**1. Introduction**

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].

Fractionation of Buchu by distillation, crystallisation and chromatography releases an oil with many constituents [6]. Agathosma betulina contains the major volatile compounds limonene,

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menthone, diosphenol and one of its isomers (ψ)-diosphenol, and *l*-pulegone [7]. Aganthosma crenulata contains the same main constistuents, but has trace amounts of diosphenol and larger amounts of *l*-pulegone [7]. These are responsible for the odour, flavour and medicinal properties of Buchu oil [8]. Two monoterpene thiols are accountable for the distinguishing odour of Buchu oil, one being 9-mercapto-*p*-menthan-3-one [6]. This sulphur-containing terpene is essential to the aroma and flavour of the plant [6].

**2.2. Antimicrobial activity**

an indirect ability to eliminate infection [14].

**2.3. Anti-oxidant activity**

**2.4. Anti-inflammatory activity**

ties1

**2.5. Toxicity**

Buchu essential oils and extracts were analysed to assess the antimicrobial activity of the plant. The essential oils and extracts were found to be active against the selected pathogens, namely Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiella pneumonia and Candida albicans [12, 13]. Buchu extracts have a good antibacterial activity, and has been found to be more active against gram positive than gram negative bacteria [12, 13]. Buchu was found to affect the development

Buchu – The Multi-Purpose Ethnomedicinally Important Specie and Its Benefits in the Reproductive System

however, not the case with the fungus (*C. albicans*), as exposure to the extracts improved the attachment to the surface, allowing the formation of a biofilm [2]. The more well known Buchu species are thus effective against bacteria, but not against fungi. There is, however, a less extensively researched member of the Agathosma family called A. arida that is effective against Candida albicans [1]. Agathosma species have been found to contain coumarins, phenolic substances with benzene and α-pyrone rings [14]. A number of these compounds have been found to be active against microbials by stimulating macrophages, allowing the plant to have

Free radicals are molecules with one or more unpaired electron(s) [15] that are highly reactive, attacking nearby stable molecules to gain an electron. The two forms of free radicals are reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) [15]. Free radical scavengers are known as antioxidants, and these assist in keeping free radicals at physiologically homeostatic levels [15]. Polyphenolics in plants are scavengers of free radicals, allowing them to act as antioxidants [16]. These compounds act via several mechanisms to reduce free radicals, and make wonderful antioxidants due to the hydrogen donating ability of the phenolic groups [16]. Members of the Agathosma specie have been found to contain flavonoids such as diosmin, hesperidin,rutin, quercitin, mucilage and resins which have extensive anti-oxidant proper‐

. These are some of the compounds that give the Buchu plant its anti-oxidant ability, allowing it to be effective against many ailments that result from an increase in oxidative stress.

Buchu oil contains limonene, a monoterpene hydrocarbon with anti-inflammatory properties [12, 13]. Essential oils found in Agathosma have been found to inhibit the synthesis of leukotrienes by blocking synthesis of the key enzyme 5-lypoxygenase. By doing so, it reduces inflammation by preventing the initiation and maintenance of the inflammatory process, thereby limiting an infection and preventing its progression [2]. Limonene has also shown to be effective in reducing cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 biosynthesis [2], reducing the proinflammatory agents prostaglandins and leukotrienes from being synthesised, reducing inflammation.

The Buchu plant should be used at low dosages for most purposes as it contains diosphenol, a compound known to be toxic at higher doses [1]. Pulegone, another compound found in

. This was,

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of biofilms by preventing attachment of bacteria to the polyvinyl chloride surface2

True to its description of being a multi-purpose specie, Buchu has long been used as an antiseptic, an anti-inflammatory agent, for urinary problems including maladies such as haematuria, calculi, kidney disease and infections of the bladder, prostate and urethra [9]. Today it is also used to stimulate perspiration in rheumatic disease and gout, as a digestive tonic [9] which treats cholera and stomach complaints, an antispasmodic, an antipyretic, as a treatment for colds and flu, and most importantly, as a diuretic. In current Pharmacopoeias, it is listed as a diuretic and a urinary tract antiseptic [2]. It is also listed as a treatment for arthritis, cellulite, nausea and diarrhoea, flatulence, prostatitis and UTI's [1, 2, 9].

A number of Buchu preparations are used to deliver it to the body. It may be prepared as a brandy, a tincture (an alcohol or aqueous solution), a tea, or soaked in vinegar [9]. The vinegar can be used for external applications to treat bruises, contusions, sprains and fractures, to clean wounds and to treat rheumatism [10]. The Khoi-San used the plant as an 'antibiotic repellent' to repel insects and mixed it with oil to use as a moisturiser, which was essential in their natural environment and desert climate surroundings [9]. Topical application allowed entry of the active ingredients of Buchu oil through the skin and provided antibacterial and antifungal properties, and also acted as an insect repellent and deodarant [9].

Buchu has a long-standing traditional use, but it has made its way into the fragrance and flavour industries due to its sulphur-containing compounds and sensory properties [2]. It is used to enhance fruit flavours and fragrances, and boost blackcurrant-like flavours. It has a naturally minty, sweet berry, apricot, peach and green herbal taste, and its oils are used in perfumes and colognes [2].

The list of ailments Buchu is capable of counteracting and the multitude of its historical and current uses are what help to define it as an ethnomedicinally important product, making it an outstanding phytomedicine and natural product to stave off illnesses (see Table 1).
