Bulbine Natalensis – Uses, Side Effects, and More

(WebMD)

Overview

Bulbine natalensis is a succulent plant that grows in parts of South Africa. The root, leaf, and stem are used as medicine.

Bulbine natalensis seems to increase levels of testosterone and other hormones. This might affect sexual function and fertility.

People use Bulbine natalensis for muscle strength, sexual arousal, diarrhea, diabetes, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support these uses.

Bulbine natalensis root obtained from open street markets in South Africa might be contaminated with high amounts of aluminum and iron. Contaminated products might cause serious side effects.

Uses & Effectiveness 

We currently have no information for Bulbine natalensis dosing.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.

When applied to the skin: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe or what the side effects might be.

Pregnancy: Bulbine natalensis is possibly unsafe when taken by mouth during pregnancy. It might be toxic to the embryo or fetus. There isn’t enough reliable information to know if it is safe when applied to the skin during pregnancy.

Breast-feeding: There isn’t enough reliable information to know if Bulbine natalensis is safe when taken by mouth or applied to the skin while breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Surgery: Bulbine natalensis leaf might slow blood clotting. This might increase the risk of bleeding during and after surgery. Stop using Bulbine natalensis leaf at least 2 weeks before a scheduled surgery.

Interactions 

Moderate Interaction

Be cautious with this combination

• Digoxin (Lanoxin) interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Bulbine natalensis stem may contain chemicals that are similar to the prescription drug digoxin. Taking Bulbine natalensis stem along with digoxin might increase the risk of side effects.

• Medications that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs) interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Bulbine natalensis leaf might slow blood clotting. Taking Bulbine natalensis leaf along with medications that also slow blood clotting might increase the risk of bruising and bleeding.

• Testosterone interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Bulbine natalensis stem might increase the amount of testosterone in the body. Taking Bulbine natalensis stem along with testosterone might increase the risk of side effects from testosterone replacement therapy.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects of these medications.

• Medications moved by pumps in cells (P-glycoprotein substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Some medications are moved in and out of cells by pumps. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how these pumps work and change how much medication stays in the body. In some cases, this might change the effects and side effects of a medication.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects of these medications.

• Medications changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) substrates) interacts with Bulbine natalensis

Some medications are changed and broken down by the liver. Bulbine natalensis stem might change how quickly the liver breaks down these medications. This could change the effects of these medications.

Dosing

There isn’t enough reliable information to know what an appropriate dose of Bulbine natalensis might be. Keep in mind that natural products are not always necessarily safe and dosages can be important. Be sure to follow relevant directions on product labels and consult a healthcare professional before using. (webmd)