Herbs & Supplements

Agathosma betulina Scientific Name: Buchu Other Names: Barosma betulina, Bucco, Buku, Diosma When should I be careful taking it? Because the amounts of buchu used as food additives are very small, they are not thought to present any dangers when taken in moderation. Certain individuals should not take supplemental buchu, however: One of the chemicals in buchu, pulegone, may damage the liver. Although buchu contains only very small amounts of pulegone, individuals with liver disease or individuals who drink large amounts of alcohol should not take buchu. Pulegone also may provoke the start of menstruation and it may act in other ways that could cause a miscarriage. Therefore, pregnant women should not use buchu products. Because it has been known to irritate the kidneys, buchu should be avoided by individuals who have kidney stones, kidney infections, prostate disease, or urinary tract conditions. Precautions Because their effects on an infant are unknown, buchu supplements should not be taken by women who are breast-feeding. << Back What side effects should I watch for? >>

Note: The above information is not intended to replace the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It is not meant to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

In general, herbal products are not subject to review or approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They are not required to be standardized, meaning that the amounts of active ingredients or contaminants they contain may vary between brands or between different batches of the same brand. Not all of the risks, side effects, or interactions associated with the use of herbal products are known because few reliable studies of their use in humans have been done.

This information is provided for your education only. Please share this information with your healthcare provider and be sure that you talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all the prescription and non-prescription medicines you take before you begin to use any herbal product.