Cultivation practices and phytochemical composition of A. betulina and A. crenulata: a review

Abstract

Background: Agathosma betulina (P.J. Bergius) Philans and Agathosma crenulata (L.) Pillans are species known as Buchu in Khoi, ‘boegoe’ or ‘bergboegoe’ in Afrikaans and ‘ibuchu’ in isiXhosa. Traditionally, buchu has served as an antipyretic, antispasmodic, diuretic, treatment for constipation, and unrinary tract infections.

Aim: The aim of this review is to contribute to the better understanding of the cultivation practices and phytochemical constituents of buchu.

Setting: This review provides an overview of cultivation practices and phytochemical composition of A. betulina and A. crenulata.

Method: A comprehensive search was conducted on existing literature on the traditional uses, medicinal use, cultivation, and phytochemistry of A. betulina and A. crenulata in online databases.

Results: Buchu is highly valued for its oil, and used globally in culinary and cosmetic industries for its flavour and aroma. Rising demand for its essential oils and therapeutic products in the early 2000s led to overharvesting, threatening natural populations. To address this, cultivation was encouraged, but limited knowledge of its cultivation methods raises concerns about the impact of further commercial expansion on the species and its ecosystem. Buchu contains bioactive compounds such as diosphenol, menthone, and pulegone, which have demonstrated antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties in preclinical studies.

Conclusion: Further research should focus on cultivation practices, non-volatile constituents, in vitro, in vivo, and clinical research of the species health benefits.

Contribution: Bioprospecting for new health-promoting items needed in the primary healthcare delivery system can benefit from this study’s addition to the body of knowledge already available on the two commercially available buchu plants.