APHRODISIAC HERBS FOR THE MANAGEMENT OF MALE SEXUAL DYSFUNCTION

NEELESH MALVIYA1*, SANJAY JAIN1, VIPIN BIHARI GUPTA2 AND SAVITA VYAS3
1Smriti College of Pharmaceutical Education, Indore, India
2BR Nahata College of Pharmacy, Mandsaur, India
3MGM Medical College, Indore, India

Abstract: 

An aphrodisiac is a type of food or drink that has the effect of making those who eat or drink it more aroused in a sexual way. Aphrodisiacs can be categorized according to their mode of action into three groups: substances that increase libido (i.e., sexual desire, arousal), substances that increase sexual potency (i.e., effectiveness of erection) and substances that increase sexual pleasure. Some well-known aphrodisiacs are Tribulus terrestris, Withania somnifera, Eurycoma longifolia, Avena sativa, Ginko biloba, and Psoralea coryifolia. Ethnobotanical surveys have indicated a large number of plants as aphrodisiacs. The paper reviews the recent scientific validation on traditionally used herbal plants as aphrodisiac herbs for the management of sexual disorder erectile dysfunction.

An aphrodisiac is defined as any food or drug that arouses the sexual instinct, induces veneral desire and increases pleasure and performance. This word is derived from Aphrodite the Greek goddess of love and these substances are derived from plants, animals or minerals and since time immemorial they have been the passion of man (1). There are two main types of aphrodisiacs, psychophysiological stimuli (visual, tactile, olfactory and aural) preparations and internal preparations (food, alcoholic drinks and love portion) (2). 

Erectile dysfunction (ED) or (male) impotence is a sexual dysfunction characterized by the inability to develop or maintain an erection of the penis (3). There are various underlying causes, such as cardiovascular leakage and diabetes, many of which are medically treatable. The causes of erectile dysfunction may be physiological or psychological (4). Folk remedies have long been advocated, with some being advertised widely since the 1930s (5). The introduction of the first pharmacologically approved remedy for impotence, sildenafil (trade name Viagra), in the 1990s caused a wave of public attention, propelled in part by heavy advertising (6). . 

There are many herbal drugs that have been used by men with ED with varying degrees of sucsuccess. Most potent herbal aphrodisiacs are available and have little or very little side effects (7). Some of the herbs are Gokhru (Tribulus terrestris) Zygophylaceae (active parts ñ fruits), onion (Allium cepa) Liliaceae (active parts ñ bulb), garlic (Allium sativum) Liliaceae (Active parts ñ bulbs) etc. (8, 9). Other herbal plants with aphrodisiac activity are Datura metel, Atropa belladonna, Hyoscyamus niger, Cannabis sativa, Eurycoma longifolia, Avena
sativa, Ginko biloba, Psoralea coryifolia. Here is the list of plants with their description, experimental study, chemical constituents and conclusion about the aphrodisiac activity of plants (10).

Traditional Asian folklore medicines in sexual health

Abstract

Erectile dysfunction is one of the important health problems affecting man and his partner. Recently, many treatments have evolved for the treatment of erectile dysfunction or sexual health. Of the available treatments several are pharmacologically proven and tested medications. However, in Asia, there are significant users of unproven medications for sexual health. These medications are traditionally used by the folklore living in the countryside. These untested medications may have a profound effect on the body system and their interactions with other medications may be harmful. However, comprehensive accounts of such medications are unavailable. This paper descriptively highlights the common medications used for sexual health in Asia.

Introduction

For a male, especially in Asia, sexual performance carries an identity and a sense of self-esteem in his society and the world. Thus, sexual performance in the male has an unprecedented importance. In daily life, it is very easy for men to admit having common symptoms like fever but not erectile dysfunction. Admitting erectile dysfunction (ED) is contra to the male ego, particularly if it occurs during the midlife periods. It is reported that nearly 100 million people around the world are living with erectile dysfunction.[1] In diabetic patients the incidence of ED is even more common. Of late, the number of diabetic patients is on the rise and as a result nearly 30% of ED in Singapore is attributed to diabetes.[2]

Yet, only 10% of these 100 million, i.e., 10 million are seeking treatment, despite enormous advancements and treatment facilities in all parts of the world.[1] In Asia lower treatment-seeking behavior (in China and Korea it is only 9 and 30%) could be attributed to its sensitivity and social stigma.[3] Hence, many patients self medicate by resorting to local herbs and sex tonics, which are scientifically unproven.

Sexual herbs are eagerly consumed no matter how unappetizing or bizarre. In the continuous quest for better sex, humans have ingested such diverse items such as elephant tusks, lion blood, bull testicles and rhino horn; ram penis, pig genitals and the dried remains of the Mediterranean Cantharis beetle, otherwise known as "Spanish Fly". Sex drive in both men and women can be enhanced with herbs, so longer lasting erections, female lubrication and more intense orgasms could be achieved, resulting in satisfactory sex. Herbs, however, are unprocessed drugs and may interact with other medications. In view of this, some knowledge about these herbs and tonics will be of immense value to physicians who are engaged in treating sexual dysfunction. Thus, the present paper highlights some of the more popular and effective Asian herbs.

Traditional herbal remedies used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction

Background

The utilisation of ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge is vital in male sexual reproductive health care delivery in western Uganda. Reproductive health care is the second most prevalent health care problem in Africa. However, this concept of reproductive health care has been focusing mainly on women disregarding men. Thus, some diseases such as sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction that deserve mention are regarded as petty though important in economic productivity, family stability and sexually transmitted diseases control including HIV/AIDS.

Objective

This study was carried out mainly to document medicinal plants used in the treatment of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction disorders in western Uganda.

Methods

The medical ethnobotanical indigenous knowledge were collected by visiting traditional healers and documenting the medicinal plants used and other socio-cultural aspects allied with sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction. The methods used to collect the relevant information regarding the medicinal plants used included informal and formal discussions, field visits and focused semi-structured interviews.

Results

Thirty-three medicinal plants used in the management of sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction were documented and Citropsis articulata and Cola acuminata were among the highly utilized medicinal plants.

Conclusion

From the researchers' point of view, the usage of herbal remedies in managing male sexual disorders is useful because of long cultural history of utilisation and the current renewed interest in natural products to sustain health globally. As a way recognising the values and roles of traditional medical knowledge in health care provision, further research into the efficacy and safety of herbal remedies in male sexual disorders is precious in Uganda and beyond. More so, the establishment of rapport between relevant government department in Ministry of Health, modern health workers through collaborative and networking ventures with traditional healers under close supervision and monitoring of herbal treatments is noble.

Keywords: Medicinal Plants, Erectile Dysfunction, Sexual Impotence, Ethnobotanical Indigenous Knowledge, Western Uganda

•  Other Sections
  • Abstract
  • Introduction
  • Study area and Methods
  • Results
  • Discussion
  • References

Introduction

About 70 – 80% of the Ugandan population still rely on traditional healers for day-to-day health care. In some rural areas the percentage is around ninety compared to 80% reported world-wide^10,13,14. WHO³² had earlier estimates that the usage of traditional medicine in developing countries is 80 %. This is an indication that herbal medicine is important in primary health care provision in Uganda. There are several reproductive ailments that local communities have been handling and treating for ages such as sexual impotence and erectile dysfunction (ED). The concept of reproductive health care has been focusing mainly on women disregarding men and yet men are part.