Butea Superba
OTHER NAME(S): Butea Gum Tree, Buteae, Flamme de la Forêt, Kwao Krua Dang, Kwao Krua Rouge, Red Kwao Krua, Red Kwao Krua Daeng, Butea superba
Overview
Butea superba is a vine that grows in India, China, Vietnam, and Thailand. The roots (tubers) are used as medicine.
People take Butea superba for erectile dysfunction (ED), increasing sexual desire, and other conditions, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.
It is not known how Butea superba might work as a medicine. Some evidence suggests that the chemicals in Butea superba may act similarly to hormones that regulate sexual function.
It is not known how Butea superba might work as a medicine. Some evidence suggests that the chemicals in Butea superba may act similarly to hormones that regulate sexual function.
Uses
Insufficient Evidence for
- Erectile dysfunction (ED). The effects of Butea superba in men with ED is unclear. Results from research are conflicting.
- Increasing sexual desire in healthy people.
- Diarrhea.
- Painful or difficult urination.
- Fever.
- Other conditions.
More evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of Butea superba for these uses.
Side Effects
When taken by mouth: Butea superba is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in appropriate doses for up to 3 months.
Precautions
When taken by mouth: Butea superba is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken in appropriate doses for up to 3 months.
Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information to know if Butea superba is safe to use when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.
Interactions
Moderate Interaction
Be cautious with this combination
- Medications for male sexual dysfunction (Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors) interacts with Butea SuperbaButea superba might decrease blood pressure. Some medications for male sexual dysfunction can also decrease blood pressure. Taking Butea superba along with medications for male sexual dysfunction might cause your blood pressure to go too low. Some medications for male sexual dysfunction include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).
Dosing
The appropriate dose of Butea superba depends on several factors such as the user's age, health, and several other conditions. At this time there is not enough scientific information to determine an appropriate range of doses for Butea superba. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult your pharmacist or physician or other healthcare professional before using.
References
- Ngamrojanavanich N, Loontaisong A, Pengpreecha S, et al. Cytotoxic constituents from Butea superba Roxb. J Ethnopharmacol 2007;109:354-8.
- Manosroi A, Sanphet K, Saowakon S, et al. Effects of Butea superba on reproductive systems of rats. Fitoterapia 2006;77:435-8.
- Cherdshewasart W, Cheewasopit W, Picha P. The differential anti-proliferation effect of white (Pueraria mirifica), red (Butea superba), and black (Mucuna collettii) Kwao Krua plants on the growth of MCF-7 cells. J Ethnopharmacol 2004;93:255-60.
- Ingkaninan K, Temkitthawon P, Chuenchom K, et al. Screening for acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity in plants used in Thai traditional rejuvenating and neurotonic remedies. J Ethnopharmacol 2003;89:261-4.
- Cherdshewasart W, Nimsakul N. Clinical trial of Butea superba, an alternative herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2003;5:243-6.
- Cherdshewasart W, Mahapanichkul T, Boonchird C. Estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities of the Thai traditional herb, Butea superba Roxb. Biosci Biotechnol Biochem 2010;74(11):2176-82.
- Cortés-González JR, Arratia-Maqueo JA, Gómez-Guerra LS, Holmberg AR. The use of Butea superba (Roxb.) compared to sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction. BJU Int 2010;105(2):225-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2009.08748.x.
- Burana-Osot J, Pattanapanyasat K, Soonthornchareonnon N, Sukapirom K, Toida T. Characterisation and immuno-stimulating activity of polysaccharides from Thai medicinal plants. Nat Prod Res 2010;24(15):1403-12. doi: 10.1080/14786410902940974.