Traditional uses, chemistry and pharmacology of Ruscus genus (“Murd esfarm” in traditional Persian medicine); a review

Abstract

<strong>Background and objectives:</strong> <em>Ruscus </em>genus from Asparagaceae (popularly called Butcher`s broom) are perennial rhizomatous evergreen herbs and grows in Europe and south western Asia. They are generally used as anti-inflammatory, diaphoretic, diuretic, mildly laxative, and vasoconstrictive agents in many countries. <em>Ruscus hyrcanus </em>Woronov is widely distributed in north of Iran. It is known as “<em>Murd esfarm</em>" in Persian traditional medicine (TPM). Based on TPM, Iranian physicions applied “<em>Murd esfarm"</em> for various disorders such as epilepsy, diarrhea, expulsion of intestinal worms and for increasing milk secretion. This study aimed to identify “<em>Murd esfarm</em>" a drug used in TPM and develop its therapeutic aspects and introduce a novel species for treatment of chronic vein disease. <strong>Methods: </strong>This study was conducted using the electronic databases (<em>e.g</em>., Pubmed, Web of science) and important Iranian traditional medicine books such as the Canon of medicine, Makhzan-ol advie, Tuhfat al-Mu'minin. <strong>Results: </strong>Extracts of these plants were effective in increasing venous tone because of their anti-inflammatory and astringent properties, which is attributed to saponin glycosides. Ruscogenin and neoruscogenin are compounds that constrict and strengthen veins and promote circulation from the lower extremities in both species. <strong>Conclusion:</strong> <em>R. hyrcanus</em> is a unique species of <em>Ruscus</em> in Iran.Due to the similarity of the Butcher`s broom with the plant mentioned in TPM books, this species can be used for the treatment of many diseases related to vascular insufficiency, including varicose veins and hemorrhoids.