Bambusa Vulgaris bamboo plant health benefit

Bambusa Vulgaris or bamboo, has a long history of use in Ayurvedic medicine and Chinese herbal medicine. Bambusa Vulgaris extract is a rich source of natural silica. Very little is known about the clinical uses of this plant by Western natural medicine healers.

Medicinal use
Bambusa Vulgaris has historically been used to treat coughs and excess mucous and help alleviate fever. The prebiotic xylooligosaccharides found in Bambusa Vulgaris may contribute to improved intestinal health and a reduced risk of digestive disorders.

Pregnancy
Abortifacient potentials of the aqueous extract of Bambusa vulgaris leaves in pregnant Dutch rabbits.
Contraception. 2009; Yakubu MT, Bukoye BB. Department of Biochemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria
There is the claim in the folklore medicine of Nigeria of the use of Bambusa vulgaris leaves as an abortifacient. However, there has not been any scientific evidence in the literature that substantiated or refuted this claim. Our study has substantiated the abortifacient potential of the aqueous extract of B. vulgaris leaves. The mechanism of abortion could possibly be through changes in the implantation site, altered hormone levels and, partly, estrogenicity. All these may be attributed, at least, in part to the phytoconstituents.

Skin care products
Bambusa Vulgaris has been used extensively as an ingredient in skin care products. It may maintain moisture levels. Bambusa Vulgaris may protect the skin against bacteria and fungus, helping avoid various skin troubles, and it is used as a tooth polisher.

Bambusa Vulgaris extract contains abundant antioxidants and vitamins, and is also a rich source of flavone, phenolic acid, lactone, and polyose.

Availability
A Bambusa Vulgaris 70% silica extract is available as a supplement.

Final comments
As of 2011, we could not find human studies with Bambusa Vulgaris powder or Bambusa Vulgaris extract to know what health benefits this plant has.

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