Plants dominated the realm of medicine before mainstream medications took over. But there are many herbs and plants that are still part and parcel of traditional systems of medicine in many parts of the globe.

One such plant is Bulbine natalensis, an aloe-like succulent that thrives in the hot, arid regions of the African continent. B. natalensis is traditionally used as an aphrodisiac. But today, you may also encounter it sold as a supplement for increasing testosterone levels, treating erectile dysfunction or building muscles.

Health benefits

Here’s the rundown on the health benefits of B. natalensis:

1. Combats inflammation – B. natalensis is said to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, thanks to its many antioxidants. These include tannins, saponins and anthraquinones. Together, these compounds help protect cells from the harmful effects of inflammation, which could lead to chronic conditions, if left unchecked.
2. Fights bad bacteria – Existing studies on B. natalensis show that it can help ward off harmful bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. These two are notorious for causing skin and soft tissue infections, as well as pneumonia.
3. Protects your gut – In some cases, abdominal cramps, diarrhea and other gastrointestinal issues could be a complication of a bacterial infection. You can easily protect your gut by taking B. natalensis.
4. Speeds up healing – You could also crush B. natalensis leaves and apply it as a poultice to scrapes and burns for faster healing. Plus, the leaves’ antibacterial effects can help protect your skin from infection as it heals.
5. Boosts libido – One of the oldest known uses of B. natalensis is as an aphrodisiac. This means it boosts libido for better sexual health. Some studies also suggest that B. natalensis has tremendous potential as a form of natural treatment for erectile dysfunction.
6. Increases testosterone – Having low testosterone levels can lead to a host of health problems, such as weakness, weight gain and fragile bones. But simply taking B. natalensis can help keep these problems at bay, thanks to the plant’s positive effects on testosterone levels.
7. Helps manage diabetes – In 2018, a review of medicinal plants for diabetes management suggested that B. natalensis owes its powerful anti-diabetic properties to several antioxidants, including psoralen, carvone and quercetin.
8. Supports detoxification – If you often suffer from kidney and bladder problems, you may need to use a natural blood purifier like B. natalensis. Natural healers used the roots of the plant to keep the kidneys and liver clean. If these organs are clean, your body can filter your blood and get rid of toxins better.
9. Stops cancer cell growth – Clinical trials have shown that extracts of B. natalensis and other Bulbine species can cause certain cancer cells to undergo cellular suicide. When isolated, antioxidants in Bulbine plants were also able to stop cancer cells from spreading.
10. Improves skin hydration – For dull, dry skin, take B. natalensis. In the South African market, the leaf extract of B. natalensis is used as a natural moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and elastic, especially as you age.

Potential risks

Most health stores carry B. natalensis supplements and extracts in capsule form. Due to the lack of studies on B. natalensis and its reported benefits, there’s no recommended dosage for B. natalensis supplements. It also remains unclear if B. natalensis supplementation has adverse side effects.

That being said, an animal study found that giving rats high doses of B. natalensis caused slight distortions in their liver and kidneys. It’s unclear if these distortions affect healthy liver and kidney functions. Therefore, it’s best to consult a natural health practitioner if you plan to take B. natalensis supplements.

Sources:

CMS.HerbalGram.org

MDPI.com

Europe.PMC.org