Bulbine natalensis

In the testosterone booster industry, various compounds periodically receive media attention. Bulbine Natalensis is one of these that is enjoying increasing interest among bodybuilders due to the testosterone boosting effects promised by the manufacturers. However, Bulbine Natalensis also has potential wound healing properties and other potential health benefits. This article will take a closer look at the health benefits and potential side effects of Bulbine Natalensis.

What is Bulbine Natalensis?

Bulbine Natalensis is a plant that is native to South Africa. It is used in the field of traditional African medicine to treat a range of ailments which include insect bites, mosquito bites, blisters, cold sores, mouth ulcers, chapped skin, sunburn, cuts and to aid the healing of skin abrasions. The sap of the plant is used as a traditional remedy for wounds, burns and rashes. A root infusion is used to treat vomiting, diarrhea, cramps, sexual infections, diabetes and rheumatism, although none of these effects have yet been scientifically studied (2). Although bulbine natalensis has long been used as a medicinal plant in Africa, it has only recently become popular as a supplement in Western medicine. This may be related to the fact that recent research has found that bulbine natalensis can boost libido, increase natural testosterone levels and lower oestrogen levels.

Ingredients

An aqueous extract of the Bulbine Natalensis strain contains the following compounds (3, 4):

Tannins
anthraquinones
cardiac glycosides
saponin
alkaloids
Naphthalene derivatives

How does Bulbine Natalensis work?

The precise mechanisms of action of Bulbine Natalensis in humans are not yet known. However, studies in rats suggest that it acts via the following mechanisms (1, 3):

Increasing testosterone levels in the testes and blood
Enlargement of the testicles as a result of the increased testosterone levels, which in turn causes the testicles to secrete more testosterone.
Increase in the activity of an enzyme in the testicles (alkaline phosphatase), which is involved in the maintenance of healthy sperm.
Increasing the levels of compounds in the testicles that are responsible for the production of testosterone (cholesterol) and the maturation and maintenance of healthy sperm (glycogen, salicylic acid, testicular proteins).
Increase levels of reproductive hormones (Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH)), which stimulate the Leydig cells of the testes to produce testosterone.

Possible health benefits of Bulbine Natalensis

Bulbine can increase testosterone levels

In a study conducted at the Centre of Phytomedicine Research, Department of Botany at the University of Fort Hare in Alice, South Africa, it was observed that rodents receiving Bulbine Natalensis had serum testosterone levels that were 347% of the control group (1). At the same time, estrogen levels were 35% lower than in the control group, and in terms of libido enhancement, Bulbine Natalensis even outperformed Sidenafil. In other words, taking Bulbine Natalensis was equivalent to 347% more testosterone, 35% less oestrogen and a stronger sex drive than the control group. More interesting for athletes and bodybuilders is the fact that testosterone is also an anabolic hormone. Testosterone can help build muscle mass and burn body fat, in addition to giving you the mental drive you need to perform exceptionally in the weight room. Manipulating your body's testosterone production can help you build more muscle faster and overcome plateaus in the weight room, as well as having positive health benefits. This is where testosterone boosters such as Bulbine Natalensis come into play, which have the ability to increase the body's own testosterone production in a natural and harmless way. Unlike externally supplied testosterone, Bulbine Natalensis does not suppress the body's own hormone production. Furthermore, it does not lead to an increase in oestrogen levels and the associated undesirable side effects, as is the case with testosterone supplements in the form of injections, testosterone patches or testosterone gel.

Bulbine Natalensis could promote sexual health

High testosterone levels improve libido, mood and general sexual health in humans (5).

An aqueous extract of bulbine natalensis increased testosterone levels in both the blood and testes of rats. It also increased sexual behavior and was more effective than Viagra at a dosage of 25 to 50 mg per kilogram of body weight. This suggests that Bulbine Natalensis may have the potential for use in the treatment of libido disorders, premature ejaculation and erectile dysfunction in humans (1, 3, 6). A bulbine natalensis extract also increased fertility and mating success in rats as a result of increased libido and increased levels of reproductive hormones (testosterone, progesterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle stimulating hormone). However, it did not alter other parameters of sexual health such as motility, shape, viscosity and sperm count (7).

Bulbine Natalensis could promote wound healing

In pigs, a Bulbine Natalensis gel induced faster and better wound healing. There was an increase in the amount of collagen, protein and DNA in the wounds treated with Bulbine Natalensis, which means that the cells divided faster, which in turn resulted in faster wound healing (8). A Bulbine Natalensis leaf extract gel accelerated the progress of wound healing in weaned pigs via a formation of new fibrous tissue, new muscle tissue and new connective tissue in combination with an increase in collagen storage and maturation (9).

Bulbine Natalensis could help against fungal infections

A class of naturally occurring chemicals (phytosterols) found in Bulbine Natalensis blocked the growth of one of the most toxic fungi (Aspergillus flavus) (10). An aqueous extract of Bulbine Natalensis tuber completely blocked the growth of Aspergillus (niger and flavus) at all doses tested. An alcoholic extract of Bulbine Natalensis had similar effects on the growth of these fungi (11). These are preliminary results that have not yet been replicated in animals or humans.

