Butea Superba

• Hormone Optimization
• Sexual Health
• Adaptogenic

• Energy Enhancement
• Mood Support
• Antioxidant
• Anti-inflammatory

Butea superba exerts its effects primarily through modulation of androgenic pathways and enhancement of nitric oxide signaling, which contribute to its traditional use for male sexual health. The plant contains various bioactive compounds including flavonoids, sterols, and other phytochemicals that interact with multiple physiological systems. Its mechanisms span hormonal modulation, vasodilation, antioxidant protection, and adaptogenic effects.

Compound Identification: Many of the specific bioactive compounds in Butea superba remain unidentified or incompletely characterized

Mechanism Elucidation: The precise mechanisms of action, particularly regarding hormonal effects, are not fully understood

Standardization Challenges: Variation in active compound content between different preparations makes mechanistic studies challenging

Clinical Correlation: Limited human clinical studies correlating specific mechanisms with observed effects

The effective dosage of Butea superba depends on the preparation method, standardization, and intended use. For standardized extracts (typically standardized to flavonoid content), typical doses range from 100-500 mg daily. For traditional dried root powder, typical doses range from 500-1,500 mg daily. Clinical studies have used varying doses, but most positive results for sexual function have been observed with doses of 100-250 mg of standardized extract or 500-1,000 mg of root powder daily.

Due to limited clinical research, dosing recommendations are partly based on traditional use and anecdotal evidence.

General Timing: Can be taken once daily or divided into 2 doses

With Food: Taking with meals is generally recommended to enhance absorption and reduce potential digestive discomfort

Morning Vs Evening: Morning dosing often preferred for energy benefits; no strong evidence for optimal timing

Pre Activity: May be taken 1-2 hours before sexual activity, though consistent daily use appears more effective than acute dosing

Consistency: Daily consistent use is important for achieving and maintaining benefits

Standardization Parameters: Products may be standardized to total flavonoid content or specific marker compounds

Extract Ratios: Common extract ratios include 10:1 and 20:1, indicating the concentration factor

Standardized Vs Whole: Standardized extracts provide more consistent results but whole root preparations may offer a broader spectrum of compounds

Individual Variation: Significant variation in individual response; some may require higher or lower doses for optimal effects

Onset Of Action: Most effects develop gradually over weeks rather than acutely; patience and consistency are important

Tolerance: Limited evidence for development of tolerance with long-term use

Cycling Protocols: Some practitioners recommend cycling (e.g., 5 days on, 2 days off, or 3 weeks on, 1 week off), though clinical evidence for this necessity is limited

Hormonal Monitoring: Consider monitoring testosterone levels if using for hormonal support, particularly at higher doses

Clinical Studies: Limited clinical studies have used doses ranging from 100-250 mg of standardized extract daily

Animal Studies: Animal studies have used equivalent human doses of approximately 100-500 mg/day of extract

Traditional Use: Traditional Thai medicine typically used approximately 500-1,500 mg of dried root powder daily

Research Limitations: More clinical research needed to establish optimal dosing for specific conditions

Moderate, with significant variation depending on the specific bioactive compounds and preparation method. Butea superba contains a diverse array of compounds with different absorption characteristics. Some flavonoids and other active compounds have limited oral bioavailability due to poor water solubility, extensive first-pass metabolism, and P-glycoprotein efflux in the intestine.

Preparation Form: Extracts generally have better bioavailability than whole root powder due to increased concentration of active compounds and removal of some interfering substances.

Extraction Method: Alcohol-based extracts may improve absorption of certain lipophilic compounds compared to water-based extractions.

Standardization: Standardized extracts with higher concentrations of specific active compounds may offer more consistent bioavailability.

Particle Size: Finely ground powder may have better absorption than coarsely ground material due to increased surface area.

Food Interactions: Taking with meals containing fat may enhance absorption of fat-soluble components.

Individual Factors: Gut microbiome composition, digestive enzyme activity, and intestinal transit time can significantly affect absorption and metabolism of various compounds.

