Scotch broom (Cytisus scoparius Linn.) herb and flower, Sparteine
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| Scotch broom herb and flower, Sparteine |
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- Scotch broom ( Cytisus scoparius ), also referred to as broom, is a perennial woody plant native to Europe. The species was introduced as a garden ornamental to North America and now is common across western Canada and California. Scotch broom plants grow up to 10 feet tall with sharply angled branches off the main stem, trifoliate leaves, and bright yellow small flowers. Scotch broom spreads quickly and aggressively at the expense of other plants and trees and is often considered a pest.
- Both the flower and herb of scotch broom have been used medicinally. There is very little available scientific evidence about the efficacy or safety of this plant, and most conclusions come from knowledge of its constituents or from traditional use. There is particular concern about the potential toxicity of scotch broom due to the presence of small amounts of the toxic alkaloids sparteine and isosparteine, which are found in both the flowers and herb (above-ground parts). Sparteine has known effects on the electrical conductivity of heart muscle and can potentially cause dangerous heart rhythms or interact with cardiac drugs. Sparteine is also known to cause uterine contractions and should be avoided during pregnancy. Life-threatening adverse effects have been associated with sparteine and therefore scotch broom should be used only under strict medical supervision.
- Bannal, basam, Besenginaterkraut, besom, bissom, bream, broom, broom tops, broomtops, browme, brum, common broom, Cystisi scoparii flos, Cystisus scoparius , Cytsus scoprfus , English broom, European broom, genet a balais, Genista andreana , Genista scoparius (Lam.), Ginsterkraut, greem broom, herba spartii scoparii, herbe de genet a balais, herbe de genistae scopariae , herbe de hogweed, hogweed, Irish broom, Irish tops, sarothamni herb, Sarothamnus scoparius (Koch), Sarothamnus vulgaris , Scoparii cacumina , scopari herba, scotch broom top, scotchbroom, sparteine, Spartium scoparium Linn., sumidad de retma de escobas.
- Family: Fabaceae/Leguminosae/Papilionaceae.
- Note: Not to be confused with Spanish broom ( Spartium junceum ), which has been associated with severe toxicity, or Butcher's broom ( Ruscus aculeatus ).
These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
| Uses based on scientific evidence | Grade* |
| Cardiovascular conditions
Scotch broom herb has been taken by mouth traditionally for a variety of conditions related to the heart or blood circulation. These include abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias), fast heart rate (tachycardia), swelling in the legs (peripheral edema), water in the lungs (pulmonary edema, congestive heart failure), and low blood pressure (hypotension). Scotch broom flower has been taken by mouth traditionally for tachycardia and to reduce leg swelling by increasing urination (diuretic), as well as for damage to the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and for poor circulation. There is a scientific basis for some of these uses, due to the presence in scotch broom herb and flower of small amounts of the alkaloid sparteine. Sparteine may affect the electrical conductivity of heart muscle (similar to type 1A antiarrhythmic drugs such as quinidine). However, there is limited evidence in humans and it is not clear if sparteine found in the plant form has clinically meaningful effects. These potential properties of scotch broom may be dangerous in individuals with heart disease or taking cardiac medications. People with cardiovascular disorders should be evaluated and supervised by a licensed healthcare professional.
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| Diuretic (increased urine flow)
Scotch broom preparations, particularly those made from the flower, have been used traditionally as diuretics (to increase urination). Diuretic effects have been attributed by some to the constituent scoparin or scoparoside. There is insufficient scientific evidence at this time to form clear conclusions about safety or efficacy in humans.
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| Labor induction (oxytocic)
Scotch broom herb has been used historically to stimulate uterine contractions at birth and to reduce post-partum hemorrhage (bleeding after birth). There is a scientific basis of this use, due to the presence in scotch broom of small amounts of the alkaloid sparteine, which was studied and used through the 1970s as an oxytocic drug (to induce labor). This use was discontinued due to serious toxicities associated with sparteine. Currently, other drugs such as oxytocin (Pitocin®) are used for this purpose. The safety and efficacy of scotch broom preparations in labor are not well studied or established. Women who may require labor induction should be evaluated and supervised by a physician.
| C |
*Key to grades
A: Strong scientific evidence for this use;
B: Good scientific evidence for this use;
C: Unclear scientific evidence for this use;
D: Fair scientific evidence against this use;
F: Strong scientific evidence against this use.
Grading rationale
Uses based on tradition or theory
The below uses are based on tradition or scientific theories. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.
