Cramp Bark

Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) is a deciduous shrub from the moschatel family (Adoxaceae) that is native to Europe, Asia, and North America. With its white, umbel-shaped flowers and bright red berries, it is not only a popular ornamental shrub but also looks back on a long tradition in folk medicine. It is particularly well known in the English-speaking world under the name “Cramp Bark” – in German “Krindenrinde” or “Krampfrinde” – which already points to its historical use against cramp-like complaints. The plant parts used medicinally are primarily the bark of the branches and, in part, the berries as well, although the latter are slightly toxic when raw and should therefore not be consumed without pretreatment. The bark, on the other hand, was traditionally prepared by decoction or drying and is used in teas, tinctures, or extracts. Due to its complex composition of iridoid glycosides, flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils, the bark of Cramp Bark is of particular interest in herbal medicine – above all in the field of women's health and muscle relaxation. Modern phytotherapy is beginning to take an increasing interest in the antispasmodic and calming properties of this plant.

What health benefits does Cramp Bark offer?

The traditional uses of Cramp Bark as a medicinal herb are increasingly being investigated scientifically. Initial results confirm some of the historically known effects, although more in-depth studies are still necessary for many claims. The benefits observed so far include:

  • Anti-inflammatory potential: According to studies, various compounds of the plant could support anti-inflammatory processes in the body (1,2,3).
  • Metabolic effect: Studies suggest that compounds in Viburnum opulus could help with several aspects of metabolic syndrome (1).
  • Cardioprotective effect: According to scientific investigations, compounds of the plant could have a positive effect on heart health (1).
  • Antioxidant effect: Study results suggest that VO can be used as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress during a lung transplantation (1,4).
  • Antibacterial effect: Various compounds in the plant showed an antibacterial effect in investigations (1,5).
  • Effects on the urinary system and endometriosis: Studies point to great potential for various problems with the urinary system (1,6).
  • Antispasmodic effect: While its use for cramps was quite common in traditional medicine, there are hardly any studies that would scientifically support such an application.
  • Calming the uterus: In traditional women's medicine, Cramp Bark was used to relieve uterine contractions and discomfort during the menstrual cycle or pregnancy.

How does Cramp Bark work in the body?

The plant's effect is based on a combination of iridoids (especially valepotriates), flavonoids, tannins, and essential oils.

Are there any risks or side effects?

  • Avoid unripe berries: In their raw state, the berries of Cramp Bark contain small amounts of mildly toxic substances that can lead to gastrointestinal complaints. Only edible when processed or cooked.
  • Not during pregnancy without medical advice: Although Cramp Bark was traditionally used to relax the uterus, its use during pregnancy should only take place under professional supervision in order to avoid undesirable effects (3).
  • Allergic reactions possible: As with all medicinal plants, skin reactions or intolerances can occur in individual cases.

Conclusion

Cramp Bark is a medicinal plant rich in tradition with a variety of potentially interesting effects. Initial studies support some aspects of its traditional use; nevertheless, further research is required to better understand its exact mode of action and safe use.

Sources:

  1. Kajszczak, D., Zakłos-Szyda, M., & Podsędek, A. (2020). Viburnum opulus L.-A Review of Phytochemistry and Biological Effects. Nutrients, 12(11), 3398. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu12113398
  2. Zakłos-Szyda M., Pietrzyk N., Szustak M., Podsędek A. Viburnum opulus L. juice phenolics inhibit mouse 3T3-L1 cells adipogenesis and pancreatic lipase activity. Nutrients. 2020;12:2003. doi: 10.3390/nu12072003.
  3. Zhang Z., Sun T., Niu J.G., He Z.Q., Liu Y., Wang F. Amentoflavone protects hippocampal neurons: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and antiapoptotic effects. Neural Regen. Res. 2015;10:1125–1133. doi: 10.4103/1673-5374.160109.
  4. Eken A., Yücel O., İpek İ., Ayşe B., Endİrlİk B.Ü. An investigation on protective effect of Viburnum opulus L. fruit extract against ischemia/reperfusion-induced oxidative stress after lung transplantation in rats. Kafkas Univ. Vet. Fak. Derg. 2017;23:437–444.
  5. Sagdic O., Aksoy A., Ozkan G. Evaluation of the antibacterial and antioxidant potentials of cranberry (gilaburu, Viburnum opulus L.) fruit extract. Acta Aliment. 2006;35:487–492. doi: 10.1556/AAlim.35.2006.4.12.
  6. Ilhan M., Ergene B., Süntar I., Özbilgin S., Çitoʇlu G.S., Demirel M.A., Keleş H., Altun L., Akkol E.K. Preclinical evaluation of antiurolithiatic activity of Viburnum opulus L. On sodium oxalate-induced urolithiasis rat model. Evidence-based Complement. Altern. Med. 2014;2014 doi: 10.1155/2014/578103.