Scientific Name: Cramp Bark
Other Names: Guelder Rose, Highbush Cranberry, Snowball Bush, Viburnum opulus
Who is this for?
Uses
As its name indicates, cramp bark is most used to relieve cramps, including menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, and stomach cramps. Although cramp bark contains small amounts of several different types of compounds, a chemical known as viopudial is believed to provide cramp bark with its cramp-relieving effects. Viopudial is thought to relax muscles by partially blocking an enzyme involved with causing muscle spasms. It may also have direct effects on muscle tissue – particularly the muscles in the uterus. However, very little human research has been conducted to prove or disprove cramp bark’s purported effects.
When should I be careful taking it?Precautions
Although one of the traditional uses of cramp bark has been to relax the uterus when uterine muscle spasms threaten to cause a miscarriage, it may complicate pregnancy. Not enough is known about cramp bark’s total effects to recommend it for self-administration during pregnancy.
What side effects should I watch for?
Side effects resulting from the use of cramp bark have not been reported in the medical literature. However, since few reliable studies involving the use of cramp bark have been conducted in humans, it may have side effects that are not yet known. Individuals who experience unexplained side effects while taking cramp bark should stop taking it and tell a doctor or pharmacist about the side effects.
What interactions should I watch for?
No interactions have been reported between cramp bark and prescription drugs, non-prescription drugs, other herbal supplements, or foods. However, because few reliable studies of cramp bark have been conducted, its possible interactions with drugs, foods, and other dietary supplements are not understood completely. Be sure that your doctor and pharmacist are aware of all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use cramp bark or any other herbal supplement.
Some interactions between herbal products and medications can be more severe than others. The best way for you to avoid harmful interactions is to tell your doctor and/or pharmacist what medications you are currently taking, including any over-the-counter products, vitamins, and herbals. For specific information on how cramp bark interacts with drugs, other herbals, and foods and the severity of those interactions, please use our Drug Interactions Checker to check for possible interactions.
Should I take it?
Originating in North America, cramp bark was used by native people as a diuretic and a sedative. Cramp bark plants grow as bushy trees that may reach as much as 12 feet in height. Occasionally, cramp bark is planted as hedges due to its ornamental flowers and foliage. In the summer, the plants produce large white flowers quickly followed by bunches of red berries. The maple-shaped leaves of cramp bark bushes change from dark green to a dark red or purple color in the fall. Although they are attractive to wildlife, cramp bark berries are bitter; therefore they are seldom used as human food. In Scandinavia, however, they are popular when cooked into preserves and in Canada they may substitute for cranberries. In some parts of Europe and Asia, they have been fermented to make an alcoholic drink. Fresh berries have also been used to make a red dye, while dark ink has been made from dried berries.
For use in medicine, the bark from both the stem and the root of cramp bark is collected and dried after the leaves fall in the autumn or before new leaves appear in the spring. Cramp bark not only has a distinctive smell that has been described as resembling rotten fruit, it also has a characteristically bitter flavor.
Dosage and Administration
Cramp bark is available individually as capsules, tablets, and extracts, which are concentrated liquid preparations usually made by soaking chopped or mashed plant parts in a liquid such as alcohol, and then straining out the solid parts. Cramp bark is also commonly included in combination products with other herbals including black cohosh, dong quoi, and chaste tree that may also have antispasmodic or muscle relaxing effects. Directions for using cramp bark and products containing it vary according to the product being used and the condition being treated. The instructions on the package that is purchased should be followed.
To make a tea, about 2 teaspoons of dried, shredded cramp bark may be added to 8 ounces of cold water. The water is then simmered for about 10 minutes and the solid particles are removed before the tea is consumed up to three times a day.
Summary
Although little clinical evidence for its effectiveness exists, cramp bark may be taken by mouth to relieve menstrual, muscle, or stomach cramping.
Risks
Because cramp bark may relax the uterus -- possibly causing a miscarriage, pregnant women should not take it.
Side Effects
Although no side effects have been attributed to the use of cramp bark, very little is known about it. It may have side effects that are not yet known.
Interactions
Cramp bark is not known to interact with prescription or non-prescription drugs, other herbals, dietary supplements, or food. However, few clinical studies have been conducted to assess potential interactions.
Last Revised September 13, 2006
References
Calle J, Toscano M, Pinzon R, Baquero J, Bautista E. Antinociceptive and uterine relaxant activities of Viburnum toronis alive (Caprifoliaceae). Journal of Ethnopharmacology. 1999;66(1):71-73.
Grieve M. Guelder rose. In: A Modern Herbal. New York: Dover Publishers, 1971. Available at: http://www.botanical.com/botanical/mgmh/mgmh.html. Posted 1995. Accessed October 31, 2003.
Haughton C. Guelder rose. Revised August 17, 2004. Available at: http://www.purplesage.org.uk/profiles/guelderrose.htm. Accessed October 27, 2004.
Hoffmann DL. Cramp bark. Herbal Materia Medica. No date given. Available at: http://www.healthy.net/asp/templates/article.asp?PageType=article&ID=1869. Accessed October 31, 2003.
Jarboe CH, Schmidt CM, Nicholson JA, Zirvi KA. Uterine relaxant properties of Viburnum. Nature. 1966;212(5064):837.
Jellin JM, Gregory P, Batz F, Hitchens K, et al, eds. Pharmacist's Letter/Prescriber's Letter. Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database, 3rd Edition. Stockton CA: Therapeutic Research Facility, 2000.
Nicholson JA, Darby TD, Jarboe CH. Viopudial, a hypotensive and smooth muscle antispasmodic from Viburnum opulus. Proceedings of the Society of Experimental Biology and Medicine. 1972;140(2):457-461.
Peirce A. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: Stonesong Press; 1999.
Plants for a Future Database. Viburnum opulus. No date given. Available at: http://www.ibiblio.org/pfaf/cgi-bin/arr_html?Viburnum=opulus. Accessed October 31, 2003.
Sprygin VG, Kushnerova NF, Rakhmanin IuA. Antioxidant action of oligomeric proanthocyanidins isolated from viburnum in liver lesions by carbon tetrachloride and prevention of the latter's toxicity. [Article in Russian] Gig Sanit. 2003;(3):57-60.
Last Revised September 13, 2006
Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.
This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.