Buchu as a dietary supplement
Buchu is a natural plant product often used as a dietary supplement, primarily associated with promoting urinary health. Traditionally used in South Africa, buchu is believed to treat various ailments, including urinary tract infections, inflammation, and digestive issues. The medicinal properties are attributed to the leaves of the plant, which are thought to have diuretic effects that may increase urine flow. However, there is a lack of substantial scientific evidence supporting these claims, as most studies have been conducted in vitro or on animals.
Buchu contains bioflavonoids and aromatic compounds, some of which have been suggested to possess antimicrobial properties; yet, significant studies have found limited efficacy in this regard. Despite its historical and contemporary use in herbal medicine for conditions like cystitis and prostatitis, health authorities emphasize the need for further research to validate these uses. Dosage typically involves 1 to 2 grams of dried leaves taken three times a day, although safety concerns arise due to the presence of the liver toxin pulegone. As such, individuals, especially those who are pregnant, nursing, or have preexisting health conditions, should approach buchu with caution and consult healthcare professionals if considering its use.
Buchu as a dietary supplement
DEFINITION: Natural plant product used as a dietary supplement for specific health benefits.
PRINCIPAL PROPOSED USE: Urinary tract infections, inflammation, and health; anti-inflammatory, digestive health, antibacterial, antifungal, gout, high blood pressure
Overview
Buchu has a long tradition of being used to treat bladder and urinary tract problems, especially urinary tract infections. In South Africa, buchu and other similar plants are additionally used for stomach aches, joint pain, colds, and flu. The leaves are the part used medicinally.
Uses and Applications
Many herbalists use buchu in herbal combinations designed for kidney and bladder problems. Buchu is said to have a diuretic effect, increasing the urine flow. However, no meaningful scientific documentation of this or any other medicinal effect of buchu exists. Only double-blind, placebo-controlled studies can confirm efficacy, and buchu has only been studied through in vitro and animal studies.
Buchu contains various bioflavonoids, including diosmin, rutin, and quercetin. Its essential oil contains a variety of aromatic substances, including limonene and menthone, along with the known liver toxin pulegone. While it is commonly said that the essential oil of buchu has antimicrobial effects, the only published study failed to find activity in this regard. However, this study found possible antispasmodic actions that could reduce the pain of bladder infections.
In the twenty-first century, buchu was a common ingredient in Western herbal medicines that treated cystitis, urethritis prophylaxis, and prostatitis. It was also used as an herbal diuretic. While Germany’s Commission E recognized its potential ability to aid in treating bladder and kidney issues, they emphasized that more study was needed. Buchu may be used to treat other conditions as well. It is posited to relieve digestive problems like indigestion, gas, and bloating. It may be an effective gout treatment, and buchu may also lower blood pressure. More studies are needed in these areas as well.
Dosage
Buchu is typically taken with meals at a dose of 1 to 2 grams of dried leaf three times daily. However, because of the potential for toxicity of one of the constituents of buchu, its use is not recommended.
Safety Issues
Because buchu contains the known liver toxin pulegone, the herb should be used only with great caution. Buchu also frequently causes stomach upset. Young children, pregnant or nursing women, or people with liver or kidney disease should not use it.
In addition, if buchu does have diuretic effects. People taking the medication lithium should use buchu only under the supervision of a physician, as dehydration can be a danger with this medication.
Bibliography
"Buchu: Health Benefits, Side Effects, Uses, Dose & Precautions." RxList, www.rxlist.com/supplements/buchu.htm. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
"Buchu - LiverTox." NCBI, 3 Mar. 2023, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK589899. Accessed 7 Sept. 2024.
"Buchu Uses, Benefits & Side Effects." Drugs.com, 2023, www.drugs.com/npc/buchu.html. Accessed 18 Aug. 2023.
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Lis-Balchin, M., et al. "Buchu (Agathosma Betulina and A. Crenulata, Rutaceae) Essential Oils: Their Pharmacological Action on Guinea-Pig Ileum and Antimicrobial Activity on Microorganisms." Journal of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, vol. 53, 2001, pp. 579-582.
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Van Wyk, B. E. "A Broad Review of Commercially Important Southern African Medicinal Plants." Journal of Ethnopharmacology, vol. 119, 2008, pp. 342-355.