Bois Bande Bark
Also known as: Parinari campestris Aubl. 1772, Bois Bande, Caribbean aphrodisiac bark, Parinari campestris
Overview
Bois Bande Bark, derived from the stem bark of *Parinari campestris*, is a traditional Caribbean aphrodisiac used to enhance sexual vitality, increase sperm count, and treat erectile dysfunction. It is a natural plant extract with a long history of ethnomedicinal use, but its efficacy lacks rigorous scientific validation. Initial toxicological studies have established safety profiles in animal models, but high-quality clinical trials or meta-analyses on efficacy are lacking. The bark's purported benefits are rooted in traditional use, with limited understanding of its mechanisms of action or optimal dosing in humans. Further research is needed to confirm its effects and establish safe usage guidelines. The extract is typically prepared as a hydroalcoholic extract, though other forms exist. The plant is native to the Caribbean region.
Benefits
The primary traditional benefit of Bois Bande Bark is to enhance sexual vitality, improve sperm count, and alleviate symptoms of erectile dysfunction. However, these claims are primarily based on anecdotal evidence and traditional use. There are currently no high-quality randomized controlled trials (RCTs) or systematic reviews that definitively quantify these effects or establish clinical efficacy in humans. While animal studies suggest a good safety profile, the absence of robust clinical data means that the true benefits and their effect sizes remain unconfirmed. Therefore, the benefits are currently considered speculative and require further rigorous investigation.
How it works
The precise mechanism of action of *Parinari campestris* bark is not well-characterized in scientific literature. Traditional use suggests a potential influence on sexual function, possibly through hormonal modulation or vascular effects. However, there are no peer-reviewed mechanistic studies available to confirm these hypotheses. It is unknown how the active compounds in Bois Bande Bark are absorbed, metabolized, or interact with specific biological pathways in the human body. Further research is needed to elucidate its pharmacological properties and understand how it might exert its purported effects.
Side effects
Acute and subacute toxicity studies in rats indicate that hydroalcoholic extracts of Bois Bande bark are safe at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day, with no significant toxicity observed. No significant side effects were reported in these animal studies at the tested doses. Uncommon or rare side effects are not documented in available studies. There is currently no data available regarding potential drug interactions or contraindications. Due to the lack of human clinical data, the safety of Bois Bande Bark in special populations, such as pregnant or lactating women, children, or individuals with chronic illnesses, is unknown. Caution is advised until further research can establish a comprehensive safety profile.
Dosage
Due to the lack of clinical efficacy data, a minimum effective dose for Bois Bande Bark has not been established. Toxicology studies in rats suggest that doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day are safe, but human equivalent doses have not been defined. The LD50 in rats is greater than 2000 mg/kg, indicating a wide safety margin in animal models. Optimal dosage ranges, timing considerations, and form-specific recommendations are currently unknown. Hydroalcoholic extracts have been studied for safety in animals; other forms have not been evaluated. Further research is needed to determine appropriate and safe dosing guidelines for human use.
FAQs
Is Bois Bande Bark safe?
Animal studies indicate safety at tested doses, but human safety data are lacking. Exercise caution and consult with a healthcare professional before use.
Does it work for erectile dysfunction?
No high-quality clinical evidence currently supports efficacy claims for erectile dysfunction. More research is needed to validate traditional uses.
How long before effects are seen?
The onset and duration of effects are unknown, as no clinical trials have measured these parameters. Results may vary.
Are there known side effects?
None have been reported in animal toxicity studies, but human data is limited. Monitor for any adverse reactions and discontinue use if they occur.
Can it be combined with other supplements or medications?
No interaction data is available. Caution is advised when combining Bois Bande Bark with other substances. Consult with a healthcare provider.
Research Sources
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8464157/ – This preclinical study evaluated the acute and subacute toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract from *Parinari campestris* bark in rats. The findings indicated that the LD50 was greater than 2000 mg/kg, and no significant toxicity was observed at 1000 mg/kg/day. The study established a No Observed Adverse Effect Level (NOAEL) at 1000 mg/kg/day, suggesting a wide safety margin in animal models.
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34563262/ – This study assessed the toxicity of hydroalcoholic extract from *Parinari campestris* bark in rats. Results showed that the extract was well-tolerated at doses up to 1000 mg/kg/day, with no significant adverse effects observed. The study provides evidence for the safety of the extract in animal models, supporting its traditional use.
- https://www.omicsonline.org/open-access-pdfs/a-short-review-on-aphrodisiac-.pdf – This review discusses various Caribbean aphrodisiacs, including Bois Bande, highlighting their traditional uses. It notes that while Bois Bande is traditionally used to enhance sexual function, it lacks rigorous scientific validation. The review emphasizes the need for further research to confirm the efficacy and safety of these traditional remedies.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/and.12677 – This review article examines medicinal plants used in the management of male sexual dysfunction. While it summarizes the traditional use and some scientific validation of various plants, it does not provide strong evidence specifically for Bois Bande. The review highlights the need for more robust clinical trials to validate the efficacy of these plants.
- https://www.geneticjoycestudies.org/static/issues/GJS10/GJS10_B14Word_errata.pdf – This link does not contain information relevant to the supplement. It is a PDF of errata for a journal about James Joyce. It will be excluded from the research sources.
