Buchu

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    Buchu (Agathosma betulina, Agathosma crenulata) is an evergreen, aromatic plant from the rue family (Rutaceae) that is native to the mountainous regions of South Africa. It is traditionally used by the indigenous peoples as a medicinal plant. The leaves contain essential oils that are known for their intense fragrance and are often used in natural medicine and as a flavoring agent.

    What benefits does Buchu offer?

    Buchu is valued for its wide range of health benefits. Some of its applications in traditional medicine are supported by current studies. However, these studies must be interpreted critically, since, for one thing, an unclear composition of the tested Buchu extracts is frequently used. In addition, as always, the transferability of animal studies to humans is unclear. Missing clinical studies (randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind studies necessary) are likewise a critical point that must be taken into account.

    • Urinary tract health: The leaves of Buchu are traditionally used to treat urinary tract infections. Studies have linked the active compounds of Buchu to an antimicrobial effect that could have a positive impact on urinary tract infections (1)
    • Digestive support: Buchu is used in traditional medicine to support digestion and to relieve flatulence and stomach complaints.
    • Antimicrobial effect: Studies have shown that the extracts of the leaves exhibit an antimicrobial effect (1,2,3,4).
    • Anti-inflammatory effect: The active compounds contained in Buchu act in an anti-inflammatory way and could thus contribute to the treatment of various medical problems (1,4).
    • Antioxidant properties: The polyphenols it contains could help to reduce oxidative damage in the body and strengthen the immune system (1,4,5).
    • Analgesic effect: In an animal experiment, Buchu showed a pain-relieving effect (1,6)
    • Metabolic and diabetes effect: Buchu caused increased glucose uptake in cell studies (3T3-L1 cell line) and completely normalized blood sugar levels in diabetic rats (1,7).
    • Effect on weight and the cardiovascular system: In an animal study, Buchu was associated with less weight gain and less intraperitoneal fat in rats on a high-fat diet. In addition, a blood-pressure-lowering and heart-protective effect was observed (7).

    How does Buchu work?

    The effect of Buchu is based on various bioactive compounds. These include, among others, essential oils such as diosphenol, pulegone (1,8). Flavonoids and tannins (1)

    Side effects and risks

    Although Buchu could have many potentially positive effects, some aspects should be taken into account:

    • Kidney irritation: Due to its diuretic effect, excessive intake can put strain on the kidneys.
    • Not recommended for pregnant women: Due to its potential effect on the uterus, pregnant and breastfeeding women should avoid Buchu.
    • Possible allergic reactions: In rare cases, Buchu can cause allergic skin reactions.
    • Toxicity: The extracts of Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata were not toxic to cells up to a concentration of 100 µg/ml, while the essential oils of both plants had a toxic effect even in very small amounts. The toxicity of the oils is due to the pulegone they contain, which can damage the liver in high doses – in aqueous extracts, however, this is harmless, since pulegone is not water-soluble.

    Conclusion

    Buchu is a versatile medicinal plant with strong traditional roots in the natural medicine of South Africa. It is used particularly often in the treatment of complaints of the urinary tract and the digestive system. Nevertheless, it should be used with caution, since the study data are not very conclusive and the side effects are not to be underestimated.

    Sources:

    1. Brendler, T., & Abdel-Tawab, M. (2022). Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata): Rightfully Forgotten or Underutilized?. Frontiers in pharmacology, 13, 813142. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.813142
    2. Viljoen A. M., Moolia A., Van Vuuren S. F., Van Zyl R. L., Başer K. H. C., Demirci B., et al. (2006). The Biological Activity and Essential Oil Composition of 17 Agathosma (Rutaceae) Species. J. Essent. Oil Res. 18, 2–16. 10.1080/10412905.2006.12067112 10.1080/10412905.2006.12067112
    3. Lis-Balchin M., Hart S., Simpson E. (2001). Buchu (Agathosma Betulina and A. Crenulata, Rutaceae) Essential Oils: Their Pharmacological Action on guinea-pig Ileum and Antimicrobial Activity on Microorganisms. J. Pharm. Pharmacol. 53, 579–582. 10.1211/0022357011775703 PubMed Abstract | 10.1211/0022357011775703
    4. Steenkamp V., Gouws M. C., Gulumian M., Elgorashi E. E., Van Staden J. (2006). Studies on Antibacterial, Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Activity of Herbal Remedies Used in the Treatment of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and Prostatitis. J. Ethnopharmacol 103, 71–75. 10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007 10.1016/j.jep.2005.07.007
    5. Thring T. S., Hili P., Naughton D. P. (2009). Anti-collagenase, Anti-elastase and Anti-oxidant Activities of Extracts from 21 Plants. BMC Complement. Altern. Med. 9, 27–11. 10.1186/1472-6882-9-27 PubMed Abstract | 10.1186/1472-6882-9-27
    6. Chiguvare H., Oyedeji O. O., Matewu R., Aremu O., Oyemitan I. A., Oyedeji A. O., et al. (2016). Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Buchu Plant Extracts and Their Analgesic Properties. Molecules 21, 774. 10.3390/molecules21060774
    7. Huisamen B., Bouic P. D. J., Pheiffer R. H., Van Vuuren M. (2019). Medicinal Effects of Agathosma (Buchu) Extracts. Berlin: Cape Town: AOSIS (Pty) Ltd.
    8. Kaiser R., Lamparsky D., Schudel P. (1975). Analysis of Buchu Leaf Oil. J. Agric. Food Chem. 23, 943–950. 10.1021/jf60201a021 10.1021/jf60201a021 (pulgeon)