Bulbine Natalensis

Last Updated: September 28, 2022

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.

Bulbine Natalensis is most often used for

Summary

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.

What else is Bulbine Natalensis known as?
Note that Bulbine Natalensis is also known as:
  • ibhucu
  • rooiwortel
  • ingcelwane
Dosage information

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,[1] 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).[2] Doses would be 10-fold higher if the raw plant is used without any particular extraction.

Examine Database: Bulbine Natalensis
What works and what doesn't?

Unlock the full potential of Examine

Get started

Don't miss out on the latest research

Research Breakdown

🚧 Under Renovation 🚧

The information in this section is slated for renovation — it will soon be transformed into a more usable (and readable!) form in the coming months. As such, the text in this section may be out of date and not up to Examine’s current standards for writing style.

Examine Database References
  1. Liver Enzymes - Jennifer E Hofheins, Scott M Habowski, Tim N Ziegenfuss, and Hector L LopezShort term safety of bulbine natalensis supplementation in healthy menJISSN.()