Taking with meals containing moderate fat content to enhance absorption of lipophilic compounds, Using alcohol-based extracts for improved extraction and potential absorption of certain compounds, Combining with black pepper extract (piperine) may enhance absorption by inhibiting P-glycoprotein efflux and certain metabolic enzymes, Micronization (very fine grinding) to increase surface area and potential absorption, Liposomal or phytosomal delivery systems that encapsulate active compounds in phospholipid structures

Optimal Timing: Taking with meals is generally recommended to enhance absorption of fat-soluble components.

Consistency: Regular daily use is important for maintaining steady blood levels of bioactive compounds.

Morning Vs Evening: No strong evidence for optimal timing; consistency is more important than specific timing.

Divided Dosing: For higher doses, dividing into 2 daily doses may help maintain more consistent blood levels.

Primary Metabolic Pathways: Various compounds undergo different metabolic processes; many are subject to hepatic metabolism via phase I and II enzymes

Elimination Routes: Primarily renal excretion of water-soluble compounds and metabolites; some biliary excretion

Half Life: Variable depending on specific compounds; flavonoids typically have half-lives of 2-8 hours

Alcohol Extracts: Better extraction of lipophilic compounds

Water Extracts: Better extraction of water-soluble compounds but may miss some important lipophilic compounds

Standardized Extracts: More consistent bioavailability of specific compounds

Whole Root Preparations: Broader spectrum of compounds but potentially lower bioavailability of some

Compound Complexity: The diverse array of compounds in Butea superba makes comprehensive bioavailability assessment challenging

Metabolite Identification: Limited characterization of all biologically active metabolites

Pharmacokinetic Studies: Limited human pharmacokinetic data on specific bioactive compounds

Standardization Issues: Variation in preparation methods makes generalizing bioavailability challenging

Dosing Frequency: Once or twice daily dosing recommended based on observed clinical effects

Formulation Considerations: Standardized extracts generally preferred for consistent bioavailability

Individual Response Variation: Significant variation in individual response likely due to differences in absorption, metabolism, and gut microbiome

Onset Expectations: Gradual onset of effects over weeks suggests cumulative action rather than acute effects

Vs Other Herbs: Moderate bioavailability compared to other herbal supplements; better than some flavonoid-rich herbs but less than highly bioavailable compounds

Vs Synthetic Compounds: Generally lower and more variable bioavailability than synthetic pharmaceutical compounds

Improvement Potential: Significant room for improvement through advanced delivery systems and formulation technologies

Delivery Systems: Development of advanced delivery systems like nanoparticles, liposomes, and phytosomes may significantly enhance bioavailability

Prodrug Approaches: Modification of key compounds to improve absorption and reduce pre-systemic metabolism

Targeted Release: Formulations designed for specific release profiles or targeted delivery

Bioavailability Enhancers: Identification of optimal natural bioavailability enhancers beyond piperine

Butea superba has a moderate safety profile based on limited clinical research and traditional use in Thai medicine. While it appears generally well-tolerated at recommended doses, its potential hormonal effects warrant caution in certain populations. The limited number of formal safety studies and some case reports of hormonal side effects at high doses necessitate a cautious approach, particularly regarding dosage and duration of use.

• [“Mild digestive discomfort (uncommon)”,”Mild stimulatory effects in some individuals”,”Slight increase in body temperature (due to increased metabolism)”]
• [“Insomnia or sleep disturbances (particularly with evening dosing)”,”Increased blood pressure in sensitive individuals”,”Acne or oily skin (due to androgenic effects)”,”Headache”]
• [“Significant hormonal imbalances at high doses (case reports of hyperthyroidism-like symptoms)”,”Potential liver stress at excessive doses (theoretical based on metabolism of active compounds)”,”Allergic reactions (rare)”]

• Hormone-sensitive conditions including certain cancers (prostate, breast) due to potential androgenic effects
• Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) due to potential DHT-enhancing effects
• Hyperthyroidism (case reports suggest potential thyroid stimulation at high doses)
• Severe hypertension (precautionary due to potential mild stimulatory effects)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding (due to limited safety data and potential hormonal effects)
• Children and adolescents (due to potential effects on developing hormonal systems)
• Scheduled surgery (discontinue at least 2 weeks before due to theoretical effects on blood pressure and bleeding time)

