Broom

Generic name: Cytisus Scoparius (L.) Link.
Brand names: Bannal, Besenginaterkraut, Broom, Broom Top, Ginsterkraut, Herba Genistac Scopariae, Herba Spartii Scoparii, Herbe De Genet A Balais, Hog Weed, Irish Broom Top, Sarothamni Herb, Scoparii Cacumina, Scotch Broom, Scotch Broom Top

Usage of Broom

Clinical studies with whole plant extract or parts are generally lacking. In vitro studies evaluating the effect of individual chemical constituents have been undertaken.

Antimicrobial

The plant possesses mild activity against a limited number of human pathogens.Gowthamarajan 2002

Antioxidant

In vitro and animal studies have demonstrated some antioxidant activity, and use as a topical preparation to protect against ultraviolet light damage has been explored.González 2013, Raja 2007, Sundararajan 2006

Cardiovascular

Animal data

There are no recent animal data regarding the use of C. scoparius for cardiovascular conditions.

Clinical data

There are no recent clinical data regarding the use of C. scoparius for cardiovascular conditions. Folkloric use of broom for improved circulation and antiarrhythmic effect has not been validated in clinical studies, despite the German Commission E Monographs recommendation for use in functional heart disorders and circulatory disorders.Blumenthal 2000 It is possible that at low doses, cardioactive compounds such as sparteine act in opposing ways to their effect at high doses; thus, both negative and positive inotropic effects have been reported. In addition, diuretic effects have been reported for sparteine.Duke 2003, Jalili 2013, Vogel 2005 The use of C. scoparius is contraindicated in cardiomyopathy.Duke 2003, Vogel 2005

CNS

Cytisine extracted from the plant seeds has been evaluated for activity in attenuating inflammation via inhibition of T-cell activity, and protection against decreased striatal dopamine tissue levels of relevance in Parkinson disease.Li 2013 However, sparteine caused neuronal cell death in rodent experiments.Flores-Soto 2006

Broom side effects

The use of C. scoparius is contraindicated in cardiomyopathy. Hypertension, bradycardia, tachycardia, and diuresis have been described.Duke 2003, Vogel 2005

Before taking Broom

Avoid use. There are documented adverse effects; broom contains sparteine, a powerful oxytocic compound.Ernst 2002, Newall 1996

How to use Broom

There is no recent clinical evidence to guide dosing. Traditional dosing used 1 tsp of the chopped flower shoots in water 3 to 4 times a day or 1 to 1.5 g of the dried herb. Extracts and tinctures have also been prepared.Blumenthal 2000, Duke 2003

Warnings

Smoking broom cigarettes may pose a number of health hazards. Sparteine is an oily liquid that vaporizes readily when heated, and large amounts may be inhaled through broom cigarettes. Toxic effects include weakness, blurred vision, loss of coordination, dysrhythmias, nausea, and vomiting.Duke 2003, Flores-Soto 2006 The constituent, sparteine, caused neuronal cell death in rodent experiments.Flores-Soto 2006 Long-term use of sparteine has been associated with twitching and hyperreflexia, dysphagia, and pyramidal signs.Flores-Soto 2006 The plant is considered toxic to livestock.

What other drugs will affect Broom

Theoretically, do not use broom with monoamine oxidase inhibitors and cardiovascular medicines.(Duke 2003)

CYP2D6 inhibitors (strong): CYP2D6 inhibitors (strong) may increase the serum concentration of broom. Specifically, the concentrations of sparteine, a constituent of broom, may be increased. Monitor therapy.(Bogni 2005, Brosen 1993, Brosen 1991, Gavilan 2019, Lohman 2001, Schellens 1991, Sindrup 1992, Wink 1984)

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