Buchu

Agathosma Butulina

Buchu has remained one of the most popular herbal medicines in South Africa. Its traditional use encompasses the treatment of kidney and urinary tract infections, stomach ailments, rheumatism, gout and fever. Its major chemical constituents include the flavonoids rutin, querctin and diosmin. Other constituents include methone, diosphenol (antimicrobial), limonene and pulegone (Kaiser et al J of Agric and Food chemistry 23 (5): 943-950.

The essential oil extract from the plant possesses weak antimicrobial activity. There is also some spasmolytic which is dose-related (Blummaert, K.L.J et al 1976). In vivo anti-inflammatory activity has been demonstrated in animal studies by diosmin, which is one of the constituents of the buchu leaf.

The main uses of Buchu include detoxification and cleansing. It is also a mild anti-inflammatory and anti-microbial agent. The mucilage component found in buchu leaves has soothing components. There is also anti-heartburn activity (Dr. Duke's Phytochemical and Ethnobotanical data bases 2009 ).

Due to its mild uterine muscular stimulating effects buchu should be taken with caution by lactating and pregnant women.