Men With Normal Hormone Levels: Generally well-tolerated; monitor for signs of hormonal imbalance

Men With Low Testosterone: May be beneficial but should be used under medical supervision with hormone monitoring

Women: Generally not recommended due to potential androgenic effects; limited safety data in women

Elderly: Start with lower doses and monitor for interactions with medications and existing conditions

Liver Or Kidney Impairment: Use with caution due to potential altered metabolism and elimination

No officially established upper limit. Clinical studies typically use 100-250 mg of extract daily without significant adverse effects. Traditional use suggests doses up to 1,000 mg of root powder are generally well-tolerated. However, case reports of hormonal side effects have been associated with higher doses (>1,500 mg of root powder daily) or prolonged use at high doses.

Acute Toxicity: Animal studies suggest low acute toxicity with high safety margin

Chronic Toxicity: Limited long-term studies; some concerns about hormonal effects with prolonged high-dose use

Genotoxicity: Limited data, but available studies do not indicate significant genotoxic concerns

Reproductive Toxicity: Limited data; potential concerns due to hormonal effects; not recommended during pregnancy

Adulteration: Risk of adulteration with synthetic hormones or other compounds in some products

Contamination: Risk of environmental contaminants; quality sourcing important

Standardization Issues: Wide variation in active compound content between products

Recommendations: Choose products from reputable manufacturers with third-party testing

General Users: Self-monitor for any unusual effects, particularly signs of hormonal imbalance

Hormonal Monitoring: Consider baseline and follow-up testosterone, DHT, and thyroid function tests with long-term use

Liver Function: Consider baseline and periodic liver function tests with long-term use

Blood Pressure: Monitor blood pressure, particularly in those with pre-existing hypertension

Standardized Extracts: More consistent active compound content may provide more predictable safety profile

Traditional Preparations: Long history of use but variable potency may affect safety

High Concentration Extracts: Higher risk of side effects; should be used with greater caution

Combination Products: Consider potential interactions with other herbs in combination products

Cross Reactivity: Potential cross-reactivity with other plants in the Fabaceae (legume) family

Symptoms: Typical allergic reactions may include skin rashes, itching, or digestive disturbances

Incidence: Appears to be rare based on limited reports

Historical Context: Long history of use in traditional Thai medicine with generally good safety record

Traditional Dosing: Traditional doses typically lower than some modern concentrated extracts

Traditional Precautions: Traditional use included specific preparation methods and combination with other herbs

Modern Context: Modern concentrated extracts may have different safety profiles than traditional preparations

Testosterone Effects: Potential to increase testosterone levels, which may be beneficial or problematic depending on individual needs

Dht Effects: Potential to increase DHT, which may exacerbate androgenic alopecia or BPH in susceptible individuals

Thyroid Effects: Case reports of thyroid stimulation at high doses; mechanism not well understood

Monitoring: Consider hormone level monitoring with long-term use

Clinical Evidence: Very limited studies beyond several months of use

Traditional Evidence: Traditional use suggests reasonable long-term safety at appropriate doses

Cycling Recommendations: Some practitioners recommend cycling (periods of use alternated with breaks) for theoretical safety reasons

Monitoring Recommendations: Consider periodic hormone level assessment and liver function testing with long-term use

Thyroid Stimulation: Several case reports of hyperthyroidism-like symptoms with high doses

Androgenic Effects: Reports of acne, oily skin, and other androgenic effects in some users

Dose Relationship: Most adverse effects reported with doses significantly higher than traditionally recommended

Resolution: Most reported effects resolved after discontinuation

Medium

Butea superba is generally a moderately priced supplement, with cost varying based on preparation method, standardization, and source. Standardized extracts typically command higher prices than traditional root powder. The cost-efficiency is enhanced by its multiple potential benefits for male sexual health, potentially providing several benefits in one supplement. However, the variable quality and potency of products on the market can significantly affect the actual value received.

