KilaCali
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Hey AM, just happened to be researching and combing through the web looking up different test boosters and supplements containing some of these compounds touted at being big time natural test boosters and well reading several reviews/studies on one in particular by the name of bulbine natalensis I found a somewhat interesting article about some studies run on this where it did prove to boost test and lower estrogen but the part that really got me is the part about it having negative impact on the liver and kidneys similar to running a synthetic compound.. I thought some people might be interested in this so I decided to post this thread from Examine dot com ... here you go, let me know what you guys opinion and/or experience with this is.
Bulbine natalensis
Bulbine Natalensis is a traditionally used aphrodisiac and Testosterone Booster in South and South-Eastern Africa; in rat studies, it appears to both be quite potent in increasing testosterone but also appears to damage organ function in a similar manner to a steroid cycle.
This page features 9 unique references to scientific papers.
Summary (All Essential Benefits/Effects/Facts & Information)
Bulbine Natalensis is an herb from Southern and South Eastern Africa that has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac as well as some other beneficial properties. Due to its influences on cognition and sexuality, it is currently being investigated for its effects on testosterone.
Three separate rat studies looking at serum testosterone levels note significant increases in circulating testosterone, and one study noted a decrease in estrogen levels as well. That being said, adverse effects have been reported on both the liver and kidneys with the exact same dosages seen to increase testosterone.
Also Known As
ibhucu, rooiwortel, ingcelwane
How to Take (recommended dosage, active amounts, other details)
Rat studies investigating how bulbine natalensis interacts with testosterone note that 50mg/kg (of a 10:1 extraction) appear to be the optimal dosage, and based on Body Surface Area Conversions,[8] this correlates into an estimated human dose of 8mg/kg or:
•550mg for a 150lb person
•730mg for a 200lb person
•900mg for a 250lb person
These doses are currently only estimates, but they are within the range seen in the only industry funded trial on bulbine natalensis at this moment in time (which used 650mg).[9] Doses would be 10-fold higher if the raw plant is used without any particular extraction.
Editors' Thoughts on Bulbine natalensis
The side-effects make this herb the most 'steroid-like' from what is indexed in Examine; up to you whether that is good or bad, but cycling this compound would be mandatory.
— Kurtis Frank
Human Effect Matrix
The Human Effect Matrix looks at human studies (excluding animal/petri-dish studies) to tell you what effect Bulbine natalensis has in your body, and how strong these effects are.
Grade
Level of Evidence
A Robust research conducted with repeated double blind clinical trials
B Multiple studies where at least two are double-blind and placebo controlled
C Single double blind study or multiple cohort studies
D Uncontrolled or observational studies only
1.1. Composition
As a herbal compound, Bulbine Natalensis contains a variety of isolated compounds or classes of compounds. These include:
•Saponins at 1.97% of dry weight[3]
•Anthraquinones at 0.152% dry weight[3]
•Tannins at 0.481% dry weight[3]
•Cardiac Glycosides at 0.887% dry weight[3]
•Alkaloids at 0.2% dry weight[3]
2. Interactions with Cardiac Health
Therapeutic doses of Bulbine Natalensis (25-100mg/kg bodyweight in rats) appear to be able to raise circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and cause slight changes in lipoproteins (HDL, LDL) to induce a more pro-artherogenic state. Cholesterol levels can increase 51.9%, 38.9%, and 55.6% after 14 days of consuming 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight in rats respectively while triglycerides increase by 115.8%, 82.5%, and 45.6% respectively.[4] Changes in triglycerides were seen after one day of administration, and were hypothesized to be due to increased lipolysis.[4]
While LDL was unaffected, HDL cholesterol decreased from 1.73+/-0.07mmol/L down to 0.90, 1.04, and 1.02mmol/L in the 25, 50, and 100mg/kg dosage groups; respectively.[4]
Preliminary evidence suggests that, like a proper steroid cycle, the longer you use Bulbine Natalensis the more problematic your lipid profile becomes
4. Interactions with Organs
4.1. Liver
One toxicology study in rats found that oral ingestion of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight was able to alter liver enzymes and induce histological changes that are known to be adverse.[6] The adverse effects on liver enzymes increased dose-dependently and over time.
4.2. Kidneys
After ingestion of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight Bulbine Natalensis in otherwise healthy rats, histological examination of the kidney's tubules (both proximal and convoluted) noted distortions in the architecture which may be indicative of some toxic effects.[6]
6. Safety and Toxicology
6.1. General
Bulbine Natalensis does not appear to alter the profile of red blood cells (a standard toxicology test) in otherwise healthy rats, although it can alter the white blood cell population.[4] Dosages of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight over 14 days can increase white blood cell (WBC) count by 41.9%, 26.1%, and 38.5% respectively.[4] Levels of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes decreased while monocytes and platelets increased.
