Cytisi scoparii herba

Cytisi scoparii herba, also known as broomwort, is a drug monographed by Commission E, among others, which is used in herbal medicinal products. It is used for cardiovascular complaints.

CommissionE monograph: functional cardiovascular complaints

Empirical medicine: mild cardiac arrhythmia, cardiac insufficiency with reduced pulse, low blood pressure, circulatory regulation disorders

Cytisi scoparii herba contains quinolizidine alkaloids, the main alkaloid of which is sparteine (90%). It also contains cytisine, methylcytisine, tyramine and essential oils with furfural.

Cytisi scoparii herba is used for functional heart and circulation problems.

In case of existing hypertension and pregnancy, the patient should refrain from taking the medication.

Take aqueous-ethanolic extracts corresponding to a common daily dose of 1.0 to 1.5 g. The preparations contain a maximum of 1 mg/ml Spartein.

Occasionally headaches, dizziness or mydriasis may occur.

Due to the tyramine content, a blood pressure crisis can occur if MAO inhibitors are taken at the same time.

Broom broom flowers (Flores Spartii scoparii) have received a negative monograph as the efficacy was not sufficiently proven and possible interactions did not appear to justify therapeutic use. The use of the drug in tea mixtures with up to 1% is harmless.

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3. Nirmal J et al,(2008) Evaluation of behavioural and antioxidant activity of Cytisus scoparius link in rats exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress. BMC Complement Altern Med 8:15.
4. Weber RW (2009) Scotch broom, Cytisus scoparius. Ann Allergy Asthma Immunol 103:A4.
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