Bulbine Natalensis could help against bacterial infections

Extracts of Bulbine Natalensis in different types of alcohol blocked the growth of the following bacterial species (11):

Staphylococcus aereus, a bacterium that is resistant to many antibiotics and can cause skin and respiratory tract infections, as well as food poisoning.
Streptococcus faecalis, a common cause of infections of the urinary tract, heart and wounds.
Bacillus (cereus, pumilus), which can cause food poisoning.
Escherichia coli, which can cause urinary tract infections, diarrhea and inflammatory bowel disease.
Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a bacterium that is resistant to most antibiotics and can cause life-threatening, drug-resistant infections.
Klebsiella pneumoniae, which can cause respiratory infections such as bronchitis and pneumonia.
Serratia marcescens, which causes hospital infections that are difficult to treat.
Proteus vulgaris, which can cause infections of the urinary tract.
Enterobacter cloacae, which can cause many serious infections affecting the urinary tract, skin, lungs and heart.
Shigella flexneri, which can cause food poisoning.

Bulbine Natalensis extract in ethyl acetate was the most effective in blocking bacterial growth compared to other alcoholic extracts (11). However, these studies were conducted in test tubes and further research is needed to determine whether Bulbine Natalensis can also fight the infections caused by these bacteria in humans.

Who can benefit from Bulbine Natalensis?

Even though there are still no conclusive human studies on Bulbine Natalensis, anecdotal reports from users are more than positive. Bulbine Natalensis is of interest to anyone looking for an effective testosterone booster. To maximize the effects of such a product, care should be taken to ensure an adequate intake of protein and appropriate nutrition and supplementation around the training window. In addition, Bulbine Natalensis can be used during the phase of discontinuation (PCT) after the use of anabolic steroids or prohormones to support and accelerate the restoration of the body's natural testosterone production.

Safety and side effects

It should be kept in mind that the safety profile of Bulbine Natalensis is virtually unknown due to the lack of studies. The list of side effects below is not all-inclusive or definitive. In one study, 36 healthy men took Bulbine Natalensis daily for 28 days. The supplement was considered safe based on measured health markers (blood, liver enzymes, kidney enzymes and general health markers such as heart rate, blood pressure, ECG) (12). In rats, an aqueous extract of Bulbine Natalensis tuber increased blood levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and reduced levels of good cholesterol (HDL) (13). In another study conducted with rats, a Bulbine Natalensis root extract increased liver enzyme levels (GGT, ALT and AST), as well as the size of the liver and kidneys. This indicates liver and kidney damage (14).

Bulbine Natalensis Supplements

Bulbine Natalensis extracts are available in capsule, tablet and powder form, as well as in liquid form. It is also sometimes combined with other testosterone boosters.

Dosage

Since there is no official recommended dosage for Bulbine Natalensis, users and supplement manufacturers have determined unofficial dosages by trial and error. In the only human study conducted with Bulbine Natalensis, a dosage of 325 mg Bulbine Natalensis twice daily was used (12). In rat studies, a dosage of 50 mg per kilogram of body weight was determined to be the optimal dose. This can be converted to 8 mg per kilogram of body weight for a 60 kilogram adult using the Body Surface Area Conversions Standards of the US FDA (15).

In other words, Bulbine Natalensis could be used in the following doses based on animal studies:

360 mg for a 45 kilogram person
550 mg for a 70 kilogram person
730 mg for a person weighing 90 kilos

The dose may be higher if the raw form of the plant is consumed instead of an extract.

References

Further sources

"IPNI: Plant Name Search." The International Plant Names Index. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Bulbine abyssinica." PlantZAfrica.com Homepage. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Effect of Aqueous Extract of Bulbine Natalensis (Baker) Stem on the Sexual Behavior of Male Rats. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Anabolic and Androgenic Activities of Bulbine Natalensis Stem in Male Wistar Rats. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Bulbine Natalensis - Scientific Review on Usage, Dosage, Side Effects | Examine.com. "Independent Analysis on Supplements & Nutrition | Examine.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Effect of Bulbine Natalensis Baker Stem Extract on the Functional Indices and Histology of the Liver and Kidney of Male Wistar Rats. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Reproductive Toxicologic Evaluations of Bulbine Natalensis Baker Stem Extract in Albino Rats. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Effect of Aqueous Extract of Bulbine Natalensis Baker Stem on Haematological and Serum Lipid Profile of Male Wistar Rats. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
Hofheins, Jennifer E et al. "Short Term Safety of bulbine Natalensis Supplementation in Healthy Men." Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition 9 Suppl 1 (2012): P33. PMC.
"ALP: The Test | Alkaline Phosphatase." Blood, Urine & Other Lab Tests Education | Lab Tests Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Creatinine: The Test | Creatinine Test: Creat; Blood Creatinine; Serum Creatinine; Urine Creatinine | Lab Tests Online." Blood, Urine & Other Lab Tests Education | Lab Tests Online. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
Yakubu, M T et al. "Antimicrobial Activity of the Solvent Fractions from Bulbine Natalensis Tuber." African Journal of Traditional, Complementary, and Alternative Medicines 9.4 (2012): 459-464.
"Bulbine Natalensis and Bulbine Frutescens Promote Cutaneous Wound Healing. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
IRCOBI - International Research Council on Biomechanics of Injury. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"NYLON FIBERS." UT Knoxville | College of Engineering. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
"Fibroplasia Medical Definition | Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary." Dictionary and Thesaurus | Merriam-Webster. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sep. 2015.
"Fibroblast - Glossary Entry." Genetics Home Reference. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.
Baum, Jennifer, and Heather S. Duffy. "Fibroblasts and Myofibroblasts: What Are We Talking About?" Journal of cardiovascular pharmacology 57.4 (2011): 376-379. PMC.
"A Biochemical Comparison of the in Vivo Effects of Bulbine Frutescens and Bulbine Natalensis on Cutaneous Wound Healing. - PubMed - NCBI." National Center for Biotechnology Information. N.p., n.d. Web. 4 Sept. 2015.

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