Herb & supplement monograph

Butea Superba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS ·Updated June 2026

What is this page for?

First and foremost: how Butea Superba interacts with medications. The heart of this page is the interaction list — every drug Butea Superba is known to interact with, and how serious each one is.

But these pages have grown well beyond that into a full monograph — what Butea Superba is, what people use it for and how strong the evidence is, its safety and side effects, and answers to the questions we’re asked most — written and reviewed by the clinical staff at HelloPharmacist. It’s educational information from our licensed clinical databases, not medical advice, and we don’t sell or endorse products. Our editorial policy

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Butea Superba Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

From the HelloPharmacist Editorial Team · Updated July 2026

Based on the available evidence, the overall risk of a clinically significant Butea Superba drug interaction appears low for most people. None of the listed interactions are rated major, and every one rests on theoretical rather than human evidence.

Interactions deserving the most attention

The interactions that deserve the most attention involve erectile dysfunction medications such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra). Butea Superba is thought to work in a similar way to these drugs, relaxing blood vessels, so combining them could in theory lower blood pressure more than expected. We rate this a moderate concern, but it has only been suggested by lab research, not confirmed in people. It still makes sense to be cautious, since drops in blood pressure can cause dizziness or fainting.

What the rest of the list means

The handful of medications on this list all belong to a single drug class, and the concern comes from how Butea Superba might act in the body rather than from documented problems in people. A listed interaction is a signal to be aware of, not proof that the combination is harmful.

Check your medications against Butea Superba

Based on HelloPharmacist’s Butea Superba interaction data and reviewed under our editorial standards.

Interaction report

Drugs that interact with Butea Superba

7 medications have a known interaction with Butea Superba, graded by severity. Select any drug for the full evidence-based detail.

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

Tell us the medications you take and we’ll check each one against Butea Superba using our pharmacist-reviewed interaction data.

AI summaries are generated from our Butea Superba interaction data for education only — always confirm with your pharmacist. How we use AI

2,830 drugs

Read The List Like a Pharmacist

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Major. Clinically significant; generally best avoided, or used only under direct professional supervision.
Moderate. May need monitoring, a dose adjustment, or separating the times you take each one.
Minor. Generally not clinically significant, but still worth noting and mentioning to your pharmacist.
No known interaction. Checked against our sources with nothing documented — not the same as proven safety.

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Likely. Well-controlled human studies have demonstrated the likely existence of this interaction
Probable. Interaction has not been documented in well-controlled studies, however, the interaction has been demonstrated in some small human studies or in controlled animal studies in conjunction with multiple case reports.
Possible. Interaction has been documented in animal or in lab research, or the interaction has been documented in humans but is limited to case reports or conflicting clinical research exists
Unlikely. Interaction has been demonstrated in animal or in lab research but has been shown not to occur in humans.

Where This Data Comes From

Interaction records are evidence-graded and sourced from the Natural Medicines database (TRC Healthcare), the same reference used by pharmacists and hospitals.
Each drug listed above links to the full report for that exact Butea Superba combination — clinical detail, likelihood, evidence level, and citations.
Content is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists — see our data sources and editorial standards.

The big picture

The kinds of drugs Butea Superba affects

Every type of medication (drug category) Butea Superba is known to interact with. Open any category for the detail — or search your exact drug in the checker above.

All 1 drug category Butea Superba interacts with

Phosphodiesterase-5 Inhibitors

Butea superba is thought to inhibit phosphodiesterase and cause vasodilation. Theoretically, concurrent use of phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors and Butea superba might result in additive vasodilation and hypotension. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors include sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), and vardenafil (Levitra).

Likelihood Possible Evidence D

Monograph

Butea Superba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD, BCPS · Reviewed June 2026 ·

The bottom line

Butea superba is a Thai herb traditionally used to support male sexual health, but the human evidence is very limited and mostly small or low-quality. Its safety has not been well studied, so caution is advised, and you should talk with a pharmacist or doctor before trying it—especially if you have a medical condition or take other medicines.

Scientific name: Butea superba
Family: Fabaceae
Part used: Root (tuber)
Common forms: Capsules, tablets, powder, tinctures, topical gels

People commonly use it for

Erectile dysfunction
Low libido
Male sexual performance
General vitality and energy
Traditional tonic

Popular and traditional uses — not proof it works. See “Uses & effectiveness” below for the evidence.

Safety at a glance

OverallUse caution

Limited safety data exist, and quality of products varies widely.

PregnancyInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full pregnancy detail

BreastfeedingInsufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Read the full breastfeeding detail

Pregnancy & breastfeeding ratings are from Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center). Safety guidance is general; always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor for your situation.

