Butcher's broom (Ruscus aculeatus L.) rhizome dry extract containing 5% saponins Butcher's broom - Ruscusaculeatus L. - belongs to the Ruscaceae family. The butchers broom rhizome - Rusciaculeatirhizoma - is a herbal raw material, rich in steroid saponins (ruscin, ruscogenin, ruscoside), and also: flavonoids, phytosterols, triterpenes, coumarins, essential oil. Butcher's-broom products are used as a traditional medicinal agent alleviating the symptoms of discomfort and sensation of heaviness in legs, related to small venous circulation disorders, as well as itching and burning related to haemorrhoids. In cosmetics, butcher's broom is recommended for the vascular complexion, one prone to allergies, as well as acne complexion. Butcher's-broom rhizome is a pharmacopeial raw material (FP X 01/2011:1847) and has EMA community monograph (EMA/HMPC/261938/2007).