Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)

Category

Herbs & Supplements

Synonyms

American guelder-rose, Caprifoliaceae (family), common guelder-rose, cranberry tree, European cranberry bush, guelder rose, pembina, proanthocyanidins, snowball tree, Viburnum opulus, Viburnum opulus L., Viburnum prunifolium L., viopudial.

Background

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is native to Europe, northern Africa, and northern Asia. It has been used throughout the world as an ornamental plant. The bark has traditionally been used for cramps, including menstrual cramps and cramping associated with arthritis. Interestingly, a laboratory study found that viopudial isolated from Viburnum opulus had antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle. However, there is currently insufficient available evidence in humans to support the use of cramp bark for any indication.

Evidence

DISCLAIMER: These uses have been tested in humans or animals. Safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider.

Tradition

WARNING: DISCLAIMER: The below uses are based on tradition, scientific theories, or limited research. They often have not been thoroughly tested in humans, and safety and effectiveness have not always been proven. Some of these conditions are potentially serious, and should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare provider. There may be other proposed uses that are not listed below.
Allergies, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antispasmodic, arthritis, asthma, astringent, cancer, colic, cramps, low blood pressure, menstrual pain, skin disinfectant/sterilization, stomach ulcers, vasodilator.

Dosing

Adults (18 years and older)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cramp bark in adults.

Children (younger than 18 years)

There is no proven safe or effective dose for cramp bark in children.

Safety

DISCLAIMER: Many complementary techniques are practiced by healthcare professionals with formal training, in accordance with the standards of national organizations. However, this is not universally the case, and adverse effects are possible. Due to limited research, in some cases only limited safety information is available.

Allergies

Avoid in individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to cramp bark or its constituents.

Side Effects and Warnings

There is no safety information currently available for cramp bark. Use cautiously in patients taking immunomodulators. Use cautiously in patients taking blood pressure altering agents.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Cramp bark is not recommended in pregnant or breastfeeding women due to a lack of available scientific evidence.

Interactions

Interactions with Drugs

Cramp bark may have disinfectant activity. Caution is advised in patients taking antibiotics.

Cramp bark may have antioxidant activity. Caution is advised in patients taking antioxidant drugs.

Cramp bark may prevent gastroduodenal mucosal damage. Caution is advised in patients with ulcers or taking antiulcer medications.

Cramp bark may have antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle. Caution is advised in patients taking antispasmodic agents.

Cramp bark extract may have astringent activity. Caution is advised in patients taking astringent agents.

Cramp bark may lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients with hypertension or hypotension and in those taking blood pressure altering drugs.

Cramp bark berries may enhance phagocytosis. Caution is advised in patients taking other immunosuppressant agents.

Interactions with Herbs and Dietary Supplements

Cramp bark may have disinfectant activity. Caution should be used in patients using other antibacterial herbs or supplements.

Cramp bark may have antioxidant activity. Caution is advised if taking other herbs or supplements with antioxidant activity.

Cramp bark may have antispasmodic effects on smooth muscle. Caution is advised in patients taking other herbs or supplements with antispasmodic effects.

Cramp bark extract may have astringent activity. Caution is advised if taking other herbs or supplements with astringent effects.

Cramp bark may prevent gastroduodenal mucosal damage. Caution is advised in patients taking other herbs or supplements with antiulcer effects.

Cramp bark lower blood pressure. Caution is advised in patients with hypertension or hypotension and in those taking herbs or supplements with blood pressure altering effects.

Cramp bark berries may enhance phagocytosis. Caution is advised in patients taking other immunosuppressant herbs or supplements.

Attribution

This information is based on a systematic review of scientific literature, and was peer-reviewed and edited by contributors to the Natural Standard Research Collaboration (www.naturalstandard.com): Dawn Costa, BA, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Nicole Giese, MS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Emily Kyomitmaitee, PharmD (University of Rhode Island); Shaina Tanguay-Colucci, BS (Natural Standard Research Collaboration); Catherine Ulbricht, PharmD (Massachusetts General Hospital); Wendy Weissner, BA (Natural Standard Research Collaboration).

Bibliography

DISCLAIMER: Natural Standard developed the above evidence-based information based on a thorough systematic review of the available scientific articles. For comprehensive information about alternative and complementary therapies on the professional level, go to www.naturalstandard.com. Selected references are listed below.

Nicholson JA, Darby TD, Jarboe CH. Viopudial, a hypotensive and smooth muscle antispasmodic from Viburnum opulus. Proc.Soc.Exp Biol.Med. 1972;140(2):457-461.

Ovodova RG, Golovchenko VV, Popov SV, et al. [The isolation, preliminary study of structure and physiological activity of water-soluble polysaccharides from squeezed berries of Snowball tree Viburnum opulus]. Bioorg.Khim. 2000;26(1):61-67.

Plouvier V. [PRESENCE OF URSOLIC ACID IN THE BLOSSOMS OF VIBURNUM OPULUS L. VAR. STERILE DC (CAPRIFOLIACEAE)]. Ann.Pharm Fr. 1964;22:313-314.

Ryzhikov MA, Ryzhikova VO. [Application of chemiluminescent methods for analysis of the antioxidant activity of herbal extracts]. Vopr.Pitan. 2006;75(2):22-26.

Smetankina PP. [DISINFECTANT PROPERTIES OF VIBURNUM OPULUS.]. Vestn.Dermatol Venerol. 1963;37:75.

Smirnova AS, Iadrova VM. [Comparative study of the astringent effect of liquid extracts from Viburnum opulus L]. Farmatsiia. 1968;17(4):42-45.

Zayachkivska OS, Gzhegotsky MR, Terletska OI, et al. Influence of Viburnum Opulus proanthocyanidins on stress-induced gastrointestinal mucosal damage. J Physiol Pharmacol 2006;57 Suppl 5:155-167.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.