Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 2

Buchu (Agathosma betulina and related species) has a long history of traditional use, particularly among indigenous peoples of South Africa, for the support and treatment of urinary tract infections (UTIs) and other urinary complaints. The leaves are rich in essential oils, such as diosphenol, that have been believed to possess diuretic and mild antiseptic properties. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, buchu gained popularity in European and American herbal medicine as a remedy for cystitis, urethritis, and other urinary tract concerns. Historical texts and pharmacopeias frequently list buchu as a urinary tract tonic or antiseptic.

However, scientific validation for these uses is limited. A small number of in vitro studies have suggested that extracts of buchu may possess mild antimicrobial activity against certain pathogens, but these results have not been robustly replicated in clinical trials or large-scale studies on humans. The majority of evidence supporting its use remains anecdotal or based on traditional herbal practices rather than modern clinical research. Thus, while there is a clear tradition of using buchu for UTIs, scientific evidence supporting its efficacy is weak, and modern medical guidelines do not recommend it as a first-line or proven therapy for urinary tract infections.

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