Rhamnus frangula
(Buckthorn)
Therapeutic Actions:
- Diuretic
- Inhibit protein synthesis in neoplastic cells due to
decreasing cellular respiration rates and decreasing
glycolysis
- Laxative
- Possess cytotoxic mechanisms (Rhein and emodin)
Clinical Indications:
Contraindications:
- Children
- Inflammatory disorders:
Appendicitis
Colitis
Crohn's disease
Irritable bowel
Ulcerative colitis
- Nursing mothers
- Pregnancy
- Using for more than 10 days may cause electrolyte and water loss
Drug/Nutrient Interaction:
- May cause a decrease in oral drug absorption
- May increase potency of cardiac glycosides, including Adonis, Convallaria, Digitalis, Helleborus, Strophanthus and Urginea, due to electrolyte loss
- Taken concurrently with diuretics may cause hypokalemia
Chemical Constituents:
- Anthraquinones including:
Alaterin
Aloe-emodin
Chrysophanol
Emodin
Frangula-emodin
Physcion
Rhamnicoside
Rhamnocarthrin
Rhein
Flavonoid glycosides
Naphloide glycosides
Toxicity:
- Buckthorn bark that is at least 1 year old is non
purgative
- Symptoms include:
Abdominal pain
Kidney dmage
Proteinuria
Oliguria
Vomiting violently
Treatment:
Activated charcoal
Avoid use of drugs
Emesis or gastric lavage
Copyright 1998 - 2008 by L. Vicky Crouse, ND and James S. Reiley, ND. All rights reserved (ISSN 1527-0661).