Alder Buckthorn Purchase & Information
Alternative Names
Arraclán, Alder Dogwood, Aulne Noir, Arrow Wood, Bois Noir, Black Dogwood, Bourdaine, Bois à Poudre, Buckthorn, Bourgène, Coudrier Noir, Dog Wood, Frangula, Frángula, Frangule, Frangulae Cortex, Glossy Buckthorn, Nerprun Noir, Nerprun Bourdaine, Rhubarbe des Paysans CAUTION: Please refer to separate listing for Cascara, Sea Buckthorn and European Buckthorn.
Scientific Name
Rhamnus Frangula
Why Do People Use Alder Buckthorn?
The oral consumption of alder buckthorn powder is used as a tonic, as a laxative and as a constituent in the Hoxsey cancer formula.
Is It Safe To Use?
Possibly Safe - Frangula alnus (Alder Buckthorn) is possibly safe when utilized appropriately and orally but it should be used not for more than 8-10 days. Its utilization should not be exceeded from the recommended dosage and duration. Also make sure to use appropriately aged bark.
Possibly Unsafe - Alder buckthorn powder is likely unsafe for more than 8-10 days oral consumption.
Possibly Unsafe in Lactation and Pregnancy - Its use is considered unsafe during breastfeeding and pregnancy. Therefore, pregnant or breastfeeding ladies should avoid the use of alder buckthorn powder.
Possibly unsafe for Children - Alder buckthorn is only safe for children more than 12 years old but likely unsafe for children under 12 years, when used orally.
How Effective Is Alder Buckthorn?
Regarding the effectiveness of Frangula alnus there is insufficient reliable information available.
How Alder Buckthorn Works?
Bark is the most effective part of Frangula alnus. Both anthraglycosides and diglycosides, constituents of alder buckthorn powder, are beneficial when utilized in large quantity. They can enhance intestinal motility by stimulating active chloride secretion, stimulating propulsive contractions, increasing electrolytes and water in the intestinal contents and inhibiting stationary contractions. The fresh bark consists of free anthrone, which is responsible for inducing severe vomiting. Usage of anthroid laxative is not related with increased risk of colorectal carcinoma or adenoma.
What Are The Side Effects /Adverse Reactions of Alder Buckthorn?
With oral consumption of alder buckthorn powder, cramp-like complaints have been reported in some individuals. Constant utilization can result in pseudomelanosis coli, which is not that harmful and typically goes away with discontinuation of the buckthorn but is not related with potential risk of developing carcinoma or colorectal adenocarcinoma. Abuse or constant use of the bark can promote hematuria, albuminuria and potassium depletion.
Potassium depletion can promote muscle weakness and diminished heart function. Improperly seasoned or fresh bark can result in serious vomiting because of the presence of athrone, an emetic present in Frangula alnus.
How Alder Buckthorn Interacts With Other Herbs and Supplements?
Horsetail - Theoretically, using alder buckthorn powder with horsetail could enhance the potential risk of potassium depletion.
Licorice - Theoretically, concomitant use of Frangula alnus with licorice could enhance the potential risk of potassium depletion.
Stimulant Laxative Herbs - Theoretically, alder buckthorn powder’s concomitant use with different stimulant laxative herbs could enhance the potential risk of potassium depletion. Such herbs include alder buckthorn, aloe, blue flag, black root, colocynth, butternut bark, gamboge, European buckthorn, greater bindweed, gossypol, manna, jalap, rhubarb, Mexican scammony root, yellow dock and senna as well.
How Alder Buckthorn Interacts With Drugs?
Corticosteroids - Interaction rating of corticosteroids and alder buckthorn is moderate so be careful of this mixture. Combined use of alder buckthorn powder and corticosteroids can increase the potential risk of potassium depletion.
Diuretic Drugs - Interaction rating of diuretic drugs and alder buckthorn is moderate so be careful of this mixture. Excessive dosage of Frangula alnus may multiply diuretic-induced potassium loss. There have been some cases where patients taking potassium depleting diuretics and alder buckthorn developed hypokalemia. Such diuretic drugs include chlorthalidone (Thalitone), chlorothiazide (Diuril), hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide, HydroDIURIL and HCTZ), furosemide (Lasix) and other herbs.
Oral Drugs - Interaction rating of oral drugs and alder buckthorn is moderate so be careful of this mixture. Alder buckthorn powder has the potential to decrease drugs absorption because of its ability to decrease gastrointestinal transfer time.
Stimulant Laxatives - Interaction rating of stimulant laxative and Frangula alnus is moderate so be careful of this mixture. Continuous consumption may exacerbate electrolyte and fluid loss.
Warfarin - Interaction rating of warfarin and alder buckthorn is moderate so be careful of this mixture. In some patients diarrhea is reported because of alder buckthorn powder. Disease like diarrhea could increase warfarin effects and enhance potential risks of bleeding in susceptible individuals. So, patients, who also are also using warfarin, should be recommended to discontinue excessive dosage of alder buckthorn.
How Alder Buckthorn Interacts With Foods?
Not known.
How Alder Buckthorn Interacts With Lab Tests?
Colorimetric Tests - Urine discoloration has also been observed after the consumption of alder buckthorn powder. Urine color changes into red, pink, orange, purple and rust. This problem occurs because of its anthraquinone content.
Potassium - Over dosage of Frangula alnus can cause decrease in the concentration of serum potassium, potassium depletion, and decreased test results.
How Alder Buckthorn Interacts With Diseases and Conditions?
GI Conditions - Alder buckthorn powder is contraindicated in individuals with abdominal stress of unknown origin, intestinal obstruction and also intestinal inflammation disorders, which includes Crohn's disease, appendicitis, ulcerative colitis also irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).
What Should Be the Dose/Administration of Alder Buckthorn?
For oral purposes, alder buckthorn’s normal dosage is 0.5 – 2.5 grams of tea or dried bark. Such tea is made by steeping 2 grams of herb in 150 mL hot boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes. The normal dosage of bark is 1 gram daily.
The average dosage in form of liquid extract (with ratio of 1:1 in 20% concentrated alcohol) is 2 to 5 mL thrice every day.
Comments
Do not mix alder buckthorn with European buckthorn. Now days buckthorn is utilized as dye.
General Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Specification sheet links below are a standard copy of the COA less the batch or lot number and manufactures dates. Specification sheet can be dated and should only be considered as a general information. Please contact and request an up to date COA if needed for specific updated information before placing order by filling out the contact form with product name and SKU number. If ordering quantities of twenty five kilos or more contact for availability.
