Does Butea Superba Increase Testosterone?
Written by Ben Bunting: BA, PGCert. (Sport & Exercise Nutrition) // British Army Physical Training Instructor // S&C Coach.
--
You will experience a decline in testosterone after the age thirty. It can lead to a decline in athletic ability, virility and muscle mass. Your workout will be harder and you'll get tired faster.
Butea superbea plays a minor role in the T-booster supplement world. This herb has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to improve sexual performance and boost libido.
Does it boost testosterone?
What we will cover:
- Butea suprema is a plant.
- What is the impact of testosterone on the body?
Butea Superba is a plant
Butea superba also known as Red Kwao Krua is a pea-family flowering plant. The crawler wraps around trees, and its flowers are bright yellowish-orange in colour.
In traditional Thai medicine, it is considered an aphrodisiac which increases sexual appetite. Butea is found in Thailand's forests, particularly the northern and eastern parts. It is thought to enhance male sexual power, performance and strength.
Tuberous roots contain bioactive substances, including glycosides and sterols. Butenin is the main flavonoid that distinguishes this plant.
Does Butea Boost Testosterone Levels?
This herb is not well researched. This should be enough to send alarm signals. Most of the studies are animal-based and inconclusive.
A small number of studies on rats have evaluated the effects of Butea. The doses used in these studies range from 50mg per kg to 250mg.
In a study published in 2010, it was found that butea superiora, whether administered in doses of 25, 250, or 10, did not increase the testosterone level in male Wistar rats.
Many others have also found results similar to mine.
Human Research
There are currently only two available human studies. In one of them, butea dosages of 1,000mg per day for a period of 3 months increased T levels by 11 % [3].
There were 39 men in this study, and all had erectile dysfunction. It is impossible to make generalized conclusions from this sample. It is also difficult to determine exactly which benefits were experienced because no other markers of androgens have been measured.
In the other research, it was more of a case-study than a report on clinical trials [4]. The case study involved a healthy 35-year-old Thai man who took the unreported supplement dose for several weeks in order to combat hair loss.
A medical expert examined the man and found that his sexual desire had increased. The man's blood test showed an increase of 1.7% in testosterone. It is the only study that reports elevated testosterone levels after taking this herb, and the rise was minimal.
However, the supplement caused a significant rise in dihydrotestosterone. It is an anti-estrogenic derivative of testosterone. However, it is one of the main contributors to male-pattern baldness.
Butea May Even Lower Testosterone
One rat study found that 200mg per kg body weight negatively affected testosterone levels and a variety of blood parameters. They included the white blood cells, which are essential for fighting off illness.
Conclusion of Butea and Testosterone
Since hundreds of years, butea is used in traditional medicine to improve male health and virility. The use of butea is understudied and heavily based on hearsay and anecdotes.
Human studies show it has potential to be an aphrodisiac, but not as a testosterone booster. The animal studies show small and large increases in testosterone.
We suggest you spend your money on other supplements. There are many nutrients that can raise T levels.
Military Muscle
Military Muscle, a testosterone booster of the highest quality is at its best.
This anabolic complex is made up of only natural ingredients and contains everything that you need to increase muscle mass, strength, and body fat.
This product contains ingredients like vitamin D, zinc and D-aspartic acids. It's your chance to build a body you have never seen before.
References
- Roengsumran, S et al. Flavonoid and Flavonoid glycoside from Butea superba Roxb. and their cAMP Phosphodiesterase Inhibitory Activity. J. Sci. Res. Chula. Univ. 2000; 25(1)
- Malaivijitnond, S et al. Luteinizing hormone reduction by the male potency herb, Butea superba Roxb. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2010 Sep;43(9):843-52
- Cherdshewasart, W et al. Clinical trial of butea superba, an alternative herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl. 2003; 243-246
- Chaiyasit, K et al. Hyperandrogenemia due to ingestion of Butea superba. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2012; 16(3): 485–486
- Cherdshewasart, W et al. Androgen disruption and toxicity tests of Butea superba Roxb., a traditional herb used for treatment of erectile dysfunction, in male rats. Maturitas. 2008; 60(2): 131-137