As mentioned in the sections on organs, Bulbine Natalensis appears to adversely affect the structure of the liver and kidneys at dosages used to increase testosterone. The prostate and related 'male' organs do not seem to be as adversely affected though.[6][5]
A preliminary investigation into humans (poster presentation found here,[7] financially supported by Sports Nutrition Research LTD which produced the tested supplement) ingesting 325mg of bulbine natalensis twice daily (750mg total, separated by 6 hours) for 28 days in otherwise healthy men noted a slight increase in ALP (2% while placebo decreased 2.4%) which were deemed to not be clinically relevant.
There appear to be repeated nonlethal toxic effects demonstrated in rodents from one research group based in South Africa, while the lone human study on bulbine (which is financially supported by a producer of bulbine) noted an increase in the liver enzyme ALP which was not to a clinically large degree.
Currently, the histopathological changes that have been noted in rats have not been sufficiently addressed in humans. While 750mg bulbine does not appear highly damaging according to preliminary evidence, a toxic effect cannot be ruled out
Scientific Support & Reference Citations
References
1. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male Wistar rats . Pharm Biol. (2010)
2. Pather N, Viljoen AM, Kramer B A biochemical comparison of the in vivo effects of Bulbine frutescens and Bulbine natalensis on cutaneous wound healing . J Ethnopharmacol. (2011)
3. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats . Int J Androl. (2009)
4. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem on haematological and serum lipid profile of male Wistar rats . Indian J Exp Biol. (2009)
5. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats . Theriogenology. (2009)
6. Afolayan AJ, Yakubu MT Effect of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract on the functional indices and histology of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats . J Med Food. (2009)
7. Short term safety of bulbine natalensis supplementation in healthy men
8. Guidance for Industry Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers
9. Short Term Safety of bulbine natalensis supplementation in healthy men
(Common phrases used by users for this page include Bulbine Natalensis, bulbine natalensis, bulbine natalensis, bulbine natalensis, bulbine natalensis plant, bulbine natalensis safest dose)
(Users who contributed to this page include Steve Hurt, akabalik, KurtisFrank, Sol )
anybody wishing to read the entire study can goto the site I referenced, I figured anyone planning to or aleady using supplements containing this may be interested in this, it does look great as far as test boosting/libido boosting also raising LH and FSH, and lowering estrogen, also mentions effects on progesterone
3.4. Progesterone
Increases in progesterone have been noted with 25mg/kg (+31%) and 50mg/kg (+70%). A decrease of 41% is seen with 100mg/kg bodyweight Bulbine Natalensis.[5]
Progresterone does not appear to be influenced in female rats.[5]
anyways I hope this helps someone out or atleast is of some interest to some of you out there. have a great week!
Bulbine natalensis
Bulbine Natalensis is a traditionally used aphrodisiac and Testosterone Booster in South and South-Eastern Africa; in rat studies, it appears to both be quite potent in increasing testosterone but also appears to damage organ function in a similar manner to a steroid cycle.
This page features 9 unique references to scientific papers.
Summary (All Essential Benefits/Effects/Facts & Information)
Bulbine Natalensis is an herb from Southern and South Eastern Africa that has traditionally been used as an aphrodisiac as well as some other beneficial properties. Due to its influences on cognition and sexuality, it is currently being investigated for its effects on testosterone.
Three separate rat studies looking at serum testosterone levels note significant increases in circulating testosterone, and one study noted a decrease in estrogen levels as well. That being said, adverse effects have been reported on both the liver and kidneys with the exact same dosages seen to increase testosterone.
Also Known As
ibhucu, rooiwortel, ingcelwane
How to Take (recommended dosage, active amounts, other details)
Rat studies investigating how bulbine natalensis interacts with testosterone note that 50mg/kg (of a 10:1 extraction) appear to be the optimal dosage, and based on Body Surface Area Conversions,[8] this correlates into an estimated human dose of 8mg/kg or:
•550mg for a 150lb person
•730mg for a 200lb person
•900mg for a 250lb person
These doses are currently only estimates, but they are within the range seen in the only industry funded trial on bulbine natalensis at this moment in time (which used 650mg).[9] Doses would be 10-fold higher if the raw plant is used without any particular extraction.
Editors' Thoughts on Bulbine natalensis
The side-effects make this herb the most 'steroid-like' from what is indexed in Examine; up to you whether that is good or bad, but cycling this compound would be mandatory.
— Kurtis Frank
Human Effect Matrix
The Human Effect Matrix looks at human studies (excluding animal/petri-dish studies) to tell you what effect Bulbine natalensis has in your body, and how strong these effects are.
