Bulbine Natalenis Whole Herb Extract
Also known as: Bulbine natalensis Baker, Natal Bulbine, Bulbine natalensis
Overview
Bulbine natalensis is a perennial succulent herb indigenous to South Africa, belonging to the Asphodelaceae family. Historically, it has been utilized in traditional medicine for addressing male sexual dysfunction, wound healing, infections, and inflammatory conditions. The whole herb extract contains various bioactive phytochemicals, including saponins, cardiac glycosides, tannins, alkaloids, and anthraquinones. It is primarily marketed as a prosexual supplement, aiming to enhance male sexual performance and libido. While animal studies show promising prosexual effects, research on Bulbine natalensis is still in its early stages, with most studies conducted in animal models or small human trials. Comprehensive systematic reviews or meta-analyses specifically on this herb are currently unavailable in high-quality databases.
Benefits
Bulbine natalensis has demonstrated significant prosexual effects in animal studies, including increased mount frequency, intromission frequency, ejaculatory latency, and elevated serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels in male rats at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg. These findings suggest potential for enhancing libido, erectile function, and sexual stamina. Beyond sexual health, pharmacological screenings have also reported anti-inflammatory and broad-spectrum antimicrobial properties. However, human efficacy data are very limited, with no large-scale human efficacy trials meeting rigorous randomized controlled trial (RCT) criteria. While animal studies show statistically significant improvements in sexual behavior and hormone levels, human clinical effect sizes remain unquantified. The observed benefits in animal models typically manifest within a 7-day administration period.
How it works
The prosexual effects of Bulbine natalensis are believed to be primarily mediated through an increase in serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone concentrations, indicating an influence on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis. The presence of saponins and cardiac glycosides within the extract may contribute to vasodilatory and androgenic effects, potentially enhancing penile reflexes and improving erectile function. However, the precise molecular targets and detailed mechanisms of action remain largely unclear, as no comprehensive mechanistic human studies have been conducted. Information regarding the bioavailability of its active compounds is also not well characterized.
Side effects
A short-term, randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind safety study in healthy men (n≥30) indicated that Bulbine natalensis supplementation was safe, showing no adverse effects on liver or kidney function markers over a 28-day period. Common side effects were not reported at significant rates in this study, and no serious adverse events or drug interactions have been documented in the existing literature. However, it is crucial to note that long-term safety data are currently lacking. Due to the limited human data and potential hormonal effects, caution is advised, especially for individuals with pre-existing hormonal conditions or those taking hormone-altering medications. Contraindications are not well-established, but individuals should consult a healthcare professional before use.
Dosage
Based on animal studies, aqueous extract doses of 25–50 mg/kg were used, which roughly translate to human equivalent doses of approximately 200–400 mg/day. However, it is important to emphasize that no standardized human dosing guidelines currently exist. The short-term human safety trial utilized a proprietary extract (ProLensis™), but specific dosing details were not provided in the summary. Consequently, there are no established maximum safe doses or specific timing recommendations for human consumption. Factors such as absorption rates and the need for cofactors are also not well-studied, making precise dosage recommendations challenging. Users should exercise caution due to the lack of comprehensive human data.
FAQs
Is Bulbine natalensis effective for male sexual dysfunction in humans?
Evidence is promising in animal models, showing increased testosterone and improved sexual behavior. However, human data are insufficient due to a lack of rigorous randomized controlled trials to confirm efficacy.
Is Bulbine natalensis safe?
Short-term use (up to 28 days) appears safe in healthy men, with no reported adverse effects on liver or kidney function. However, long-term safety data are currently unknown, and caution is advised.
How quickly does Bulbine natalensis work?
Animal studies have shown effects within 7 days of administration. However, there is no reliable human data to determine the onset of action in people.
Are there known drug interactions with Bulbine natalensis?
No specific drug interactions have been documented. However, given its potential hormonal effects, caution is warranted, especially if taking medications that affect hormone levels.
Research Sources
- https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/c8cd/2f2d8890a628b9998009a4e74d706cfe5088.pdf – This review provides a comprehensive overview of Bulbine natalensis, covering its morphology, traditional uses, phytochemistry, and pharmacological properties. It highlights the plant's traditional use for male sexual dysfunction and reports on its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The review notes the absence of high-quality human randomized controlled trial data for efficacy.
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3500755/ – This randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study assessed the short-term safety of Bulbine natalensis extract in healthy men over 28 days. The findings indicated no adverse effects on clinical safety markers, including liver and kidney function. This study focused solely on safety and did not evaluate efficacy outcomes.
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2605.2008.00910.x – This controlled animal study investigated the effects of aqueous Bulbine natalensis extract on male rats. It demonstrated that doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg significantly improved sexual behavior parameters and increased serum testosterone and luteinizing hormone levels. The study suggests the extract's potential for managing libido disorders, though it is limited by its animal model and small sample size.
