Buckthorn – Rhamnus frangula

Buckthorn is a shrub native to European hedges and damp woodlands. Its bark, rich in anthraquinones, is used in decoctions in ancient practices. It requires prior stabilization to eliminate irritating compounds present in the fresh state.

Description

Fragments of reddish-brown to dark brown bark, cut and dried. The stabilized bark has a subtle woody odor, without a pungent odor. Dry, slightly fibrous texture.

Nomenclature

• Common names: Buckthorn, alder buckthorn
• Latin name: Rhamnus frangula
• Family: Rhamnaceae
• Part used: Bark
• Form: Cut, dried and stabilized
• Origin: Europe, temperate Asia
• English name: Alder buckthorn bark
• German name: Faulbaumrinde
• Name in Spanish: Corteza de frángula
• Name in Italian: Corteccia di frangola
• Name in Arabic: لحاء النبق الأوروبي (Laḥā' an-Nabaq al-Urūbbī)

Main virtues

Traditionally used in decoctions for digestive purposes, stabilized buckthorn bark is used in medicinal preparations intended for occasional and controlled use.

Main constituents

Anthracene glycosides (franguline), tannins, resins, aromatic compounds.

Use and dosage

• Decoction (for professionals only): 2 to 4 g per 250 ml of water, boil for 10 minutes, then filter. Use only on medical advice.
• Official use: in magistral preparations or regulated herbal medicine.

Precautions, side effects and contraindications

• Regulated plant – never use fresh or unstabilized.
• Do not use in pregnant or breastfeeding women or in children.
• Not recommended for prolonged use or self-medication.
• May cause digestive upset if overdosed or not properly prepared.

History and origin

Already known to herbalists in the Middle Ages, buckthorn was used for its "gentle purgative" properties once the bark was thoroughly dried. It is one of the species monitored, but still present in European pharmacopoeias under strict conditions.

Miscellaneous information

• Storage: in an airtight container, away from light and humidity.
• Packaging: opaque bag, metal box or tinted glass jar.
• Appearance: Reddish-brown to dark brown fibrous bark fragments.
• Odor: sweet, woody, no pungent odor (if stabilized).

Sources and references

• Pl@ntUse – https://uses.plantnet-project.org
• French Pharmacopoeia – List of regulated plants
• EMA Monographs – European Medicines Agency
• Herbalism and Traditions of Western Europe

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