The Art of NATURE, The Art of SCIENCE
Common names | broom
Scientific name | Sarothamnus scoparius
Used part | Flower
Known active compounds | rutin, quercetin, isorhamnetic, kaempferol
Potential benefits in cosmetics | anti-oxidant
Product name | Broom Flower-APD, Broom Flower-ANB
Plant Story
Sarothamnus scoparius (also Cytisus scoparius), commonly known as common broom or Scotch broom, is a flowering shrub native to western and central Europe, including the British Isles. It is known for its bright yellow, pea-like flowers that bloom in dense clusters. In folk medicine, the plant has been used for its potential diuretic, laxative, anti-diabetic, hepatoprotective and sedative properties.
Phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of flavonoids such as flavones (6”-O-acetylscoparin), flavonols (rutin, quercetin, isorhamnetin and kaempferol), isoflavones and its glycosides (genistein, sarothamnoside). The aqueous and ethanolic extracts of C. scoparius showed anti-oxidant effects by scavenging free radicals. The in vitro anti-oxidant activity was confirmed by the radical scavenging activity against superoxide and hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide and DPPH. It was also shown that C. scoparius extract protected liver from oxidative stress induced by CCl4 (carbon tetrachloride) in rats.