Scientific name

Butea superba Roxb.

Family

Fabaceae

Origin

Thailand

Synonyms

Kwao Krua Rossa

Used Parts

The part of the plant used as a drug is the roots.

Chemical constituents

• Flavonoid glycosides;
• Isoflavones such as daidzein and genistein;
• Phytosterols, such as beta-sitosterol, campesterol and stigmasterol.

Butea Superba in Herbalist: Property of the Kwao Krua Rossa

Butea superba owes its popularity to the aphrodisiac properties attributed to it by folk medicine. Not surprisingly, the Thai people have always used it as an invigorating remedy and to increase sexual performance. More specifically, it is believed that this plant exerts its aphrodisiac action especially against men.

Biological activity

Butea superba is a plant to which aphrodisiac properties are attributed and the ability to counter erectile dysfunction in men, but not only. In fact, the plant is also credited with antioxidant activity (probably due to its flavonoid content), stimulating and rejuvenating.

However, the use of butea superba has not obtained official approval for any type of therapeutic indication, since there are not enough controlled clinical studies able to demonstrate the efficacy of this same plant.

Despite this, various supplements based on butea superba are available on the market, which are used as a remedy to counter erectile dysfunction.

Given the great popularity of this plant, several studies have been carried out to investigate its real properties.

From one of these animal studies, it was found that genistein and daidzein contained in butea superba are able to increase sperm count and motility in male rats. In addition to this, these two isoflavones have also been shown to be able to increase blood levels of testosterone and cholesterol.

In the light of this study, therefore, it would seem that the butea superba - in particular, the isoflavones contained in it - may constitute a valid remedy against erectile dysfunction and decreased libido. However, more in-depth clinical studies are needed to determine the actual efficacy and safety arising from the use of this plant in the treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Another interesting study, carried out on animal models of pathologies such as dementia and depression, highlighted how the administration of butea superba may produce an improvement in the symptoms induced by these pathologies, thanks to the restoration of the normal activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis adrenal gland and synaptic plasticity (which are altered in patients with depression and dementia).

Of course, despite the apparently encouraging results achieved so far, the need for more in-depth studies appears to be clear before approving similar applications of butea superba in the medical field.

Butea Superba in folk medicine and homeopathy

As mentioned, butea superba has been used for a very long time in folk medicine (in particular in Thai medicine) as an aphrodisiac remedy, to improve male sexual performance and to counter erectile dysfunction, especially in men of a certain age, but not only.

In fact, butea superba is used in traditional medicine also as a rejuvenating, antioxidant and stimulating both physical and mental remedy.

As far as homeopathic medicine is concerned, on the other hand, at the moment, butea superba has no use in this area.

Side effects

Currently, there are no known side effects resulting from the consumption of butea superba or its preparations.

However, from studies conducted on animals, it has emerged that the intake of high doses of butea superba can cause alterations in blood tests (therefore, in its composition) and serious alterations in testosterone levels. In addition to this, another study conducted on this subject showed that taking high doses of butea superba extracts could potentially cause genotoxicity and cyto-toxicity.

For this reason, a lot of caution should be used, and before taking preparations containing this plant it is always good to consult your doctor.

Contraindications

Avoid taking butea superba and preparations containing it in case of hypersensitivity to one or more components.

Pharmacological Interactions

At present, no drug interactions are known between the butea superba and drugs of any kind.

However, before taking preparations based on butea superba, it is always a good idea to ask your doctor's advice and inform him if you are taking any kind of medicines, including other herbal products, homeopathic medicines and non-compulsory medicines. medical prescription.