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Overview

Butea superba is a climbing plant native to Thailand and other parts of Southeast Asia. In Thai folk medicine it is often called Kwao Krua Daeng or Red Kwao Krua. The root, or tuber, is the part most often used.

Traditionally, people have used Butea superba as a tonic for men's health—especially to support sexual function, energy, and overall vitality. Today it is sold mostly as capsules, tablets, or powders, and sometimes in topical gels marketed for sexual performance.

It is important not to confuse Butea superba (Red Kwao Krua) with the related plant Pueraria mirifica (White Kwao Krua), which is used very differently and is known for estrogen-like effects.

How it works

Butea superba contains plant compounds such as flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides. Laboratory studies suggest some of these may affect blood vessels and smooth muscle, which could in theory influence blood flow involved in erections.

Researchers have also proposed that the herb may have mild effects related to testosterone or androgen activity, but this is not well established in humans. Some animal studies have explored these effects, but results from animals do not always carry over to people.

In short, the proposed mechanisms are based mostly on laboratory and animal research, and how the herb actually works in the human body is still unclear.

Effectiveness

Does Butea Superba work?

Here’s what the research actually shows for each use — graded by Natural Medicines and reviewed by Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD.

Evidence overview · 1 use evaluated

1 Insufficient evidence

How to read these evidence grades

Natural Medicines’ 7-point scale. We show each rating’s label word-for-word.

1EffectiveStrong, consistent evidence it works.

2Likely EffectiveGood evidence, though not yet conclusive.

3Possibly EffectiveSome evidence suggests a benefit.

4Possibly IneffectiveSome evidence it may not help.

5Likely IneffectiveFairly strong evidence it doesn’t help.

6IneffectiveStrong evidence it doesn’t work.

7Insufficient Reliable Evidence to RateToo little research to say either way.

For Butea Superba, current evidence isn’t strong enough to rate any specific use. The conditions it has been studied for are listed below.

Also studied for 1 condition — evidence insufficient to rate

Insufficient Reliable Evidence To Rate Erectile dysfunction (ED)

Rating & evidence shown verbatim from Natural Medicines

Data on the effects of Butea superba in ED are conflicting. Preliminary clinical research shows that taking Butea superba dried, powdered tuber orally, 500 mg daily for 4 days, then 1 gram daily for a total of 3 months, improves subjective measures of erectile dysfunction. However, poor study quality significantly limits the validity of these findings. In an open label study comparing Butea superba 100 mg and sildenafil 50 mg, both taken orally 1-2 hours before sexual activity on 2 occasions, over 80% of the men reported improvements in ED symptom scores with both treatments. However, testing of the Butea superba powder used showed contamination with a significant amount of a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor. When a placebo-controlled study was conducted with uncontaminated Butea superba, 100 mg orally 1-2 hours before sexual activity, symptoms of ED did not improve with either Butea superba or placebo.

Sources Ref 14920 Ref 99718

Source & disclaimer. Effectiveness ratings and evidence summaries are provided by Natural Medicines (Therapeutic Research Center) and shown as licensed. Where Natural Medicines hasn’t rated a use, HelloPharmacist’s pharmacists may add their own reviewed rating and evidence (each such entry is labeled). This is educational information, not medical advice — talk with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing a supplement.

Safety & precautions

The long-term safety of Butea superba has not been well studied in humans. Because high-quality data are lacking, it is best to treat it with caution.

People with heart disease, high or low blood pressure, hormone-sensitive conditions, liver problems, or any chronic illness should talk to a doctor or pharmacist before using it. Some animal research has raised concerns about possible effects on the liver or hormones at higher doses, so it should not be taken in large amounts.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: There is no reliable safety information for these situations. To stay safe, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should avoid Butea superba.

As with many supplements, products are not tightly regulated, so quality, purity, and the actual amount of active ingredient can vary a lot between brands.

Side effects

Because Butea superba has not been studied carefully, its full side effect profile is not well known. Reported or possible effects include digestive upset, headache, and changes in heart rate or blood pressure.

There have been concerns, mainly from animal studies, about possible effects on the liver and hormone levels with higher doses. If you notice symptoms such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe abdominal pain, chest pain, or a fast or irregular heartbeat, stop using it and seek medical care.

Dosing

There is no well-established or standardized dose for Butea superba. Studies have used different amounts and preparations, so it is hard to recommend a specific, reliable dose.

If you choose to use it, follow the directions on the product label and do not exceed them. Because product strength and quality vary, it is wise to choose a reputable brand and to check with a pharmacist or doctor first—especially if you take other medicines or have a health condition.

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding

Butea Superba & Pregnancy

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

Butea Superba & Breastfeeding

Insufficient reliable information

Insufficient reliable information is available; avoid using.