Standardized Extracts: $0.75-$2.00 per day (based on 100-250mg daily)

Root Powder: $0.50-$1.50 per day (based on 500-1,000mg daily)

Tinctures: $1.00-$2.50 per day (based on typical dosing)

Combination Products: Variable, typically $1.00-$3.00 per day

Choose standardized extracts for more consistent results despite higher initial cost, Consider extract concentration (10:1, 20:1) when comparing prices between products, Purchase from reputable sources with quality testing to ensure getting active product, Buy in larger quantities when possible for bulk discounts once effectiveness is established, Consider combination products that include synergistic herbs if addressing multiple aspects of sexual health

Acute Sexual Performance: Moderate cost-effectiveness; other options may provide more reliable acute effects

Long Term Sexual Health: Good cost-effectiveness; consistent use may provide cumulative benefits

Hormonal Balance: Moderate cost-effectiveness; effects less predictable than pharmaceutical options

General Vitality: Moderate cost-effectiveness; many alternatives available at similar cost

Multiple Health Goals: Good cost-effectiveness when addressing multiple aspects of male sexual health simultaneously

Pricing Trends: Gradually increasing prices due to growing demand and limited supply

Value Trends: Improving value proposition as standardization and quality control improve

Future Outlook: Likely to remain a moderately priced supplement with potential for premium positioning of high-quality standardized extracts

Powder Savings: Significant savings (20-40%) available when purchasing powder in bulk

Extract Savings: Moderate savings for larger quantities of standardized extracts

Considerations: Balance bulk savings against shelf life and usage rate

Standardized Extracts: Higher initial cost but potentially better value due to consistency and lower effective dose

Traditional Root Powder: Lower cost but less consistent potency may affect actual value

Tinctures: Higher cost but convenient administration and potentially better absorption

Combination Products: Variable value depending on formulation quality and synergistic effects

Adulteration Risks: Lower-cost products may have higher risk of adulteration or quality issues

Testing Importance: Third-party testing adds cost but significantly increases value assurance

Standardization Value: Standardization adds cost but provides more consistent results

False Economy: Very low-cost products may represent false economy if potency or quality is compromised

Butea superba represents a moderate value for those seeking support for male sexual health, particularly

when using standardized extracts from reputable sources. The multiple potential benefits for sexual function, libido, and hormonal support enhance overall value.

However , the variable quality and potency of products on the market mean that the lowest-cost options may not provide the best value. Investing in quality standardized extracts from reputable sources with third-party testing typically provides the best overall value

despite higher initial cost.

Dried Root: 2-3 years when properly dried and stored

Root Powder: 1-2 years when stored in airtight containers away from light and moisture

Standardized Extracts: 1-2 years when stored properly, depending on extraction method and additives

Tinctures: 2-3 years when stored properly, alcohol content helps preserve bioactive compounds

Capsules Tablets: 1-3 years in original packaging, depending on manufacturing processes and additives

Temperature: Store at room temperature (15-25°C/59-77°F); avoid temperature extremes

Humidity: Keep in low-humidity environment; use desiccants if necessary for powder forms

Light Exposure: Protect from direct light, especially UV exposure; amber glass or opaque containers preferred

Air Exposure: Use airtight containers to minimize oxidation, particularly important for powder forms

Packaging Materials: Amber glass, opaque HDPE plastic, or foil pouches with moisture barriers are preferred

Ideal Conditions: Cool, dry place away from direct sunlight in airtight containers

Dried Root: Most stable form; natural protective structures intact

Root Powder: More susceptible to oxidation and moisture due to increased surface area

Standardized Extracts: Stability varies by extraction method and additives; generally stable when properly stored

Tinctures: Alcohol content helps preserve bioactive compounds; generally good stability

Capsules: Generally stable; vegetable capsules may be more susceptible to moisture than gelatin

Tablets: Compressed tablets typically have good stability; coating can provide additional protection

Color changes (darkening or fading of powder or extract), Unusual odor development or loss of characteristic aroma, Clumping or caking of powders, Changes in taste (increased bitterness or off-flavors), Visible mold or other contamination

Accelerated stability testing under controlled temperature and humidity, Real-time stability testing, HPLC analysis of marker compounds (flavonoids, sterols) over time, Microbial limit testing, Sensory evaluation

