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Buchu Benefits and Side Effects

Buchu consists of the dried leaves of Barosma betulina, B.crenulata ,and B. serratifolia. It contain flavonoids, resin, and mucilage. Buchu also contains a volatile oil’s that’s made up of more than 100 identified compounds, the principal component of which is diosphenol, which crystallizes at room temperature (buchu camphor). Other major components of the oil include pulegone, limonene, and menthone.

Buchu is reported to have urinary antiseptic, antibacterial, diuretic, anti-inflammatory, and carminative properties. Diosphenol is thought to exert an antibacterial effect, similar to that of bearberry leaves. Like bearberry, this phenol is excreted as a glucuronic acid conjugate, which may account for similar antibacterial properties. Volatile oil and flavonoid components may be responsible for the anti-inflammatory effects.

Weak diuretic activity similar to coffee or tea may come from the flavonoids diosphenol and terpinen-4-ol present in buchu leaf. Terpinen-4-ol increases glomerular filtration rate and may irritate the kidneys. Pulegone is a hepatotoxin and an abortifacient that stimulates uterine contractions and may cause increased menstrual flow. Buchu is available as capsules, extract, herbal tea, tablets, and tincture. It’s also found in Commercial herbal blends used for diuresis.

Benefits And Uses of Buchu

Buchu has been used in Europe since the 16th century, and is still widely used by advocates of herbs, particularly in South Africa. However German Commission E lists buchu as an unapproved herb whose effectiveness isn’t documented. Buchu is used to treat mild inflammation and infection of the kidneys and urinary tract in those with cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, and venereal disease. It’s also used to treat bladder irritation, gout, stomachache, and constipation, and as a mild diuretic, antiseptic, tonic, and stimulant. A douche prepared from an infusion of the leaves is used to treat yeast infections and leukorrhea.

Administration

• Fluid extract: 0.3 to 1.2 ml by mouth three times a day .
• For diuresis: Prepared by steeping 1 g of herb in boiled water, covered, for 10 minutes, then straining; taken by mouth several times a day .
• Oral use: 1 to 2 g daily .
• Tincture: 2 to 4 ml by mouth, up to three times a day.

Side Effects of Buchu

Adverse effects that may be associated with buchu include stomach or bowel irritation, kidney irritation, and increased menstrual flow.

Buchu may enhance the effects of anticoagulants. Herbal products prepared with alcohol may cause a disulfiram-like reaction.

Pregnant patients and those planning pregnancy should avoid use because of buchu’s abortifacient effects. Those with liver disease should use buchu with caution because it may cause liver toxicity. Those with kidney inflammation should avoid use.

Clinical considerations

• Ingesting large amounts of buchu or the oil can irritate the GI tract and kidneys.
• Buchu may alter the intended therapeutic effect of conventional drugs.
• If patient is taking an anticoagulant, consider monitoring International Normalized Ratio, prothrombin time, partial thromboplastin time, liver function, and menstruation.
• Warn patient not to delay seeking appropriate medical evaluation because doing so may delay diagnosis of a potentially serious medical condition.
• If patient is pregnant or is planning pregnancy, advise her not to use buchu.
• Advise patient to alert her health care provider if after using buchu she experiences profuse menstrual flow or kidney, stomach, or bowel irritation.
• Tell patient to remind prescriber and pharmacist of any herbal or dietary supplement that he’s taking when obtaining a new prescription.
• Advise patient to consult his health care provider before using an herbal preparation because a treatment with proven efficacy may be available.

Research summary

The concepts behind the use of buchu and the claims made regarding its effects have not yet been validated scientifically.

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