Steroidal saponins are thought to be responsible for the medicinal actions of butcher’s broom.² These constituents are reported to improve the strength and tone of the veins and act as mild diuretics. They may also lead to constriction of the veins, which helps blood return from the extremities.^{3, 4} Butcher’s broom extracts also exert a mild anti-inflammatory effect.

Clinical trials, one double-blind, have confirmed the benefit of a combination of vitamin C, flavonoids, and butcher’s broom for treatment of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI).^{5, 6} In a comparison study, a product combining butcher’s broom extract, the flavonoid hesperidin, and vitamin C was more effective than a synthetic flavonoid product for treating CVI.⁷ A double-blind study, in which Butcher’s broom alone was used, has confirmed the beneficial effect of this herb in the treatment of CVI.⁸