Buchu

Generic name: Agathosma Betulina (Berg.) Pillans, Agathosma Crenulata (L.) Pillans
Brand names: Bookoo, Bucco, Bucku, Buku, Diosma

Usage of Buchu

No scientific evidence is available to justify buchu's herbal uses, but its diuretic and anti-inflammatory effects may be attributed to the volatile oil and flavonoid's irritant nature.Newall 1996 Diosphenol, the flavonoids and terpinen-4-ol may contribute to the plant's diuretic activity, but this action of buchu teas is probably no greater than that of the xanthine alkaloids in coffee or tea.Medical Letter 1979 Buchu is listed in the German Commission E Monographs to treat inflammation, kidney and urinary tract infections and is also used as a diuretic, but the monograph explains that the plant's activity in these claimed uses has not been substantiated.Bisset 1994

Other reported uses of buchu include carminative action, treatment for cystitis, urethritis, prostatitis, gout and as a stomach tonic.Duke 1989

An infusion of the leaves has been used gynecologically as a douche for leukorrhea and for yeast infections.Chevallier 1996 Diosphenol may be responsible for buchu's antibacterial effects.Bisset 1994

Despite the lack of evidence, buchu is still used today in western herbal medicine for urinary tract ailments, cystitis or urethritis prophylaxis and prostatitis. It is also used in combination with other herbs such as cornsilk, juniper and uva-ursi.Chevallier 1996

Buchu side effects

Essential oil components diosmin and pulegone can cause GI and renal irritation.Bisset 1994, Newall 1996 Pulegone is known to be hepatotoxic (depletes glutathione and leads to haptocellular necrosis),Vamenta-Morris 2014 an abortifacient, and to increase menstrual flow; therefore, use is not recommended during pregnancy.

Before taking Buchu

Documented adverse effects, including uterine stimulant effects.Brinker 1998 Avoid use.

How to use Buchu

There is no recent clinical evidence to guide dosage of buchu. Classical doses were from 1 to 2 g of the leaves daily.

Warnings

Poisoning has not been reported.Bisset 1994, Newall 1996 Pulegone is also a hepatotoxin, present in the plant "pennyroyal," in larger quantities.Chevallier 1996, Newall 1996

What other drugs will affect Buchu

None well documented.

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