Butea Superba

    Researchedby:
    Kamal Patel
    Last Updated: October 13, 2024

    Butea Superba (Red Kwao Krua) is a herb from Thai medicine sometimes thought to be the male equivalent of Pueraria Mirifica, a phytoestrogen known as White Kwao Krua; evidence for Butea Superba for these claims is lacking.

    examine-databaseExamine Database

    Butea Superba is most often used for Men’s Health. The Examine Database covers Male Sexual Dysfunction.

    70 participants in 2 trials

    Summary

    Butea Superba is a tuber vegetable that looks visibly similar to Pueraria Mirifica yet appears to be opposite in effect. This tuber has traditionally been used for the enhancement of male vitality and as an aphrodisiac in Thailand, and appears to be a source of androgenic compounds.

    When studies investigated the androgenic effects, there appears to be the classical signs of direct androgenic activation (particularly, an increase in liver enzymes in some studies and growth of male sex organs; a decrease in testosterone levels in serum has been noted possibly due to negative feedback) but unlike its sister herb (Pueraria Mirifica) the bioactives mediating these androgenic effects are not currently known nor are their potencies relative to testosterone known.

    Low doses of Butea Superba appear to be safe for human consumption, based on limited evidence, although higher doses have been connected to mutagenicity in mice (300-1000mg/kg, a human equivalent of 48mg/kg or above) and as such are not advisable.

    Both studies on Butea Superba and its erectogenic effects appear to have their flaws, so although this herb could potentially be an erectogenic aid it is currently not proven to do so.

    What are other names for Butea Superba

    Note that Butea Superba is also known as:
    • Red Kwao Krua
    Butea Superba should not be confused with:

    Dosage information

    There is not enough information to recommend supplementation of butea superba, but it appears to be traditionally used in the range of 100-250mg. The exact bioactives that underlie its effects are not known

    Examine Database: Butea Superba

    Research Breakdown

    Examine Database References

    1. Erections - W Cherdshewasart, N NimsakulClinical trial of Butea superba, an alternative herbal treatment for erectile dysfunctionAsian J Androl.(2003 Sep)
    2. Erections - Cortés-González JR, Arratia-Maqueo JA, Gómez-Guerra LS, Holmberg ARThe use of Butea superba (Roxb.) compared to sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunctionBJU Int.(2010 Jan)