at a time. Due to its irritating effect on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, Rhamnus cathartica should not be used by individuals with inflammatory bowel diseases. Children under the age of 12 and pregnant or breast-feeding women should also avoid its use, as should those who have or have had intestinal blockages.
Side Effects
Prolonged use of Rhamnus cathartica possibly may increase the risk of colon cancer. Long-term use may cause the intestinal lining to darken. Side effects commonly associated with its use include cramps, diarrhea, and nausea.
Interactions
If Rhamnus cathartica is taken at the same time as water pills, oral corticosteroids, or large amounts of true licorice, potassium levels in the body may get too low. If it is taken at the same time as digoxin, Rhamnus cathartica could increase the risk of digoxin's side effects. Rhamnus cathartica can increase the laxative effects and the risk of low potassium levels if it is taken with laxative medications or herbals.
Last Revised April 17, 2008
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Should I take it? 