Alcohol Extraction: Generally good stability due to antimicrobial properties of alcohol

Water Extraction: More susceptible to microbial degradation; shorter shelf life without preservatives

Mixed Solvent Extraction: Stability depends on final solvent composition and processing

Standardization Process: May enhance stability by removing unstable compounds or adding stabilizers

Short Term: Original packaging sufficient for short trips

Long Term: Transfer to airtight travel containers; consider desiccant packets

Climate Factors: Extra precautions needed in humid or hot environments

Recommendations: Avoid leaving in hot vehicles or direct sunlight; keep in carry-on luggage when flying to avoid extreme temperatures in cargo holds

Purchase Quantity: Purchase amounts that can be used within 6-12 months for powders

Container Transfer: If transferring from original packaging, use airtight, opaque containers

Refrigeration: Generally not necessary but may extend shelf life in very warm climates

Freezing: Possible for long-term storage of powder, but avoid freezing and thawing cycles that can introduce moisture

Short Term: Minimal loss of potency under proper storage conditions for 6-12 months

Medium Term: Gradual decline in potency over 1-2 years, but still generally effective

Long Term: Significant decline in potency after 2-3 years, particularly for powders and non-standardized preparations

Compound Specific: Different bioactive compounds degrade at different rates; some more stable than others

Processing Temperature: Lower processing temperatures generally preserve more heat-sensitive compounds

Drying Methods: Controlled, low-temperature drying preferred for preserving bioactive compounds

Extraction Solvents: Choice of solvent affects both initial compound profile and long-term stability

Packaging Selection: Appropriate packaging critical for maintaining stability throughout shelf life

Natural Sources

Geographical Variations

Seasonal Considerations

Traditional Preparation

Modern Processing Methods

Commercial Forms

Quality Considerations

Sustainability Issues

Testing And Verification

Sourcing Recommendations

Adulteration Concerns

Traditional Knowledge

Folklore: Featured in Thai folklore as a potent male tonic

Gender Associations: Traditionally associated with male energy and vitality

Symbolic Importance: Red color of the root associated with blood, vitality, and masculine energy in Thai culture

Social Practices: Traditional use often accompanied by specific rituals or preparation methods

Ancient Period: Early use in indigenous Thai and Southeast Asian medicine

Traditional Period: Refinement of specific applications and preparation methods

Modern Traditional: Continued use in traditional Thai medicine with more standardized approaches

Contemporary Adaptation: Integration into modern supplement market with scientific investigation of traditional claims

Oral Traditions: Significant body of knowledge passed through generations of traditional healers

Traditional Texts: Documented in traditional Thai medical texts

Modern Documentation: Increasing scientific documentation of traditional uses and mechanisms

Ethnobotanical Research: Modern documentation of traditional uses across Southeast Asia

Decoctions: Typically prepared with specific amounts of root per volume of water

Powders: Traditional doses typically ranged from 500-1,500 mg daily

Duration Of Use: Often used for extended periods for chronic conditions

Timing: Specific timing recommendations in some traditions (morning, before meals, etc.)

Sexual Function: Consistent historical reports of improvement in male sexual function

Energy Effects: Traditional observations of enhanced energy and vitality

Adaptogenic Effects: Historical reports of improved stress resilience and overall wellbeing

Limitations: Traditional use did not distinguish between physiological, psychological, and placebo effects

Scientific Investigation: Began in earnest in the late 20th century, primarily in Thailand

Commercialization: Global market expansion beginning in the early 2000s

Standardization: Development of standardized extracts for clinical use

Research Focus: Scientific investigation of mechanisms related to sexual function and hormonal effects

Botanical Distinction: Red Kwao Krua (Butea superba) vs. White Kwao Krua (Pueraria mirifica)

Traditional Differentiation: Red traditionally used for men, White traditionally used for women

Opposite Effects: Traditional understanding that they have somewhat opposing hormonal effects

Usage Cautions: Traditional warnings against using the wrong type for one’s gender

Traditional Cautions: Traditional use included specific dosing guidelines and preparation methods

Contraindications: Traditional contraindications for certain conditions or constitutions

