Butea Superba: An Overview
1) Studied Conditions
Butea Superba has been studied for several conditions, primarily related to sexual health and performance. It is often researched for its potential effects on erectile dysfunction, libido enhancement, and overall sexual health in men. Additionally, some studies have looked into its impact on bone health, hair growth, and anti-aging effects.
2) Efficacy in Treating Conditions
The effectiveness of Butea Superba in treating the aforementioned conditions is still a subject of ongoing research. While some studies suggest that it may have positive effects on sexual health and performance, the evidence is not conclusive, and more rigorous and large-scale clinical trials are needed to determine its true efficacy.
3) Health Benefits
Butea Superba is believed to provide several health benefits, including:
- Enhancement of sexual vigor and libido
- Potential improvement in erectile function
- May have some anti-estrogenic effects
- Possibly supports bone health
4) Downsides
Despite the potential health benefits, Butea Superba also has downsides:
- Limited scientific evidence to support some of its traditional uses
- Possible side effects such as gastrointestinal issues and headaches
- The risk of contamination with harmful substances if not sourced properly
- Potential interactions with other medications
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using Butea Superba, especially if you are on other medications or have underlying health conditions.
5) Genetic Variations and Effects
There is currently no substantial evidence to suggest that Butea Superba is beneficial or harmful for any particular genetic variations. Most studies have not focused on genetic differences in their research. Personal genetic variations could potentially influence how individuals respond to Butea Superba, but more research is needed to understand these interactions fully.
Butea Superba Research Summary
Butea Superba is a traditional Thai herb known for its rejuvenating effects on male health and its potential for treating erectile dysfunction (ED). Studies have isolated compounds such as medicarpin and isoflavones (formononetin and prunetin) from its tuber roots, which have exhibited moderate cytotoxic effects on certain cancer cell lines.
A new bio-active flavonol glycoside with antimicrobial activity against various plant pathogenic fungi and bacteria has also been identified from Butea Superba.
Research using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) coupled with a radical scavenging detection (DPPH assay) and tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) has identified antioxidant compounds present in Butea Superba, including procyanidin B2 and (-)-epicatechin.
Studies have shown that Butea Superba extract can significantly improve penile erection in both aged and diabetic rats, potentially through enhancing blood flow and muscle relaxation. The root extract from the Phrae region, in particular, was most effective in increasing intracavernous pressure.
Comparative clinical trials with sildenafil indicated initial positive effects of Butea Superba on ED, though later findings suggested contamination with a pharmaceutical in the first batch. Further research is needed to confirm its efficacy.
In terms of safety, a study on male reproductive function in rats reported no significant toxicity at 250 mg/kg, a dose 100 times the Thai FDA recommendation for humans. However, high doses of Butea Superba powder can cause adverse effects on blood chemistry, haematology, and testosterone levels.
Additionally, Butea Superba has demonstrated androgenic and anti-estrogenic activities in female rats and the potential to affect the pituitary-testicular axis and sex organs in male rats.
The herb's mutagenic and antimutagenic properties were examined, revealing no mutagenic effects in bacterial strains; however, high doses could cause acute micronucleus formation, indicating potential genotoxicity. Reproductive toxicity was not observed in male rats even at the highest dose tested.
References:
- Discrimination of the Thai rejuvenating herbs Pueraria candollei (White Kwao Khruea), Butea superba (Red Kwao Khruea), and Mucuna collettii (Black Kwao Khruea) using PCR-RFLP
- Cytotoxic constituents from Butea superba Roxb
- A new bio-active flavonol glycoside from the stems of Butea superba Roxb
- HPLC coupled on-line to ESI-MS and a DPPH-based assay for the rapid identification of anti-oxidants in Butea superba
- Screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in plants used in Thai traditional rejuvenating and neurotonic remedies
- Butea superba Roxb. enhances penile erection in rats
- Butea superba (Roxb.) improves penile erection in diabetic rats
- The use of Butea superba (Roxb.) compared to sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction
- Screening for Rho-kinase 2 inhibitory potential of Indian medicinal plants used in management of erectile dysfunction
- Clinical trial of Butea superba, an alternative herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction
- Effects of Butea superba on reproductive systems of rats
- Androgen disruption and toxicity tests of Butea superba Roxb., a traditional herb used for treatment of erectile dysfunction, in male rats
- Androgenic activity of the Thai traditional male potency herb, Butea superba Roxb., in female rats
- Luteinizing hormone reduction by the male potency herb, Butea superba Roxb
- Hyperandrogenemia due to ingestion of Butea superba
- Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities of the Thai traditional herb, Butea superba Roxb
- Mutagenic and antimutagenic effects of the traditional herb used for treating erectile dysfunction, Butea superba Roxb
- The toxicology of Butea superba, Roxb
Upload Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) raw DNA data today and take a deep dive into your genome!
Or if you only have standard microarray data currently, upload raw DNA data to get started with your free DNA raw data analysis today!