Scientific name: Cytisus scoparius

Common names: Broom Tops

Ayurvedic names:

Chinese names: Di Fu Zi

Bangladesh names: Bon dhonya

Arabic names:    الرتم (arratem)

Rain Forest names:

Family: Fabaceae

Approximate number of species known:

Common parts used: Flower, tops as a cathartic and diuretic, seed as a cathartic and emetic

Collection: Collected through the spring, summer and autumn

Annual/Perennial: Perennial

Height: 1 to 4 m

Actions:  Cardioactive, diuretic, hypertensive, peripheral vasoconstrcitor, astrigent

Known constituents:  Alkaloids: sparteine, cystistine; flavanoid glycosides, hydroxytryamine (what is it?) tannin, bitter principle, volatile oil

Constituents Explained:

Description: An attractive, evergreen shrub, it has bright green, almost leafless stems; erect green branches from which oval leaflets grow, with bright yellow pea-like flowers, much favored by butterflies, blooms in April to June. The height ranges from

3-10 feet and can be trimmed back after flowering for a more compact shape. Unlike gorse, with which it is sometimes confused, broom rarely sports any prickles. The fruit is a brownish-black, shaggy pod contains 12-18 seeds. Requires full sun, prefers poor soil with perfect drainage.

Traditional Use:

Used for the cardio vascular system, partciular when the heart appears weak, and for low blood pressure.  Seems to increase the effiency of each beat of the heart, and used when water retention appears to be from heart weakness.  Also used to curb the flow of excessive menstrual bleeding.

Has been used in conjunction with other herbs to help cleanse the urinary system.1

Has been used on head lice.

Clinical Studies:

Recent investigations have shown that the antioxidant properties of plants could be correlated with oxidative stress defense and different human diseases. In this respect flavonoids and other polyphenolic compounds have gained the greatest attention. 

The plant Cytisus scoparius contains the main constituent of flavone and flavonals. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the in vitro antioxidant activities of extract of aerial part of Cytisus scoparius.

The plant extract was tested for DPPH radical scavenging, nitric oxide radical scavenging, superoxide anion radical scavenging, hydroxyl radical scavenging, antilipid peroxidation assay, reducing power and total phenol content.

The extract exhibited scavenging potential. The results obtained in the present study indicate that hydro alcoholic extract of aerial part of Cytisus scoparius is a potential source of natural antioxidants.

References:

Sundararajan R, Haja NA, Venkatesan A, Mukherjee K, Saha BP, Brandyopahyay A, Mukherjee PK. “Cytisus Scoparius Link – A Natural Antioxidant.” 2006 March http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16542432