Viburnum Opulus Herb (Viburnum opulus): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Viburnum opulus work to relieve muscle spasms?

Viburnum opulus, commonly known as cramp bark, works primarily through its antispasmodic compounds. Viopudial acts as a smooth muscle relaxant by inhibiting calcium channels in muscle cells, reducing muscle contraction. Scopoletin provides additional antispasmodic activity, while salicin offers mild anti-inflammatory effects similar to aspirin. The tannins contribute astringent properties. This combination makes it effective for relaxing uterine and skeletal muscle spasms. Evidence level: C (preliminary pharmacological data and traditional use).

Does cramp bark interact with blood pressure medications?

Viburnum opulus may interact with antihypertensive medications due to its mild hypotensive properties. Combining cramp bark with blood pressure-lowering drugs could cause additive effects, potentially leading to excessively low blood pressure. The salicin content may also interact with anticoagulants like warfarin, similar to aspirin. Patients taking blood pressure medications, blood thinners, or antiplatelet drugs should consult a healthcare provider before using cramp bark. Evidence level: C (theoretical interactions based on pharmacological activity).

What is the recommended dosage for Viburnum opulus tincture?

The typical adult dosage for Viburnum opulus is 5-10ml of tincture taken three times daily, or 2-4 grams of dried bark prepared as a tea. For acute menstrual cramps, the higher end of the tincture dosage range is commonly used. Dried bark should be steeped for 10-15 minutes to extract active compounds. Dosage should be adjusted based on individual response under guidance from a qualified herbalist. Evidence level: C (traditional use and expert consensus).

Is cramp bark safe to take during pregnancy?

Viburnum opulus is considered unsafe during pregnancy and should be avoided. The herb's antispasmodic and uterine-relaxing properties could interfere with normal uterine function during pregnancy. Additionally, the salicin content poses risks similar to aspirin, which is generally contraindicated in pregnancy due to potential effects on fetal development and bleeding risks. Women who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding should not use cramp bark. Evidence level: C (traditional contraindication).

What is Viburnum opulus used for in herbal medicine?

Viburnum opulus, commonly called cramp bark, is primarily used for relieving menstrual cramps and muscle spasms. European and Native American folk medicine traditions have long employed this herb as a powerful antispasmodic for uterine and skeletal muscle tension. It is also used for hypertension due to its mild blood pressure-lowering effects. The bark contains active compounds including viopudial, scopoletin, and salicin that help relax smooth muscle tissue. Evidence level: C (traditional use with preliminary clinical support).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Viburnum opulus, also known as Guelder rose or Gilaburu, is a deciduous shrub with antioxidant and medicinal properties used in traditional medicine [PMID:33167421, PMID:38280176].

Contexte

Viburnum opulus is a deciduous shrub found in Europe, Russia, North Africa, and North Asia [PMID:33167421]. It is utilized as a decorative, food, and medicinal plant [PMID:33167421].

Usages traditionnels

Traditionally used to treat cough, colds, tuberculosis, rheumatic aches, ulcers, stomach and kidney problems [PMID:33167421]. In Türkiye, it is used ethnobotanically for kidney stones, stomach, heart, liver diseases, hemorrhages, hypertension, ulcers, common cold, tuberculosis, rheumatic and menstrual pain, and diabetes [PMID:38128893].

Composés actifs

The plant contains phenolic compounds, including flavonoids and phenolic acids (notably chlorogenic acid, gallic acid, vanillic acid, protocatechuic acid, and ferulic acid) [PMID:33167421, PMID:36903530, PMID:37893661, PMID:35630596]. Other components include carotenoids, organic acids (acetic, citric, succinic, and malic), iridoids, quercetin and (epi)catechin derivatives, flavalignans, procyanidins, and anthocyanins [PMID:31321622, PMID:37893661, PMID:33036189].

Mécanisme d'action

V. opulus exhibits antioxidant activity and inhibits $\alpha$-amylase and $\alpha$-glucosidase enzymes [PMID:33167421, PMID:35630596]. It has demonstrated the ability to inhibit arginase activity and induce endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation in rat aortic rings [PMID:31437471]. In cell studies, it downregulates PPAR$\gamma$, C/EBP$\alpha$, and SREBP-1c to inhibit adipogenesis [PMID:32640537].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BDistal ureteral calculi ($\le$10 mm)

Viburnum opulus extract (1000 mg peroral 3 $\times$ 2) was found to be as effective as Tamsulosin (0.4 mg peroral 1 $\times$ 1) in terms of stone expulsion rates and time until expulsion [PMID:34610178].

Preuve CPremenstrual Syndrome (PMS)

Used as a botanical supplement, though rigorous clinical trials have not been performed [PMID:27677719].

Sécurité et effets indésirables

In subacute oral toxicity tests in mice, doses of 2000 mg/kg for 28 days resulted in significantly high platelet counts and toxicity to the kidney, liver, and adipose tissue [PMID:37783419]. Acute tests in rats showed no clinical signs of toxicity or mortality at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg [PMID:37783419].

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro and in vivo animal studies (Level D) and reviews (Level C), with one randomized controlled trial (Level B) supporting its use in medical expulsive therapy for ureteral stones.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 27677719 (2016) — Botanicals and Their Bioactive Phytochemicals for Women's Health. · Pharmacological reviews
2.PMID: 33167421 (2020) — Viburnum opulus L.-A Review of Phytochemistry and Biological Effects. · Nutrients
3.PMID: 38280176 (2024) — Fruits of Wild-Grown Shrubs for Health Nutrition. · Plant foods for human nutrition (Dordrecht, Netherlands)
4.PMID: 36903530 (2023) — Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids Content in Cultivation and Wild Collection of European Cranberry Bush Viburnum opulus L. · Molecules (Basel, Switzerland)
5.PMID: 32640537 (2020) — Viburnum opulus L. Juice Phenolics Inhibit Mouse 3T3-L1 Cells Adipogenesis and Pancreatic Lipase Activity. · Nutrients

Viburnum Opulus Herb

Sources et citations

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