Cytisus scoparius, Broom
An arching shrub with fragrant yellow flowers long used for fluid retention and arthritic complaints.
scientific name Cytisus scoparius (L.) Link. previously known as Sarothamnus scoparius
family Fabaceae
alternate names Common broom, Scotch broom
parts used Flowering shoots
Broom with flowering shoots
Description
Broom is a deciduous shrub growing to 2m tall by 1.5m wide. It has alternate leaves and produces fragrant yellow pea-like flowers between May and June. The flowers are pollinated by bees and the fuzzy seed pods explode when ripe.
Habitat
Broom is found throughout Europe on sandy heaths and acidic soils.
Related plants
Spanish broom (Spartium junceum) has similar medicinal effects but is more active and toxic to the heart and likely to cause nausea, vomiting and purging. C. villosus or hairy broom from the southern Mediterranean may be worth considering in warmer areas.
Cultivation and harvest
Cultivation
Broom is hardy to USDA zone 5 (UK zone 5). It does best in acid soils and in sun but tolerates some shade and maritime or polluted conditions. The plant dislikes root disturbance and should be planted out in its final position as soon as possible. Once established, the plants are drought tolerant, and can be used to help stabilise soil in sand dunes. Broom can be cut back and regenerates quickly from the base. Broom is a nitrogen fixer. It is considered a weed in forestry especially in pine and eucalyptus plantations, and is classified as invasive in a number of states in North America.
Pests and diseases
Generally pest-free but may suffer from gall mites.
Propagation
Fresh ripe seed can be sown direct in a cold frame in the autumn. Soak stored seed in hot water for 24 hours, followed by four weeks cold stratification. Softwood cuttings taken in July-August can root in 4-5 weeks.1 Cuttings of mature wood can be taken in October/November and placed in a cold frame. Layering can also be used.
Harvesting
The tips of flowering shoots are harvested in May and can be used fresh or dried for later use. The active ingredients break down in storage beyond 12 months.
Therapeutic use
Traditional
A decoction of twigs and tops was used traditionally for dropsy and arthritic complaints. ‘Salts of Broom’ (Sal Genistae) was made from the ashes of burnt tops infused in wine. Powdered seeds were also used to infuse a spirit which was taken for liver complaints and ague.
Medicinal actions and uses
Bitter, diuretic, emetic, hypertensive, peripheral vasoconstrictor, anti-oxidant, vermifuge, oxytocic.2 Broom has been used for fluid retention, heart complaints and reducing blood loss after childbirth, but dosage is somewhat uncertain due to variation in active constituents.
Clinical applications and research
A number of studies have shown ways that broom species extracts might be used clinically. Flavonoid and carotenoid-rich extracts from broom could have application in topical extracts to protect against oxidative damage from UV light radiation.3 Isoflavonoids in the leaf extract from a related broom species (C. striatus) have been shown to increase the effect of antibiotics against MRSA.4 Another related broom species (C. villosus) has been researched for extracts with monoamine oxidase inhibition effects which could have value in neurological degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s diseases.5
Sample preparations and dosage
Dried flowering tops 1-2g in infusion. Used as a tincture 0.5-2ml three times daily. This plant is best used with professional advice. A decoction of young twigs and leaves can be used as an insecticide.
Constituents and commerce
Key constituents
Contains flavonoids and alkaloids (including sparteine, a heart stimulant), and the glycoside scoparin which has diuretic effects.6
Commerce
Other than uses in dyeing and paper making, broom is largely cultivated as an ornamental plant.
Safety
Not for use in high blood pressure. Do not take in pregnancy since sparteine can cause the uterus to contract.
Other uses
Can be used for fibre and paper making. Used to stabilise sand dunes. Used in dyeing and tanning. Thatching roofs in Spain.
1 De la Bédoyère C. (2004) The Handbook of Native Trees and Shrubs: How to Plant and Maintain a Natural Woodland, London: New Holland, p59.
2 Barker (2001) section 145.
3 González N, Ribeiro D, Fernandes E, et al. (2013) Potential use of Cytisus scoparius extracts in topical applications for skin protection against oxidative damage. J Photochem Photobiol B 125: 83-89.
4 Abreu AC, Coqueiro A, Sultan AR, et al. (2017) Looking to nature for a new concept in antimicrobial treatments: Isoflavonoids from Cytisus striatus as antibiotic adjuvants against MRSA. Sci Rep 7: 3777.
5 Larit F, Elokely KM, Chaurasiya ND, et al. (2018) Inhibition of human monoamine oxidase A and B by flavonoids isolated from two Algerian medicinal plants. Phytomedicine 40: 27-36.
6 Busia (2016) vol 2, p164.