Butea Superba: Thailand’s Manliness Booster – A Review

Alex Eriksson, Founder of Anabolic Health

Let’s start with something you’ll surely be interested in: research has shown that Butea Superba increases dihydrotestosterone or DHT, which is a hormone known for boosting sex drive, increasing orgasm frequency and prolonging erections. Butea Superba is a shrub indigenous to Thailand, where the locals use the roots to treat those concerned about their waning interest in sex.

Butea Superba root that has been sliced

Based on the insights gained from studies, it seems they’ve been right all along. The plant’s extracts contain sterols that affect the synthesis of oestrogens, androgens and corticoids, this gives Butea the capacity to support hormonal balance. More importantly, it prevents phosphodiesterase from breaking down cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP).

What does that mean exactly? Well, the presence of cAMP allows for proper testosterone production, which in turn keeps erectile dysfunction and many symptoms associated with hypogonadism at bay. With most age-related male problems stemming from a decline in testosterone levels, taking the Thai herb does seem promising as a way of regaining manliness.

Perks that Impress

It seems that these days, Butea Superba has become quite popular among the health-conscious crowd. Hence, you’ll easily find supplements that contain the herb, whether as the main ingredient or as part of the blend. Regardless on your choice of supplement, you’d probably get to enjoy some of these benefits:

  • Improved Overall Fertility

    Butea Superba not only boosts libido, but also improve fertility. It’s been found to increase both testicular size and sperm volume, as well as it enhances sperm motility.

  • Increased Energy and Vigor

    The phytoandrogen present in the herb boosts muscle strength and stamina, and accelerates recovery after a bodybuilding workout. It also enhances sexual vigor, which is why it’s commonly recommend to men suffering from either premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction.

  • Hair Growth

    The plant as a whole helps with hair loss, despite DHT being linked with male pattern baldness. Butea reduces and prevents hair thinning by strengthening the follicles and scalp.

  • Boosted Bone Strength and Density

    The herb improves nutrient absorption efficiency, which in turn increases mineral density and strength in bones. This is why it’s also recommended to those with bone diseases and even injuries.

    If you’re particularly worried about the effects of aging, you may benefit greatly from this perk. After all, bone mass starts a slow yet continuous decline once you enter your 30s.

  • Damage Prevention from Free Radicals

    Butea Superba contains gallic acid, which is a potent antioxidant capable of stopping free radicals from damaging cellular DNA. Keep in mind that cancer actually begins from DNA damage.

  • Inflammation Kept at Bay

    While the process behind this benefit hasn’t yet been uncovered, the plant from Thailand does indeed have anti-inflammatory properties. It has even become popular among people with gout or arthritis.

  • Alzheimer’s Prevention

    Butea Superba tends to increase acetylcholine levels in the brain. Now, what does that have to do with Alzheimer’s? People afflicted with the disease generally exhibit significant drops in their acetylcholine levels.

  • Enhanced Mood and Outlook

    Butea Superba can serve as an antidepressant, though it doesn’t work by facilitating the release of happy hormones. It improves the overall brain health by repairing problems that exist between neural connections.

Are There Any Risks?

There’s no doubt that the herb offers a myriad of impressive benefits, even to men who aren’t really worried about their performance in the bedroom. As with any supplement though, taking too much of it won’t do you any good. If you end up experiencing these side effects, you should start cutting back on your intake:

  • Sleep apnea
  • Excessive body hair
  • High blood pressure
  • Extreme sexual desire
  • Excessive sweating
  • Frequent mood shifts

Finding those hard to believe? Well, there was a 35-year-old Thai patient who was complaining about having abnormally high libido. He underwent lab tests, which revealed that his DHT levels were at 1512 pg/mL—way beyond the reference value of 250 to 990 pg/mL. Based on those results, he was diagnosed with hyperandrogenism.

Eventually, the doctors managed to trace the condition to the man’s excessive intake of a certain hair loss supplement, which as you’ve probably guessed was Butea Superba. He was advised to stop taking the herb and soon his problems began to fade. No longer did he feel the need to have sex at every chance he got.

Here’s something a bit more concerning: another study revealed that taking excessive amounts of the supplement doesn’t just disrupt hormonal balance, but may also cause blood toxicity. Hence, no matter how eager you are to finally boost your sex drive, you shouldn’t make the assumption that more is always better when taking the herb.

What’s the Right Dose?

As you may already know, in the USA, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate herbal supplements. In part, this means there are no generally accepted dosage guidelines for Butea Superba. Still, the typical recommended dose ranges from 100 to 250 mg, and you should never go beyond it. Also, don’t forget to check the label of your chosen supplement.

Just to be sure, if you’re taking any medication or you’ve been diagnosed with cardiovascular problems, you should probably avoid taking this herb. While there’s no definitive study on possible drug interactions, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Likewise, Butea does have the potential to affect blood pressure and therefore it may be harmful to anyone with cardiovascular issues.

A Double-Edged Sword

Butea Superba is, without a doubt, among the most potent supplements for those starting to feel the effects of aging on their manliness. Given that it’s capable of improving hormone levels, particularly those that typically decline with age, it’s not surprising at all that it has become one of the most sought-after herbals these days.

However, its potency can be seen as a double-edged sword. Despite offering some impressive health perks, it could also put you in danger if not taken properly. So, if you do decide to take Butea Superba, be proactive about it, consult your doctor first just to be sure, and don’t exceed the recommended dose no matter how good it’s making you feel.

Alex Eriksson is the founder of Anabolic Health, a men’s health blog dedicated to providing honest and research backed advice for optimal male hormonal health. Anabolic Health aspires to become a trusted resource where men can come and learn how to fix their hormonal problems naturally, without pharmaceuticals. Check out his guide on The Ultimate Guide to Manly Cooking or follow him on Twitter or Facebook.
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