Butea superba is a robust, perennial Southeast Asian climbing shrub from the Fabaceae family, with stout, twisted stems, tuberous roots, and clusters of vibrant orange-red pea-family flowers. Its glossy trifoliate leaves and vigorous climbing habit allow it to sprawl over trees and bamboo groves in tropical forests.
Butea’s wood is sometimes used in minor local carpentry and the bright flowers have been used for natural dye.
➡️ Traditionally, the tuberous roots are central to Thai and Ayurvedic medicine, where they are used to support physical strength and sexual health, including libido and reproductive vitality after childbirth.
Decoctions and extracts are reputed for their rejuvenating, adaptogenic effects, and have also been applied as remedies for fever, urinary pain, and mood disturbance.
Through scientific investigation, Butea superba has been found to exhibit aphrodisiac, androgenic, cytokine balance, antioxidant, adaptogenic, immune supporting, acetylcholinesterase inhibitory, and anti-proliferative activities.
One clinical study from Thailand demonstrated that seven days of oral administration of Butea superba root increased luteinizing hormone (LH) secretion in healthy men, suggesting endocrine modulation and support for male reproductive health.
Although, Butea superba is a plant with much medicinal potential, concerns about widespread adulteration on the market exist.
Thai T Tamer