Gender Specificity: Traditionally considered specifically for men, with cautions against use by women

Preparation Importance: Traditional processing methods may have addressed certain safety concerns

Primary Regions: Thailand, particularly northern and northeastern regions

Secondary Regions: Other parts of Southeast Asia including Vietnam, Cambodia, and parts of India

Modern Global Spread: Now used globally, with strongest traditional roots in Thai medicine

Vs Tongkat Ali: Different traditional uses and mechanisms, though both used for male sexual health

Vs Tribulus: Different traditional origins but some overlap in applications

Vs Ginseng: Less broad in traditional applications than ginseng, more specifically focused on male sexual health

Complementary Use: Sometimes traditionally used in combination with other male tonics

Timing: Specific traditional timing for harvest based on plant age and season

Selection: Traditional methods for selecting the most potent roots

Sustainability: Traditional practices often included sustainable harvesting methods

Rituals: Some traditional harvesting practices included specific rituals or observances

Current Status In Thailand: Still used in traditional Thai medicine alongside modern approaches

Integration With Modern Medicine: Some integration with modern medical approaches in Thailand

Preservation Efforts: Efforts to preserve traditional knowledge about proper use and preparation

Challenges: Challenges in sustainable sourcing due to increased global demand

Butea superba has a limited but growing body of scientific evidence supporting some of its traditional uses for male sexual health. Research includes a small number of human clinical trials, several animal studies, and in vitro investigations. The strongest evidence supports its potential benefits for erectile function and libido, with preliminary evidence for hormonal effects. Most studies have been conducted in Thailand, with relatively few published in international peer-reviewed journals.

The quality of available research varies, with many studies having methodological limitations.

Limited information available on ongoing clinical trials, Some research continuing in Thailand on mechanisms of action and clinical applications, Interest in standardization and quality control methods

Large Scale Trials: Need for larger, well-designed clinical trials with adequate power

Long Term Safety: Limited data on effects beyond several months of use

Hormonal Mechanisms: More detailed investigation of effects on various hormonal pathways

Standardization: Better understanding needed of which compounds should be used for standardization

Bioavailability: Limited research on absorption and metabolism of key compounds

Comparative Effectiveness: Direct comparisons with other treatments for sexual dysfunction

Male Sexual Enhancement: Moderate scientific validation of traditional use for erectile function and libido

Hormonal Effects: Preliminary scientific validation of traditional androgenic applications

Vitality Enhancement: Limited scientific validation of traditional use for general vitality

Standardized Extracts: Most clinical research has used standardized extracts

Traditional Preparations: Less studied in controlled trials but supported by traditional use

Specific Fractions: Some research on isolated compounds or specific fractions

Generally recognized as having potential benefits for male sexual function, particularly erectile function and libido. Most experts acknowledge the preliminary nature of some evidence but consider the risk-benefit profile favorable for most healthy adult men when used at appropriate doses. More research is needed to fully establish efficacy and optimal use.

Vs Pde5 Inhibitors: Less potent than pharmaceutical PDE-5 inhibitors like sildenafil, but may offer a more natural approach with potentially fewer side effects

Vs Testosterone Therapy: Less potent than pharmaceutical testosterone but may offer milder effects with potentially fewer risks

Vs Other Herbal Approaches: Limited direct comparisons with other herbs used for similar purposes

Pde5 Inhibition: Well-documented in laboratory studies; likely contributes to erectile effects

Androgenic Activity: Demonstrated in animal studies; human relevance needs further confirmation

Nitric Oxide Enhancement: Some evidence from preclinical studies; likely contributes to erectile effects

Neurotransmitter Effects: Limited research on potential effects on neurotransmitters related to sexual function

Flavonoids: Several flavonoids identified and studied for biological activity

Sterols: Present in the plant but less studied for specific contributions

Other Compounds: Various other compounds identified but not fully characterized for activity

Publication Bias: More studies published in Thai journals than international peer-reviewed journals

Methodological Differences: Some methodological limitations in studies not published in international journals

Translation Limitations: Some Thai studies not readily accessible to international researchers

Research Focus: Thai research often focuses on traditional applications within Thai traditional medicine framework