Alder Buckthorn

Rhamnus frangula

Physical Characteristics

Rhamnus frangula is a deciduous Shrub growing to 5 m (16ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 3. It is in flower from May to June, and the seeds ripen from September to November. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. It is noted for attracting wildlife. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist or wet soil.

Distribution

Europe, including Britain, from Scandanavia south and east to N. Africa, the Urals and Siberia.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; Dappled Shade; Shady Edge; Hedge; Bog Garden;

Edible Uses

None known

Medicinal Uses

Aperient Cathartic Cholagogue Laxative Purgative Tonic Vermifuge Alder buckthorn has been used medicinally as a gentle laxative since at least the Middle Ages[244]. The bark contains 3 - 7% anthraquinones, these act on the wall of the colon stimulating a bowel movement approximately 8 - 12 hours after ingestion[254]. It is so gentle and effective a treatment when prescribed in the correct dosages that it is completely safe to use for children and pregnant women[244]. The bark also contains anthrones and anthranols, these induce vomiting but the severity of their effect is greatly reduced after the bark has been dried and stored for a long time[254]. The bark is harvested in early summer from the young trunk and moderately sized branches, it must then be dried and stored for at least 12 months before being used[4, 238] The inner bark is cathartic, cholagogue, laxative (the fresh bark is violently purgative), tonic, vermifuge[4, 9, 13, 21, 165]. It is taken internally as a laxative for chronic atonic constipation and is also used to treat abdominal bloating, hepatitis, cirrhosis, jaundice, and liver and gall bladder complaints[238]. It should be used with caution since excess doses or using the bark before it is cured can cause violent purging[9, 21]. Externally, the bark is used to treat gum diseases and scalp infestations[238], or as a lotion for minor skin irritations[244]. The fruit is occasionally used, it is aperient without being irritating[4]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Rhamnus frangula for constipation (see [302] for critics of commission E).

Known Hazards

The plant is poisonous unless stored for 12 months before use[4, 19, 76]. This report is probably referring to the bark. Do not use in cases of intestinal obstruction, stenosis, atony, inflammatory colon disease, appendicitis, abdominal pain of unknown origin. Avoid long-term use. Two weeks recommended under medical supervision [301].