Buchu – The Multi-Purpose ethnomedicinally important specie and its benefits in the reproductive system

Abstract

Indigenous to the Cape region of South Africa [1], Buchu is an aromatic plant known for its essential-oil producing ability and its multiple healing properties. Known taxonomically as Agathosma betulina and Agathosma crenulata [1], its traditional benefits have made their way from Africa to the Western world. The word “Buchu” originated from the Khoi-San people of southern Africa, and was a word used in reference to any plant that could be dried or powdered [2]. Nowadays, the name Buchu refers to the abovementioned Agathosma species. Previously known as Barosma betulia, the name originates from the word Barosma (Greek) meaning “heavy smell” and the word betulina (Latin) which means “birch-like”, a word used in reference to the serrated birch-like appear‐ ance of the leaves [3]. There are 150 Agathosma species that are indigenous to South Africa, and of these, A. betulina and A. crenulata are the more renowned herbs [4]. These are used internationally and locally for a variety of medicinal purposes. Agathosma betulina is a shrub that is well adapted to grow in dry regions [1]. The leaves have round oil glands found scattered across the leaf, which release an aromatic golden oil with a sweet peppermint-like odour [2]. Agathosma crenulata is an aromatic, single-stemmed shrub, which can be found growing in the mountainous regions of the Western Cape [5]. Its dark green leaves release a pale oil with sharp pulegone tones [2].