Abscess, angina, astringent, beer flavor, bladder disorders, bleeding gums, blood cleansing, bronchitis, cancer, cathartic, coagulation (bleeding) disorders, congestive heart failure, diphtheria, emetic (vomiting inducer), euphoria (when smoked in cigarettes), food flavoring, gallstones, gout, hemophilia, hypertension, inflammation, intoxication, jaundice, kidney inflammation, kidney stones, lice, liver disorders, menorrhagia (excessive menstruation), muscle ache, nausea, postpartum hemorrhage, relaxation (when smoked in cigarettes), rheumatic disorders, sciatica, splenomegaly (enlarged spleen), snake bite, toothache.
The below doses are based on scientific research, publications, traditional use, or expert opinion. Many herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested, and safety and effectiveness may not be proven. Brands may be made differently, with variable ingredients, even within the same brand. The below doses may not apply to all products. You should read product labels, and discuss doses with a qualified healthcare provider before starting therapy.
Adults (18 years and older)
- It is not clear what dose(s) of scotch broom are safe or effective for any medical condition, and use should only be under medical supervision. Storage of the flower or herb should be in a cool, dry location.
- A juice has been made by pressing the bruised, fresh tops and adding one-third volume alcohol, allowing it to sit for seven days, followed by filtration, and taken daily as needed. An infusion has been made by adding 1 ounce of dried tops to a pint of boiling water (or 1 teaspoon in 200 milliliters boiling water) and taken as a cup-full once or twice daily as needed.
- As a tea, 1-2 grams (1 level teaspoon) of herb can be steeped in 150-200 milliters of boiling water, then strained after 5-10 minutes and taken as a cup-full, up to three times daily as needed. As a decoction, 1-2 grams of herb have been used in preparations. As a liquid extract, a 1:1 preparation in 25% ethanol (v/v) has been prepared and taken as 1-2 milliliters as needed. As a tincture, a 1:5 preparation in 45% ethanol (v/v) has been taken at a dose of 0.5-2 milliliters daily. The herb may also be available as an aqueous-ethanol preparation (1:1:5) or as an aqueous essential oil extract.
Children (younger than 18 years)
- Avoid due to potentially life-threatening toxicity.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration does not strictly regulate herbs and supplements. There is no guarantee of strength, purity or safety of products, and effects may vary. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy. Consult a healthcare provider immediately if you experience side effects.
Allergy
- Avoid if hypersensitive to scotch broom or any of its constituents, including sparteine.
Side Effects and Warnings
- Scotch broom contains sparteine and alkaloid with anti-arrhythmic properties and potential cardiac toxicity (reported as similar to class 1A antiarrhythmics such as quinidine). Blood pressure changes and circulatory collapse may occur with large doses taken in any form, including by mouth or smoked in cigarettes. There is a possibility of abnormal heart rhythms, heart attack, and worsening of heart failure. Therefore, use of this herb should only be under medical supervision and extreme caution is warranted in individuals with a history of heart disease, abnormal heart rhythms, high blood pressure, or those taking heart medications.
- High doses of scotch broom taken by mouth may cause toxicity symptoms including dizziness, headache, weakness, fatigue, sleepiness, blurry vision, sweating, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal distress, diarrhea and confusion. When smoked in cigarette form, headache, confusion, relaxation, and euphoria may occur. Driving or operating heavy machinery should be avoided. Smoking cigarettes containing scotch broom carries a risk of inhalation of fungal contaminants (aspergillus), with a possibility of resulting fungal pneumonia.
- Topical (skin) use may cause irritation due to the presence of saponins.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
- Scotch broom should be avoided during pregnancy. Scotch broom contains the alkaloid sparteine, which is known to cause uterine contractions, and carries a risk of inducing abortion (abortifacient properties).
- Scotch broom should be avoided during breastfeeding due to insufficient evidence and a hypothetical risk of serious toxicity.
Most herbs and supplements have not been thoroughly tested for interactions with other herbs, supplements, drugs, or foods. The interactions listed below are based on reports in scientific publications, laboratory experiments, or traditional use. You should always read product labels. If you have a medical condition, or are taking other drugs, herbs, or supplements, you should speak with a qualified healthcare provider before starting a new therapy.
Interactions with Drugs
- Scotch broom contains the alkaloid sparteine, which may affect cardiac conductivity. Use in individuals taking other heart medications that affect heart rhythm such as digoxin, beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, or other antiarrhythmics may be hazardous and should be avoided unless under strict medical supervision.
- Scotch broom contains the alkaloid sparteine, which can potentially increase (or decrease) blood pressure. Use is not recommended in patients with a history of abnormal blood pressure or taking blood pressure medications.
