C
COMMON BUCKTHORN (Rhamnus cathartica L.) +
Activities (Common Buckthorn) — Antitumor (1; FNF; HOX; PNC); Collyrium (f; DEM);
Depurative (f; HHB; MAD; PHR; PH2); Diuretic (f; EFS; HHB; MAD; PHR; PH2); Emetic (f;
EFS); Laxative (2; DEM; EFS; KOM; PNC); Peristaltic (f; PHR).
Indications (Common Buckthorn) — Anemia (f; MAD); Appendicitis (f; MAD); Asthma (f;
MAD); Cachexia (f; MAD); Cancer (1; FNF; HOX; JLH; PNC); Chlorosis (f; MAD); Colic (f;
MAD); Constipation (2; EFS; KOM; PHR; PH2; PNC); Diarrhea (f; MAD); Dropsy (f; MAD);
Exanthema (f; MAD); Gout (f; MAD); Hemorrhoid (2; KOM; PHR; PH2); Herpes (f; MAD); Itch
(f; DEM); Nausea (f; MAD); Obesity (f; MAD); Ophthalmia (f; DEM); Proctosis (f; PH2); Rheu-
matism (f; MAD); Sore (f; MAD); Stomatosis (f; MAD); Tumor (1; FNF; HOX; PNC); Uremia
(f; MAD); Water Retention (f; EFS; HHB; HH2; MAD; PHR; PH2).
Dosages (Common Buckthorn) — 0.6–5 g fruit. (HHB); 0–20 berries (MAD); 15–30 g juice;
children 0.5–1 tsp syrup (MAD); 4 g dry fruit/cup tea, 2–5 g drug/day corresponding to 20–30
mg hydroxyanthracene (calculated as glucofrangulin A) (PH2); 2–4 ml buckthorn berry syrup
(PNC).
Contraindications, Interactions, and Side Effects (Common Buckthorn) — Class 2b (AHP).
Commission E reports for fruit, contraindications, adverse effects, and interactions of anthranoid
laxatives (AEH). Contraindicated in obstruction of the bowel or intestines, acute inflammation of
the bowels as in appendicitis, colitis, and Crohn’s disease. Do not use if under 12 years of age, or
pregnant (KOM; PH2). See anthranoids in introductory section. Berry extract induce tumor necrosis
in mice (PNC).