Overview

European buckthorn (Rhamnus cathartica) is a plant native to Europe, Africa, and Asia. It also grows in North America. Its berries are used as medicine.

European buckthorn contains chemicals that have laxative effects.

People sometimes use European buckthorn for constipation. It is also used for other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Don't confuse European buckthorn with alder buckthorn, sea buckthorn, or Cascara sagrada (California buckthorn). These are not the same.



Uses & Effectiveness

We currently have no information for European Buckthorn overview.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: European buckthorn is possibly unsafe when used for more than a few days. It can lower blood levels of potassium, needed for the heart and muscle to work properly. Side effects might also include stomach pain, cramps, and watery diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European buckthorn is safe to use short-term.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: European buckthorn is possibly unsafe when used for more than a few days. It can lower blood levels of potassium, needed for the heart and muscle to work properly. Side effects might also include stomach pain, cramps, and watery diarrhea. There isn't enough reliable information to know if European buckthorn is safe to use short-term.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: European buckthorn is likely unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Avoid use.

Children: European buckthorn is likely unsafe when taken by mouth in children younger than 12 years-old. Avoid use.

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

Interactions

    Moderate Interaction

    Be cautious with this combination

  • Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with European Buckthorn

    European buckthorn is a type of laxative. Using European buckthorn in high doses or long-term can increase the adverse effects of cardiac glycosides, including digoxin.

  • Warfarin (Coumadin) interacts with European Buckthorn

    European buckthorn is a laxative and can cause diarrhea. Diarrhea can increase the effects of warfarin and increase the risk of bleeding. If you take warfarin do not take excessive amounts of European buckthorn.

  • Water pills (Diuretic drugs) interacts with European Buckthorn

    European buckthorn is a laxative. Some laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. "Water pills" can also decrease potassium levels. Taking European buckthorn along with "water pills" might make potassium levels drop too low.

  • Stimulant laxatives interacts with European Buckthorn

    European buckthorn is a type of laxative called a stimulant laxative. Stimulant laxatives can cause diarrhea and decrease potassium levels. Taking European buckthorn with other stimulant laxatives might cause more diarrhea and very low potassium levels.

Dosing

There isn't enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of European buckthorn might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using.
View References

You Might Also Like

PBC Stages and What to Expect
Side Effects From aHUS Treatment
Lifestyle Changes to Manage PBC Effectively
Is It PBC? Signs Your Liver Could Be in Trouble
View More
Show More Show Less

CONDITIONS OF USE AND IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This information is meant to supplement, not replace advice from your doctor or healthcare provider and is not meant to cover all possible uses, precautions, interactions or adverse effects. This information may not fit your specific health circumstances. Never delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice from your doctor or other qualified health care provider because of something you have read on WebMD. You should always speak with your doctor or health care professional before you start, stop, or change any prescribed part of your health care plan or treatment and to determine what course of therapy is right for you.

This copyrighted material is licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. Information from this source is evidence-based and objective, and without commercial influence. For professional medical information on natural medicines, see Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database Professional Version.
Licensed from Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Copyright © 1995-2025 by Therapeutic Research Center, LLC. All Rights Reserved.