DISCLAIMER: This tool is intended for informational purposes only, and should not be interpreted as specific medical advice. Patients should consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making decisions about therapies and/or health conditions.

© 2026 Therapeutic Research Center

Pregnancy & lactation ratings: Natural Medicines, Therapeutic Research Center

References & further reading

The 2 references that drive our Butea Superba monograph and interaction data, from the evidence-graded Natural Medicines (TRC Healthcare) database. Citations with a link open the study on PubMed or the publisher’s site.

Cherdshewasart W, Nimsakul N. Clinical trial of Butea superba, an alternative herbal treatment for erectile dysfunction. Asian J Androl 2003;5:243-6.
Cortés-González JR, Arratia-Maqueo JA, Gómez-Guerra LS, Holmberg AR. The use of Butea superba (Roxb.) compared to sildenafil for treating erectile dysfunction. BJU Int 2010;105(2):225-8. doi: 10.1111/j.1464-410X.2009.08748.x.

Keep reading

This information is for education only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always check with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or combining supplements and medications.

Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.

DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.

Brand directory

Brands that make products with Butea Superba

14 brands in our database make a supplement containing Butea Superba.

DynaSize 1 product Healthy Choice Naturals 179 products Incredible Health Decisions 2 products Leading Edge Health 25 products Magna Rx 2 products Primal Male XL 4 products Quality Of Life 111 products Rivalus 45 products SizeGenix 1 product Superbalife International 2 products Swanson 1,121 products Swanson Premium Brand 788 products Vepemva Nutrition 1 product We Care Distributor 6 products

Product directory

Supplement products with Butea Superba

23 products in our database contain Butea Superba. Open any to see its full ingredient list and every drug interaction we check.

Pharmacist Counseling Corner

Butea Superba: Common Questions

What is Butea Superba used for, and does it work?

People use Butea Superba for a range of reasons, but according to the Natural Medicines database the current clinical evidence is insufficient to confirm it works for the specific conditions it has been studied for. See the graded list on this page, and talk to your pharmacist or doctor before relying on it for any condition.

Does Butea Superba interact with prescription medications?

Yes. We list 7 medications with a known interaction with Butea Superba. Use the checker above to see how Butea Superba interacts with a specific drug.

How are Butea Superba interactions rated?

Each interaction is graded major, moderate, or minor based on how clinically significant it is and the strength of the evidence behind it. Major interactions are the most serious and are best avoided, or used only under close professional supervision.

Is it safe to take Butea Superba with my medications?

It depends on the specific medication. Some combinations are fine, while others call for monitoring, timing changes, or should be avoided. Check your exact drug above and confirm with your pharmacist or doctor before starting, stopping, or changing anything.

Where does this Butea Superba interaction information come from?

Our interaction data is built on the Natural Medicines database — an evidence-graded reference for vitamins, herbs, and supplements — and is reviewed by licensed HelloPharmacist pharmacists, who may add clinical context.

What is Butea Superba used for?

It is traditionally used as a male tonic, mainly for erectile dysfunction, low libido, and general vitality. These uses are based largely on tradition, and strong scientific proof is lacking.

Does Butea Superba really work for erectile dysfunction?

Some small studies have reported modest benefits, but the research is limited and low in quality. There is not enough solid evidence to say it reliably works.

Is Butea Superba safe to take?

Its safety has not been well studied, especially over the long term. Use caution, choose a reputable product, and talk with a pharmacist or doctor before trying it.

Can I take Butea Superba if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?

No reliable safety data exist for these situations, so it is best to avoid it during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Written and reviewed by the HelloPharmacist editorial staff. Our editorial policy

Keep exploring

Products that contain Butea Superba

A rotating sample of real supplements in our database that list Butea Superba — open any to see its full ingredients and every drug interaction we check.

See all 23 products with Butea Superba →

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Butea Superba Drug Interactions, Uses, Effectiveness, Safety & More

Your Choice:

Butea Superba Drug Interactions: The Bottom Line

Drugs that interact with Butea Superba

Don’t want to scroll the list? Just ask.

What Severity, Likelihood & Evidence Mean

Severity — How Serious It Can Be

Likelihood — How Well It’s Documented

Where This Data Comes From

The kinds of drugs Butea Superba affects

Butea Superba: Uses, Safety & Side Effects

Overview

How it works

Does Butea Superba work?

Safety & precautions

Side effects

Dosing

Butea Superba & Pregnancy

Butea Superba & Breastfeeding

References & further reading

Brands that make products with Butea Superba

Supplement products with Butea Superba

Butea Superba: Common Questions

Related supplements & herbs

Products that contain Butea Superba

Have a question about Butea Superba?