Butea monosperma (Butea monosperma): Benefits, Dosage, Safety & Evidence

Questions fréquentes

How does Butea monosperma work to expel intestinal worms?

Butea monosperma contains flavonoids, tannins, and bitter principles that exhibit anthelmintic activity. The active compounds, including butrin and isobutrin, may paralyze intestinal parasites and create an unfavorable environment for worm survival in the digestive tract. Traditional use suggests the seeds disrupt parasite metabolism, leading to expulsion through the intestines. Evidence level: C (based on preliminary studies and traditional use; clinical trials are limited).

Can Butea monosperma be taken with diabetes medications?

Butea monosperma may interact with antidiabetic medications due to its potential blood glucose-lowering effects. Combining this herb with diabetes drugs like metformin or insulin could cause additive hypoglycemia, leading to dangerously low blood sugar levels. Patients with diabetes should consult a healthcare provider before using Butea monosperma and monitor blood glucose closely if use is initiated. Evidence level: C (theoretical interaction based on pharmacological studies).

What is the correct dosage of Butea monosperma for adults?

Traditional Ayurvedic practice recommends Butea monosperma seed powder at 1-3 grams taken twice daily. Butea gum is typically dosed at 2-5 grams dissolved in water. Dosage varies based on the condition being treated and the specific preparation used. Start with lower doses to assess tolerance, and consult a qualified practitioner for personalized guidance. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use; standardized clinical dosing data is limited).

Is Butea monosperma safe to use during pregnancy?

Butea monosperma is contraindicated during pregnancy and is considered unsafe for pregnant women. The seeds and other plant parts may stimulate uterine contractions and have traditionally been associated with abortifacient effects. Women who are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding should avoid this herb entirely. Evidence level: C (traditional contraindication supported by limited pharmacological evidence).

What conditions is Butea monosperma traditionally used to treat?

Butea monosperma, also known as Flame of the Forest or Palash, has been used in Ayurvedic medicine for intestinal worm expulsion, diarrhea, liver disorders, skin diseases, and diabetes management. The gum and bark are the primary medicinal parts used. This sacred South Asian tree has a long history of use in both internal and topical preparations. Evidence level: C (traditional use with limited clinical validation).

What are the side effects of Butea monosperma?

The most commonly reported side effects of Butea monosperma are gastrointestinal disturbances, including nausea, stomach upset, and loose stools. These effects are typically mild and dose-dependent. The herb's bitter constituents may cause digestive discomfort in sensitive individuals. Discontinue use if significant GI symptoms occur. Evidence level: C (based on traditional use reports and limited clinical documentation).

Fiche d'information compilée à partir de PubMed

Cette fiche a été compilée à partir de résumés PubMed (NIH) avec l'assistance d'une IA. Chaque affirmation factuelle est citée par un article PubMed réel (voir la liste des sources). Elle n'a pas encore été révisée par un humain — confirmez auprès d'un professionnel de santé avant utilisation.

Compilé à partir de 30 articles PubMed · modèle : gemma4:31b

Résumé

Butea monosperma is a medicinal plant from the Fabaceae family distributed in southern Asia, utilized for various therapeutic purposes including antidiabetic and hepatoprotective activities [PMID:33458130, PMID:39736959].

Contexte

Butea monosperma, also known as 'Flame of the Forest' or Palash, is a tree that can grow up to 8 meters in height [PMID:21608995, PMID:25861140]. It is an important medicinal plant of the Fabaceae family primarily distributed in southern Asia [PMID:33458130].

Usages traditionnels

Flowers are traditionally used to treat ulcers, inflammation, hepatic disorders, and eye diseases [PMID:25861140]. Tree flowers are also utilized by local populations in India as food and medicine [PMID:31882088].

Composés actifs

The plant contains flavonoids, polyphenolics, alkaloids [PMID:24550595], and phytochemicals such as anthocyanins, phenolic acids, carotenoids, tannins, and saponins [PMID:31882088]. Specific compounds identified include butein, monospermoside, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, afrormosin, and various apigenin derivatives [PMID:19336944, PMID:32103043]. Stem bark contains buteaspermin A, buteaspermin B, and buteaspermanol [PMID:19124244].

Mécanisme d'action

Butein from Butea monosperma activates SIRT1 to inhibit arecoline-induced mitochondrial dysfunction via PGC1α and MTP18 in oral cancer cells [PMID:38723523]. Leaf extracts inhibit α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and sucrase enzymes [PMID:24493888, PMID:32103043]. A triterpene (TBM) from the flowers exhibits a depressant effect on the central nervous system [PMID:12062587].

Preuves cliniques

Preuve BGiardiasis

Pippali Rasayana (containing Butea monosperma and Piper longum) led to the disappearance of G. lamblia from stools in 23 out of 25 patients [PMID:9201614]

Preuve DDiabetes/Dyslipidemia

Bark extract significantly reduced blood glucose (40.79%) and increased plasma insulin (37.5%) in STZ-induced diabetic rats [PMID:24617860]

Preuve DLiver Injury

Ethyl acetate fraction of bark showed protective effects against thioacetamide-induced pathophysiology in rats, normalizing serum bilirubin, SGOT, SGPT, albumin, and ALP [PMID:28237915]

Preuve DNephrotoxicity

Ethanol extract demonstrated nephroprotective potential in gentamicin-induced toxicity models in albino rats [PMID:24550595]

Preuve DSeizures

A triterpene (TBM) from flowers exhibited anticonvulsant activity against MES, PTZ, electrical kindling, and Li-Pilo induced seizures in animals [PMID:12062587]

Preuve DMale Fertility

Synthèse des preuves

Evidence is primarily based on in vitro studies and animal models (Level D), with one small clinical trial (Level B) for giardiasis. There is a lack of high-level human clinical trial data for most claimed therapeutic effects.

Sources PubMed

1.PMID: 8241931 (1993) — The quest for a herbal contraceptive. · The National medical journal of India
2.PMID: 39736959 (2024) — Butea monosperma as a collective phytomedicine and environmentally sustainable, conservative, and beneficial plant. · Archives of Razi Institute
3.PMID: 31605258 (2020) — Awareness and current knowledge of epilepsy. · Metabolic brain disease
4.PMID: 29796216 (2018) — Medicinal herbs in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a review. · Iranian journal of basic medical sciences
5.PMID: 38723523 (2024) — SIRT1-activating butein inhibits arecoline-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through PGC1α and MTP18 in oral cancer. · Phytomedicine : international journal of phytotherapy and phytopharmacology

Butea monosperma

Sources et citations

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