Buchu Leaf (Agathosma betulina)

Common Names: Round-leaf buchu, Short buchu, Boegoe (Afrikaans)

Scientific Name: Agathosma betulina (formerly Barosma betulina)

Family: Rutaceae

INCI Name: Barosma Betulina Leaf Extract

CAS Number: 68650-46-4

Part Used: Leaves

Identification and Characteristics

Buchu is an aromatic shrub native to the mountainous regions of South Africa's Western Cape. It grows to about 1-2 meters tall with small, round, leathery leaves that are 15-20 mm long. The leaves contain numerous oil glands that give off a strong, minty-blackcurrant scent when crushed. The plant produces small star-shaped flowers that are white to pale purple in color.

Traditional Uses

Buchu has been used for centuries by indigenous South African peoples for medicinal purposes. It was traditionally used to treat:

• Urinary tract infections
• Kidney and bladder problems
• Stomach ailments
• Rheumatism and gout
• Coughs and colds

In Western herbal medicine, buchu is primarily used as a diuretic and urinary tract antiseptic.

Active Compounds

The main active compounds in buchu leaves include:

• Diosphenol (40-45%)
• Isomenthone (≈20%)
• Limonene (10-15%)
• Menthone (≈10%)
• Pulegone
• Flavonoids like diosmin and hesperidin

Preparation and Dosage

To prepare buchu leaf tea:

1. Use 1-2 grams of dried leaves per cup of boiling water
2. Steep for 5-10 minutes
3. Strain and drink up to 3 cups daily

Note: Do not exceed recommended dosages. Consult a healthcare professional before use.

Potential Benefits

• May help treat urinary tract infections
• Possesses anti-inflammatory properties
• May lower blood cholesterol levels
• Has antioxidant effects
• Could aid digestion

Precautions and Side Effects

Buchu is generally considered safe when used in recommended amounts. However, it may cause:

• Stomach irritation in some people
• Increased menstrual flow
• Liver damage in large amounts

Contraindications:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Kidney inflammation
• Liver disease
• Bleeding disorders

Regulatory Status

Buchu leaf is generally recognized as safe (GRAS) by the FDA for use as a flavoring agent. However, its use in dietary supplements is not FDA-approved.

Source : http://www.wikiphyto.org/wiki/Buchu

Reference on http://www.wikiphyto.org

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plant name

Buchu, Sweet Buchu , Short Buchu

International Latin denomination

Agathosma betulina (PJ Bergius) Pill. (= Barosma betulina (PJ Bergius) Bartl. and Wendl.), Agathosma crenulata (L.) Pill. (= Barosma crenulata (L.) Hook), Agathosma serratifolia (Curt.) Spreeth (= Barosma serratifolia Willd.).

botanical family

Rutaceae

Description and habitat

• Fragrant shrubs (because they are rich in essence) grown in the Cape region of South Africa, on red clay-sandy soils (rich in iron), pruned to obtain a bushy tuft like the tea plant
• The blackcurrant smell is due to flavonoids
• The essential oil is contained in schizolysigenic pockets

History and tradition

• Buchu is a traditional remedy of the Hottentots of Namibia
• “Buchu Camphor” crystallizes at room temperature

Parts used

• Sheets

Dosage forms available

• Leaf tincture

Usual dosages

Composition

Main components of the plant

• Essential oil (2% and at least 1.3%): diosphenol or Buchu camphor , ketones ( menthone , pulegone ), monoterpene alcohols ( terpinen-4-ol ), and monoterpene hydrocarbons
• Flavonoids  : hesperidoside , diosmin and diosmoside , rutoside
• Mucilages (leaf swells in hot water)

Main components of buds or young shoots

Main components of essential oil

• Diosphenol which crystallizes at room temperature
• Monoterpene ketones  : isomenthone , menthone and pulegone
• Monoterpene alcohols  : terpinene-4-ol
• Monoterpene hydrocarbons  : limonene , myrcene and alpha-pinene

Properties

Plant properties

• Diuretic & antiseptic in benign inflammatory diseases of the urinary tract
• Antimicrobial, antifungal [1]
• The essential oil diosphenol , excreted as a glucuronide derivative, is antibacterial
• Anti -inflammatory and diuretic flavonoids
• The pulegone is an emmenagogue
• Balsamic and diaphoretic
• The other Barosma would be inactive and constitute a falsification

Bud properties

Properties of essential oil

Directions

Indications of the whole plant (phytotherapy)

• Cystitis, urethritis and inflammation of the bladder, prostatitis and prostate cancer [2]
• Vaginal candidiasis (?)
• Nephritis (?)

Indications of the bud (gemmotherapy)

Specific indications of essential oil (aromatherapy)

Known or suspected mode of action

• It is the diosphenol of the essential oil, excreted in the form of a glucuronide derivative, which is antibacterial, with terpinene-4-ol
• Flavonoids are diuretics

Usual formulations

Regulations

• French Pharmacopoeia list A (sheet)

Possible side effects and precautions for use

• The essential oil with diosphenol and pulegone can cause irritation phenomena

Bibliographic references

1. Aller↑ Lis-Balchin M, Hart S, Simpson E. Buchu (Agathosma betulina and A. crenulata, Rutaceae) essential oils: their pharmacological action on guinea-pig ileum and antimicrobial activity on microorganisms. J Pharm Pharmacol. 2001 Apr;53(4):579-82. PMID 11341377
2. Aller↑ Steenkamp V. Phytomedicines for the prostate. Fitoterapia. 2003 Sep;74(6):545-52. PMID 12946716

• Trinder-Smith, T. & Raimondo, D. 2016. Agathosma betulina (PJBergius) Pillans. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2020/12/11
• Moolla A, Viljoen AM. 'Buchu' -Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata (Rutaceae): a review. J Ethnopharmacol. 2008 Oct 28;119(3):413-9. PMID 18725278
• Wichtl Max, Anton Robert. Therapeutic plants: Tradition, officinal practice, science and therapy. Ed. Tec & Doc. Cachan. 1999. p. 70

Buchu is not recommended during pregnancy ( linked to risques de miscarriage)  and breastfeeding. reserved For Adults and children over 12 y.o.

Store in a cool, dry place, away from light. Keep tightly closed, away from the reach of Children and pets.

Do not exceed the daily dose.

This product is not intended to prevent or cure any form of illness or disease.
 

If you are pregnant or nursing ; If you have a medical condition or are in the course of medical treatment ; If you are programmed for theater/operation in the near future, please consult your healthcare practitioner before using this product.

This product cannot replace a varied and balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

This product has not been evaluated by the SAHPRA for its quality, safety or intended use.

For More Information please check our General Safety Herbal products Page