Cytisus scoparius flowering top

Cytisus scoparius, commonly known as Scotch broom, is a deciduous leguminous shrub native to western and central Europe. The flowering tops of the plant contain various bioactive compounds, primarily quinolizidine alkaloids such as sparteine and cytisine, along with flavonoids and isoflavones. Traditionally, it has been utilized for its diuretic, cathartic, and cardiac stimulant properties. Sparteine is recognized for its anti-arrhythmic and diuretic effects, influencing cardiac muscle conductivity, while cytisine acts as an agonist on nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, with research exploring its potential in smoking cessation. Due to its alkaloid content, the plant is considered toxic and can induce adverse cardiac and neurological effects if ingested or mishandled.

Other names

Scotch broom flowering topcommon broom flowering topEnglish broom flowering topPortuguese broom flowering topScottish broom flowering topstriated broom flowering topbroom flowering topIrish TopsBasamBisomBizzomBrowmeBrumBreeamGreen Broom