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Overview: Butea superba is a plant also known as Red Kwao Krua. It is available as an over-the-counter dietary supplement in various forms that are taken by mouth. People take Butea superba for various reasons, including to help with erectile dysfunction, sexual performance, libido, and sperm health, although its benefits are not well defined. Butea superba products marketed for sexual performance may contain prescription medicines that are not listed on the label. These hidden ingredients can cause serious side effects and drug interactions. Check with your health care provider before using Butea superba, especially if you have any health conditions or take any medicines.

Uses

What is Butea superba used for?

Butea superba is used for various reasons, although its benefits are not well defined. Some common reasons people may take Butea superba include the following.

  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Improving sexual performance or libido (sex drive)
  • Sperm health and male fertility
  • Stress relief or mood support

Note: The FDA has not reviewed Butea superba for safety and effectiveness. Learn more about dietary supplements here.

How does Butea superba work (mechanism of action)?

Butea superba is a climbing vine plant that belongs to the legume family. It is also called Butea superba Roxb or red kwao krua. Butea superba supplements are usually made from the roots of the plant.

Butea superba contains natural plant compounds called isoflavones, which are thought to be the main active ingredients. The most common isoflavones in Butea superba include genistein, daidzein, and biochanin A. These compounds can affect the body in several ways. For example, they may influence hormone levels and blood flow. But the actual effects of Butea superba in people are not well understood.

Some animal research suggests that Butea superba may affect blood flow in the penis. This could be one reason it has been studied for erectile dysfunction. But there is not enough high-quality human research to know if Butea superba helps with erectile dysfunction or sexual performance. In one small study, the first Butea superba product seemed to help, but a later batch did not work. Researchers later reported that the first product was likely mixed with an undeclared prescription erectile dysfunction medicine.

Other animal research suggests that Butea superba may affect testosterone, sperm quality, and stress-related pathways in the brain, but these effects have not been confirmed in good human studies.

Herbal products, like Butea superba, naturally contain many different chemicals. The amounts of each chemical in a specific Butea superba product may vary. Some, none, or all of these chemicals may have effects on the body. These effects may change depending on how much of each chemical is found in the product you are using.

How should I store Butea superba?

You should store Butea superba according to the product label. Most dietary supplements should be kept in a cool, dry location that is out of the reach of children and pets and not in direct sunlight.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Butea superba?

Butea superba seems to be well tolerated. But there is not enough research to know what the common side effects may be. Tell your health care provider if you have any side effects that bother you.

Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a supplement. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.safetyreporting.hhs.gov or by calling 888-SAFEFOOD (888-723-3366). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Butea superba?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Butea superba are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions.Butea superba may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Butea superba and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Possible Liver Problems. High doses of Butea superba have been linked to changes in liver function tests in animal studies. Changes in liver function tests can sometimes be a sign of liver damage. It is not known if Butea superba can cause similar problems in humans. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Butea superba?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Butea superba.

  • Butea superba
  • Butea superba Roxb
  • Red kwao krua
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in the specific Butea superba products they stock.

What should I know about Butea superba before using it?

Butea superba is a dietary supplement. It cannot be marketed to treat or cure a disease.

Read and follow the directions on the specific product you are taking, or take it as recommended by your health care provider.

Keep Butea superba out of the reach of children.

Butea superba is available in many different forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts. Herbal products like Butea superba naturally contain many different chemicals, and the amount of each chemical can vary from product to product. This can happen for many reasons, such as where the plant was grown, when it was harvested, and how it was processed. If you switch to a new bottle or a different brand, you may not have the same effects or side effects. Talk to your health care provider if you have questions or concerns.

Many dietary supplements that are marketed for sexual performance have been found to contain prescription medicines or harmful chemicals. Some Butea superba products have been found to contain prescription medicines that are not listed on the label. These prescription medicines can cause serious side effects and can also interact with other medicines. Use caution when buying a Butea superba product because it may contain harmful ingredients that are not listed on the label. Find a list of potentially harmful products from the FDA here.

The FDA has not tested Butea superba products to confirm that they contain the ingredients stated on their labels. Some dietary supplements have been tested by third-party organizations to confirm that they contain the ingredients listed on their labels and do not contain any harmful chemicals. Learn more about how to choose a safe dietary supplement product here.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Butea superba?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. Also tell them if you have an upcoming surgery planned. Sharing this information will help your health care provider know if this or other supplements are right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Talk to your health care provider before using Butea superba if you have or have had any of the following conditions.

  • Erectile dysfunction or other sexual health concerns
  • Heart disease or any condition that affects blood flow
  • Thyroid problems
  • Liver problems
  • Fertility concerns

Other Medicines and Supplements. Before taking Butea superba, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins and minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Butea superba could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Butea superba passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

Interactions

Does Butea superba interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Butea superba and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Butea superba.

Does Butea superba interact with medicines (drug interactions)?

Before taking Butea superba, tell your health care provider about all the medicines you are using. The following interactions may be possible based on the available evidence.

Nitrates. Some Butea superba products may contain hidden prescription erectile dysfunction medicines, such as sildenafil or similar medicines. These medicines can cause a dangerous drop in blood pressure when taken with nitrate medicines, which are used to prevent or treat short-lasting chest pain caused by a type of heart disease. Examples include isosorbide dinitrate (Isordil), isosorbide mononitrate, or nitroglycerin (Nitro-Dur, NitroMist, Nitrostat, and others).

Alpha-Blockers and Blood Pressure Medicines. If a Butea superba product contains a hidden erectile dysfunction medicine, it may increase the risk of low blood pressure when taken with alpha-blockers or other blood pressure medicines. Alpha-blockers are sometimes used for high blood pressure or prostate symptoms. Examples include doxazosin, prazosin, and tamsulosin.

Erectile Dysfunction Medicines. Do not take Butea superba with prescription erectile dysfunction medicines unless your health care provider says it is OK. Examples include avanafil, sildenafil, tadalafil, and vardenafil. Taking these medicines with a Butea superba product that may already contain a hidden erectile dysfunction medicine could increase the risk of side effects, such as low blood pressure, dizziness, fainting, or vision problems.

Thyroid Medicine. Check with your health care provider before taking Butea superba if you take levothyroxine, which is a medicine used to raise thyroid hormone levels. Butea superba contains isoflavones, and some isoflavones may affect thyroid function or how the body absorbs levothyroxine.

Possible interactions between Butea superba and medicines are not fully understood. As with most dietary supplements, the research on drug interactions with Butea superba is incomplete. Always check with your health care provider before taking Butea superba with any medicines.

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Butea superba?

If you or someone else has used too much Butea superba, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

Butea superba comes in a range of doses and forms, including capsules, powders, and extracts. Some products marketed for sexual performance may contain hidden prescription medicines or other ingredients that are not listed on the label. Read the product label closely and speak to a health care provider about how to use Butea superba safely. Do not take double or extra doses, even if you miss a dose.