Rhamnus frangula Alder buckthorn (Rhamnaceae) Deciduous shrub

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Rhamnus frangula
Alder buckthorn
Deciduous shrub
(1 Page of 5)

The Rhamnus frangula plant species is found in Britain. It is a member of the Rhamnaceae family. Common gardeners may know the plant as Alder buckthorn. Some home gardeners know the variety as Frangula alnus. Mill.

Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

Latin Name:  Rhamnus frangula
Common Name:  Alder buckthorn
Family:  Rhamnaceae
Author:  L.

Known Hazards:  The plant is poisonous unless stored for 12 months before use[4, 19, 76]. This report is probably referring to the bark.

Mature Height:  5   Mature Width:  4

Habitat:  Swamps and damp places, usually on moist heaths and damp open woods, preferring a peaty soil[9, 17, 21].

Medicinal Information: 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].

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Cultivation | Propagation | General Uses
Medicinal | Edible Uses

The information above has been supplied solely via the hard work and dedication of the team at 'Plants for a Future'.
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