Background

European buckthorn is an herb. The berries are used to make medicine.

People take European buckthorn for constipation.

Safety Safety definitions

When taken by mouth: European buckthorn is POSSIBLY SAFE when standardized preparations are used for up to 8-10 days. Standardized preparations of European buckthorn have a measured and consistent amount of active ingredients. It is POSSIBLY UNSAFE to use these preparations for more than 10 days. The use of non-standardized preparations is LIKELY UNSAFE.

European buckthorn can cause some side effects such as stomach cramps, watery diarrhea, discolored urine, muscle weakness, heart problems, and blood in the urine.

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Children: European buckthorn is UNSAFE in children younger than 12 years old. Do not give it to them.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: European buckthorn is UNSAFE if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Stomach pain or intestinal problems such as obstruction, appendicitis, Crohn's disease, irritable bowel syndrome, or ulcerative colitis: Don't use European buckthorn if you have any of these conditions.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

• For constipation: Traditionally, one cup of the tea is taken in the evening and, if needed, in the morning and afternoon. The tea is prepared by steeping 2-4 grams of the European buckthorn fruit in 150 mL boiling water for 10-15 minutes and then straining. The smallest amount needed to create a soft stool should be used. Stop using European buckthorn if diarrhea or watery stools occur. Don't use European buckthorn for more than 8 to 10 days. Resort to using European buckthorn only after changing your diet or taking a bulk-forming laxative fails to relieve constipation.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Interaction Rating=Major Do not take this combination.

European buckthorn is high in fiber. Fiber can decrease the absorption and decrease the effectiveness of digoxin (Lanoxin). As a general rule, any medications taken by mouth should be taken one hour before or four hours after European buckthorn to prevent this interaction.

Stimulant laxatives

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

European buckthorn is a type of laxative. Laxatives speed up the bowels. Taking European buckthorn along with stimulant laxatives could speed up the bowels too much and cause dehydration and low minerals in the body.Some stimulant laxatives include bisacodyl (Correctol, Dulcolax), cascara, castor oil (Purge), senna (Senokot) and others.

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

European buckthorn can work as a laxative. In some people European buckthorn can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not to take excessive amounts of European buckthorn.

Water pills (Diuretic drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

European buckthorn is a laxative. Some laxatives can decrease potassium in the body. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium in the body. Taking European buckthorn along with "water pills" might decrease potassium in the body too much.

Some "water pills" that can decrease potassium include chlorothiazide (Diuril), chlorthalidone (Thalitone), furosemide (Lasix), hydrochlorothiazide (HCTZ, HydroDiuril, Microzide), and others.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides: Using European buckthorn along with herbs that contain chemicals called cardiac glycosides can harm the heart. Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, Canadian hemp roots, digitalis leaf, hedge mustard, figwort, lily of the valley roots, motherwort, pheasant's eye plant, pleurisy root, squill bulb leaf scales, strophanthus seeds, and uzara. Avoid this combination.
Horsetail: There is a concern that using European buckthorn berry along with horsetail increases the chance that the body will lose too much potassium. Avoid this combination.
Licorice: There is a concern that using European buckthorn berry along with licorice increases the chance that the body will lose too much potassium. Avoid this combination.
Stimulant laxative herbs: European buckthorn is a stimulant laxative. There is a concern that using European buckthorn berry along with other stimulant laxative herbs might increase the chance that the body will lose too much potassium. Avoid this combination. Other stimulant laxative herbs are aloe, alder buckthorn, black root, blue flag, butternut bark, colocynth, fo-ti, gamboge, gossypol, greater bindweed, jalap, manna, Mexican scammony root, rhubarb, senna, and yellow dock.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.

Action

European buckthorn contains chemicals that stimulate the gut to relieve constipation.