Pole butterflybush

Buddleja officinalis

Buddleja officinalis, also known as butterfly bush, originates from traditional Chinese medicine and is used in various herbal practices. While its specific uses are not well-documented, it has shown potential in scientific studies for treating conditions such as dry eye disease and hyperuricemia. Research indicates that flavonoids from the plant may enhance tear secretion and protect against corneal damage, while ethanol extracts demonstrate significant xanthine oxidase inhibition, potentially reducing serum uric acid levels. Additionally, 13 iridoids were identified in flower buds and inflorescences, with one showing potent anti-fibrotic activity. The safety profile of Buddleja officinalis appears to be favorable, with no major issues or drug interactions recorded. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and establish clinical applications.

At a glance
Best evidence
D
Cautions

Informational only. Traditional use does not mean proven effectiveness. Evidence and safety vary — check the cited sources.

What the science says

  • Flavonoids, including those from Buddleja officinalis, showed potential in enhancing tear secretion and mitigating corneal damage in animal models of dry eye disease. D PMID
  • The study found that different polarity extracts of Buddleja officinalis showed varying antioxidant capacities and hyaluronidase inhibition, with medium-polarity ethanol fractions being particularly strong in radical scavenging. D PMID
  • The ethanol extract fraction of Buddleja officinalis showed significant xanthine oxidase inhibition in vivo, reducing serum uric acid levels in a mouse model of hyperuricemia. D PMID
  • The study identified 13 iridoids from Buddleja officinalis, with one compound showing potent anti-fibrotic activity. D PMID

Frequently asked questions

What is Pole butterflybush?

Pole butterflybush (Buddleja officinalis) is a plant documented in FolkKB's traditional-medicine reference, drawn from sourced literature and cross-checked against the evidence.

What does the scientific evidence say about Pole butterflybush?

4 sourced findings are recorded for Pole butterflybush; the strongest carries evidence grade D. For example: Flavonoids, including those from Buddleja officinalis, showed potential in enhancing tear secretion and mitigating corneal damage in animal models of dry eye disease.

How strong is the evidence for Pole butterflybush?

The strongest finding for Pole butterflybush carries evidence grade D — preliminary or traditional. Grades run A (strongest) to D (preliminary or traditional).

Is Pole butterflybush safe? What are the side effects?

No major safety issues are recorded for Pole butterflybush in our sources, but the data may be incomplete. Consult a qualified professional before use.

Does Pole butterflybush interact with medications?

No drug interactions are recorded for Pole butterflybush in our sources. This does not rule them out — check with a pharmacist.

What are the common names of Pole butterflybush?

Pole butterflybush is also known as: Buddleia d'hiver.

Is Pole butterflybush a proven treatment?

No. FolkKB is informational only. Traditional use and early findings are not proof of efficacy or safety — consult a qualified professional and never self-treat.

Sources

  1. T2 Iridoid constituents from the flower buds and inflorescences of Buddleja officinalis and their anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity. literature abstract metadata
  2. T2 Buddleja officinalis as a natural xanthine oxidase inhibitor in a murine hyperuricemia model. literature abstract metadata
  3. T2 Efficacy and mechanism of flavonoids in improving dry eye disease: a systematic review of animal studies. literature abstract metadata
  4. T2 Solvent Polarity Shapes Antioxidant Capacity, Preliminary Hyaluronidase Inhibition, and Chemical Profile of Buddleja officinalis Extracts. literature abstract metadata