- Scotch broom contains the toxic alkaloid sparteine, which is metabolized (broken down) by the liver's cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) isoenzyme system. Therefore, drugs that inhibit CYP2D6 can increase the potential toxicity of scotch broom, including a risk of life-threatening adverse events such as cardiovascular collapse. This includes the drugs amiodarone, celecoxib, chlorpheniramine, cimetidine, clomipramine, cocaine, doxorubicin, halofantrine, haloperidol, methadone, mibefradil, meclobemide, nefazodone, quinidine, ranitidine, ritonavir, terbinafine, venlafaxine, and multiple antidepressants in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, particularly fluoxetine and paroxetine. In particular, the drug haloperidol (Haldol®) has been shown to increase blood levels of sparteine.
- Scotch broom contains small amounts of tyramine, which can lead to hypertensive crisis in individuals taking MAOI drugs. Therefore, this combination should be avoided. MAOI drugs include Isocarboxazid (Marplan®), phenelzine (Nardil®), and tranylcypromine (Parnate®).
Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements
- Scotch broom contains the alkaloid sparteine, which can potentially decrease or increase blood pressure. Use is not recommended in patients with a history of abnormal blood pressure or taking agents with significant effects on blood pressure.
- Herbs with potential effects on heart rhythm similar to digoxin may pose a risk of heart block or abnormal cardiac rhythms when used with scotch broom, which contains the cardioactive constituent sparteine.
- Scotch broom contains the toxic alkaloid sparteine, which is metabolized (broken down) by the liver's cytochrome P450 2D6 (CYP2D6) isoenzyme system. Therefore, herbs that inhibit CYP2D6 can increase the potential toxicity of scotch broom, including a risk of life-threatening adverse events such as cardiovascular collapse.
- Scotch broom contains small amounts of tyramine, which can lead to hypertensive crisis in individuals taking MAOI agents. Therefore, this combination should be avoided.
- This patient information is based on a systematic review edited and peer-reviewed by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Ethan Basch, MD (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center); Dawn Costa, BA, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Cynthia Dacey, PharmD (Northeastern University); Catherine DeFranco Kirkwood, MPH, CCCJS-MAC (MD Anderson Cancer Center); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).
Methodology details
- Dipont M. [Effects of sparteine on uterus contractility during labor]. Ginekol Pol 1971;42(5):657-663.
- Eichelbaum M, Spannbrucker N, Dengler HJ. Influence of the defective metabolism of sparteine on its pharmacokinetics. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 1979;16(3):189-194.
- Gram LF, Debruyne D, Caillard V, et al. Substantial rise in sparteine metabolic ratio during haloperidol treatment. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1989;27(2):272-275.
- Jusiak L, Soczewinski E, Waksmundzki A. Analysis of alkaloid extract of broom (Cystisus scoparius) by chromatography on wet buffered paper and countercurrent distribution. Acta Pol Pharm 1967;24(6):619-624.
- Kolodziejski J, Gill S, Lucziewicz I. [Localization of sparteine in Cytisus scoparius link. (Sarothamnus scoparius L. Wimm.) during the vegetation stage.]. Acta Pol Pharm 1964;21:501-508.
- Lacinova L. [Sparteine and tedisamil inhibit chloride channels in pulmonary epithelial cells isolated from patients with cystic fibrosis]. Bratisl Lek Listy 1992;93(8):411-414.
- Magnin P, Charrier J, Chapuis Y. [Importance of sparteine in directed labor]. Presse Med 1968;76(18):859-860.
- Mangin P, Kintz P, Tracqui A, et al. A fatal ingestion of sparteine and meprobamate: medicolegal and toxicological data. Acta Med Leg Soc (Liege) 1989;39(1):385-388.
- Mendel EB. Oxytocin and sparteine in the conduct of the third and fourth stages of labor. South Med J 1970;63(2):193.
- Mendel EB, Buring DM. Use of oxytocin and sparteine in postpartum hemorrhage caused by uterine atony. Tex Med 1972;68(4):101-103.
- Raschack M. [Actions of sparteine and sparteine derivatives on the heart and circulation]. Arzneimittelforschung 1974;24(5):753-759.
- Schellens JH, Soons PA, van der Wart JH, et al. Lack of pharmacokinetic interaction between nifedipine, sparteine and phenytoin in man. Br J Clin Pharmacol 1991;31(2):175-178.
- Thies PW. [Spartium and sparteine. Its antiarrhythmia action]. Pharm Unserer Zeit 1986;15(6):172-176.
- Veningerova M, Prachar V, Lukacsova M, et al. Rapid determination of sparteine and its metabolites in urine. J Chromatogr 1993;622(2):274-277.
January 01, 2008.
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This evidence-based monograph was prepared by the Natural Standard Research Collaboration. The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. Talk to your health care provider before taking any prescription or over the counter drugs (including any herbal medicines or supplements) or following any treatment or regimen. Copyright© 2009 Natural Standard (www.naturalstandard.com). All Rights Reserved.
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