The Basics
What is Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana?
A tea containing sea buckthorn leaves is used as a source of vitamins, antioxidants, amino acids, fatty acids and minerals; for improving blood pressure and lowering cholesterol; preventing and controlling blood vessel diseases; and boosting immunity.
Brand names for Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana
N/A
How Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana is classified
Cathartics, Complementary Therapies, Gastrointestinal Agents, Phytotherapy, Plants, Medicinal
Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana During Pregnancy
Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana pregnancy category
Category N/ANote that the FDA has deprecated the use of pregnancy categories, so for some medications, this information isn’t available. We still think it’s useful to list historical info, however, given what a common proxy this has been in the past.
What we know about taking Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana while pregnant
N/A
Taking Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana While Breastfeeding
What are recommendations for lactation if you're taking Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana?
The bark, stems and leaves of European buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) contain anthraquinones that have potent cathartic properties. (Do not confuse these products with sea buckthorn [Hippophae rhamnoides]). Maternal intake of the cathartic buckthorn products might cause loose stools in breastfed infants and their use should be avoided.[1][2][3][4] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.
Maternal / infant drug levels
The bark, stems and leaves of European buckthorn (Rhamnus catharticus), alder buckthorn (Rhamnus frangula) and California buckthorn (Rhamnus purshiana) contain anthraquinones that have potent cathartic properties. (Do not confuse these products with sea buckthorn [Hippophae rhamnoides]). Maternal intake of the cathartic buckthorn products might cause loose stools in breastfed infants and their use should be avoided.[1][2][3][4] Dietary supplements do not require extensive pre-marketing approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Manufacturers are responsible to ensure the safety, but do not need to prove the safety and effectiveness of dietary supplements before they are marketed. Dietary supplements may contain multiple ingredients, and differences are often found between labeled and actual ingredients or their amounts. A manufacturer may contract with an independent organization to verify the quality of a product or its ingredients, but that does not certify the safety or effectiveness of a product. Because of the above issues, clinical testing results on one product may not be applicable to other products.
Possible effects of Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana on milk supply
Relevant published information was not found as of the revision date.
Possible alternatives to Buckthorn / Rhamnus catharticus Rhamnus frangula Rhamnus purshiana
Bisacodyl, Magnesium Hydroxide, Senna.
List of References
Lactation sources: Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): National Library of Medicine (US); 2006-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK501922/1. Lewis JH, Weingold AB and the Committee of FDA-Related Matters, American College of Gastroenterology. The use of gastrointestinal drugs during pregnancy and lactation. Am J Gastroenterol. 1985;80:912-23. PMID: 2864852
2. Nice F, Coghlan RJ, Birmingham BT. Which herbals are safe to take while breastfeeding? Here’s a guide to popular herbs and their potential risk to nurslings. US Pharm. 2000;25.
3. Hardy ML. Women’s health series: herbs of special interest to women. J Am Pharm Assoc (Wash). 2000;40:234-42. PMID: 10730024
4. Kopec K. Herbal medications and breastfeeding. J Hum Lact. 1999;15:157-61. PMID: 10578793
5. Tyson RM, Shrader EA, Perlman HH. Drugs transmitted through breast milk. Part I: Laxatives. J Pediatr. 1937;11:824-32.
6. Duncan AS. Standardized senna as a laxative in the puerperium. A clinical assessment. Br Med J. 1957;1:439-41. PMID: 13396280
Disclaimer: This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult your healthcare provider with any questions.
