Background

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.

Safety Safety definitions

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 & Warnings:

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.

Effectiveness

Dosing & administration

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.

Interactions with pharmaceuticals

Digoxin (Lanoxin)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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 changed by the liver (Cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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 2C9 (CYP2C9) substrates)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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 that slow blood clotting (Anticoagulant / Antiplatelet drugs)

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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

Interaction Rating=Moderate Be cautious with this combination.

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.

Interactions with herbs & supplements

Herbs and supplements that might slow blood clotting: Bulbine natalensis leaf might slow blood clotting and increase the risk of bleeding. Taking it with other supplements with similar effects might increase the risk of bleeding in some people. Examples of supplements with this effect include garlic, ginger, ginkgo, nattokinase, and Panax ginseng.
Herbs that contain cardiac glycosides: Bulbine natalensis stem might contain chemicals that can affect the heart. These chemicals are called cardiac glycosides. Using it along with other supplements that also contain cardiac glycosides can increase the risk of heart damage. Examples of supplements that contain cardiac glycosides include black hellebore, foxglove, lily-of-the-valley, oleander, and pleurisy root.

Interactions with foods

There are no known interactions with foods.