Active Ingredient Scotch Broom (cytisus Scoparius Linn.) Herb And Flower, Sparteine

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.

Source:

medlineplus herbs and supplements: scotch broom (cytisus scoparius linn.) herb and flower, sparteine

Medical Condition	Uses based on scientific evidence	Grade*
cardiovascular disease unspecified	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	c
failed medical or unspecified induction of labor	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	c
other nonspecific findings on examination of urine	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.	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.