Buckthorn ~ Rhamnus frangula/catharticus

Buckthorn

Latin name: Rhamnus frangula/catharticus

Family: Rhamnaceae

Part used: bark aged at least one year, berries

Habitat: Western North America

Main constituents: anthraquinone glycosides (frangulin, emodin), flavonoid glycosides

Energetics: bitter, astringent, cooling, drying

Main herbal actions: laxative, cholagogue

Minor herbal actions: anticancer, antibacterial, diuretic, immunosuppressive, vasorelaxant (all due to emodin content)

Main medicinal uses: chronic constipation with hepatic sluggishness

Minor medicinal uses: anal fissures, hemorrhoids, post-rectal operations

Preparations: decoction: 1 heaping tsp/cup water; 1:5 tincture: 20-70 gtt qd-qid, capsules: 1-2 grams qd

Contraindications: intestinal obstruction, pregnancy, lactation, abdominal pain of unknown origin, children under age 12; partial contraindication with concurrent use of cardiac glycosides; long-term use will deplete electrolytes including potassium

Toxicity: potassium depletion will bring about muscle weakness, paralysis of intestinal musculature, promoting constipation; potassium loss can also disturb cardiac function; overdose symptoms include vomiting, intestinal spasms, bloody diarrhea, kidney inflammation

Sources: Sharol Tilgner, N.D.: Herbal Medicine from the Heart of the Earth; Wren, R.C. Potter’s New Encyclopedia of Botanical Drugs and Preparations
 

Buckthorn Module 2 lecture

• Usually what’s available in the marketplace are called “buckthorn”
• Buckthorn is very invasive in the eastern USA
• Western North America there is
  • California Buckthorn – Ramnus Californica (Frangula californica)
  • Cascara Sagrada (Rhamnus purshiana) is a close relative
    • Berries and Cascara are a type fo Buckthorn that is the best laxative
    • Part used: Bark
    • Contains anthroquinones and is used as a peristalsis enhancing laxative.
    • Relaxing and mild
• American colonists commonly used Buckthorn, but is has been replaced in popularity by Cascara Sagrada
• Is contains Anthroquinone glycosides
• Laxative, cholagogue
• Wood can be used for decorative purposes as well
• Dose: in capsules 1 to 2 grams/day