Grade
Level of Evidence
A Robust research conducted with repeated double blind clinical trials
B Multiple studies where at least two are double-blind and placebo controlled
C Single double blind study or multiple cohort studies
D Uncontrolled or observational studies only
1.1. Composition
As a herbal compound, Bulbine Natalensis contains a variety of isolated compounds or classes of compounds. These include:
•Saponins at 1.97% of dry weight[3]
•Anthraquinones at 0.152% dry weight[3]
•Tannins at 0.481% dry weight[3]
•Cardiac Glycosides at 0.887% dry weight[3]
•Alkaloids at 0.2% dry weight[3]
2. Interactions with Cardiac Health
Therapeutic doses of Bulbine Natalensis (25-100mg/kg bodyweight in rats) appear to be able to raise circulating cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and cause slight changes in lipoproteins (HDL, LDL) to induce a more pro-artherogenic state. Cholesterol levels can increase 51.9%, 38.9%, and 55.6% after 14 days of consuming 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight in rats respectively while triglycerides increase by 115.8%, 82.5%, and 45.6% respectively.[4] Changes in triglycerides were seen after one day of administration, and were hypothesized to be due to increased lipolysis.[4]
While LDL was unaffected, HDL cholesterol decreased from 1.73+/-0.07mmol/L down to 0.90, 1.04, and 1.02mmol/L in the 25, 50, and 100mg/kg dosage groups; respectively.[4]
Preliminary evidence suggests that, like a proper steroid cycle, the longer you use Bulbine Natalensis the more problematic your lipid profile becomes
4. Interactions with Organs
4.1. Liver
One toxicology study in rats found that oral ingestion of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight was able to alter liver enzymes and induce histological changes that are known to be adverse.[6] The adverse effects on liver enzymes increased dose-dependently and over time.
4.2. Kidneys
After ingestion of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight Bulbine Natalensis in otherwise healthy rats, histological examination of the kidney's tubules (both proximal and convoluted) noted distortions in the architecture which may be indicative of some toxic effects.[6]
6. Safety and Toxicology
6.1. General
Bulbine Natalensis does not appear to alter the profile of red blood cells (a standard toxicology test) in otherwise healthy rats, although it can alter the white blood cell population.[4] Dosages of 25, 50, and 100mg/kg bodyweight over 14 days can increase white blood cell (WBC) count by 41.9%, 26.1%, and 38.5% respectively.[4] Levels of neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, and lymphocytes decreased while monocytes and platelets increased.
As mentioned in the sections on organs, Bulbine Natalensis appears to adversely affect the structure of the liver and kidneys at dosages used to increase testosterone. The prostate and related 'male' organs do not seem to be as adversely affected though.[6][5]
A preliminary investigation into humans (poster presentation found here,[7] financially supported by Sports Nutrition Research LTD which produced the tested supplement) ingesting 325mg of bulbine natalensis twice daily (750mg total, separated by 6 hours) for 28 days in otherwise healthy men noted a slight increase in ALP (2% while placebo decreased 2.4%) which were deemed to not be clinically relevant.
There appear to be repeated nonlethal toxic effects demonstrated in rodents from one research group based in South Africa, while the lone human study on bulbine (which is financially supported by a producer of bulbine) noted an increase in the liver enzyme ALP which was not to a clinically large degree.
Currently, the histopathological changes that have been noted in rats have not been sufficiently addressed in humans. While 750mg bulbine does not appear highly damaging according to preliminary evidence, a toxic effect cannot be ruled out
Scientific Support & Reference Citations
References
1. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Anabolic and androgenic activities of Bulbine natalensis stem in male Wistar rats . Pharm Biol. (2010)
2. Pather N, Viljoen AM, Kramer B A biochemical comparison of the in vivo effects of Bulbine frutescens and Bulbine natalensis on cutaneous wound healing . J Ethnopharmacol. (2011)
3. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis (Baker) stem on the sexual behaviour of male rats . Int J Androl. (2009)
4. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Effect of aqueous extract of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem on haematological and serum lipid profile of male Wistar rats . Indian J Exp Biol. (2009)
5. Yakubu MT, Afolayan AJ Reproductive toxicologic evaluations of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract in albino rats . Theriogenology. (2009)
6. Afolayan AJ, Yakubu MT Effect of Bulbine natalensis Baker stem extract on the functional indices and histology of the liver and kidney of male Wistar rats . J Med Food. (2009)
7. Short term safety of bulbine natalensis supplementation in healthy men
8. Guidance for Industry Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers
9. Short Term Safety of bulbine natalensis supplementation in healthy men
(Common phrases used by users for this page include Bulbine Natalensis, bulbine natalensis, bulbine natalensis, bulbine natalensis, bulbine natalensis plant, bulbine natalensis safest dose)
(Users who contributed to this page include Steve Hurt, akabalik, KurtisFrank, Sol )
anybody wishing to read the entire study can goto the site I referenced, I figured anyone planning to or aleady using supplements containing this may be interested in this, it does look great as far as test boosting/libido boosting also raising LH and FSH, and lowering estrogen, also mentions effects on progesterone
3.4. Progesterone
Increases in progesterone have been noted with 25mg/kg (+31%) and 50mg/kg (+70%). A decrease of 41% is seen with 100mg/kg bodyweight Bulbine Natalensis.[5]
Progresterone does not appear to be influenced in female rats.[5]
anyways I hope this helps someone out or atleast is of some interest to some of you out there. have a great week!