Bulbine natalensis

Botanical

What is it

Bulbine natalensis is a South African succulent traditionally used for skin and reproductive complaints. In supplements it is marketed as a 'testosterone booster' based on animal studies.

Evidence for 1 use

AI-assisted evidence assessment — talk to your doctor before relying on any single supplement.

Testosterone / libido (claimed)

Mixed Evidence

Animal data suggest hormonal effects, but no high-quality human trials support efficacy, and safety signals are concerning.

How it works

Animal studies report increased testosterone, libido, and weight of reproductive organs in rats, with proposed mechanisms involving LH and steroidogenic enzyme modulation. However, the same animal studies and follow-up work raised significant concerns about hepatotoxicity and renal effects at higher doses. There are essentially no high-quality human trials supporting safety or efficacy of Bulbine natalensis supplements.

Dosage

There is no RDA. Marketed doses are typically 250-500 mg/day of dried extract. DSLD does not provide a median dose for this entry.

When and how to take it

Not recommended given safety concerns.

1 commercial form

Compare the main delivery options and what they’re best suited for.

Bulbine natalensis aerial parts/whole herb extract

Powder and extract forms in 'testosterone' supplements.

Composition varies; standardization is inconsistent.

Safety

Significant concern: animal toxicity data show hepatotoxicity and renal effects at moderate doses. Human safety data are essentially absent. Several cases of liver injury in supplement users have been associated with Bulbine-containing products.

Who should be cautious

Avoid in liver disease. Avoid in pregnancy and breastfeeding. Caution in those on hepatotoxic medications. Best avoided overall given evidence base.

Interactions

Theoretical additive hepatotoxicity with alcohol, acetaminophen, and other hepatotoxic agents. Potential interaction with hormonal therapies.

Frequently asked questions

Does Bulbine natalensis raise testosterone?⌄

Animal studies suggest effects, but human evidence is essentially absent and safety concerns are significant.

Is it safe?⌄

Animal toxicity data and case reports of liver injury argue against use. Better-studied options exist.

References

Bulbine natalensis on Wikidata — Wikidata link

Bulbine natalensis on NIH DSLD (US supplement label database) — NIH Dietary Supplement Label Database link

Research on Bulbine natalensis (PubMed search) — PubMed link

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Evidence-based·How we grade evidence

Disclaimer: These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This page is educational, not a substitute for personalized medical advice. Evidence grades are AI-assisted assessments — talk to your doctor before starting any new supplement, especially if you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, on medications, or managing a chronic condition.