In a new study, researchers say nutmeg contains more chemical substances that boost libido than drumstick seeds, and so could serve as an alternative therapy for the management of erectile dysfunction (ED).
Nutmeg and drumstick seeds are commonly consumed medicinal seeds. Known as Ehuru ofia in Igbo language, Gujiya dan miya in Hausa and ariwo in Yorubaland, African nutmeg is one of the most widely used ingredients for spicing meals.
In traditional medicine practice, especially in many African countries, the African nutmeg is widely used to relieve a toothache, dysentery, dermatitis, headache and as worm expeller.
Studies have shown that intake of African nutmeg helps in better intellectual performance (brain booster), controls heartbeat and blood pressure, treats kidney infections and dissolves kidney stones, treats insomnia (sleeplessness) and removes bad breath.
Known as “Zogallagandi” (Hausa), “Ewe-igbale” (Yoruba) and “Okwe Oyibo” (Igbo) or Moringa oleifera, drumstick tree is used in folk medicine for the treatment of various illnesses, including the lowering of blood pressure.
A repeated inability to achieve normal sexual intercourse also called male impotence or erectile dysfunction (ED) is a common medical condition that affects the sexual life of millions of men worldwide. But the possibility of natural aphrodisiacs derived from plants, animals or minerals, has been attractive throughout recorded history to enhance sexual pleasure.
Some aphrodisiac simply provides a burst of nutritional value improving the immediate health or well-being of the consumer and consequently improving sexual performance and libido.
A group includes those purported aphrodisiacs that have more specific physiological effects but are not psychologically active. They may affect blood flow; increase the duration of sexual activity by numbing the genital area.
The third group of aphrodisiac is made up of compounds that actually cross the blood-brain barriers and stimulates some area of sexual arousal.
In this study, the researchers assessed how extracts from the seeds of nutmeg and drumstick affect enzymes in the body that control erectile dysfunction in animals under laboratory conditions.
The 2017 study published in the Journal of Food Biochemistry included Veronica O. Odubanjo at Adekunle Ajasin University, in collaboration with Sunday I. Oyeleye; Ganiyu Oboh; Tosin A. Olasehinde and Aline A. Boligon.
However, the researchers said further studies would still be required to fully understand how nutmeg and drumstick seeds help in treating erectile dysfunction.
Previously, in a review, experts have identified at least 198 traditional medicinal plants that were mentioned in ancient literature or used traditionally for sexual dysfunction.
The review published in the 2012 edition of the Journal of Pharmacognosy and Phytochemistry included plants such as Acacia nilotica (Gum Arabic tree bark); garlic; peanuts, neem tree (root), silk-cotton tree (bark); Indian hemp; kola nut and coconut.
Others include carrot, wild yam, bitter kola tree (bark); Hibiscus sabdariffa (seed and leaf of Roselle), mango tree (bark), Massularia acuminata (chewing stick or pako Ijebu); Momordica charantia (bitter melon leaf), nutmeg, Ricinus communis (castor tree seed) and clove.
Some of the medicinal plants have proven to possess a traditional as well as a scientifically proven aphrodisiac that can enhance passion, increase libido, enhance sexual performance and help to increase the intensity of lovemaking.
Previously, researcher’s assessment of Massularia acuminate found that the common chewing stick has aphrodisiac potential. Researchers orally administered its stem extract into male Wistar rats for 21 days. At doses of 500 and 1000mg/kg body weight, it significantly improved the sexual appetitive behaviour of male Wistar rats.
Effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of O. gratissimum (Sweet basil or efirrin) at 100, 250 & 500 mg/kg p.o. for seven days on mice, researchers in the 2009 edition of the International Journal of Pharmaceutical Technology Research stated significantly increase erections as well as an aggregate of penile reflexes.
Also, African walnuts like tiger nuts also can significantly boost libido or erectile function. It helped to reduce the anxiety, which plays a role in the development and maintenance of sexual dysfunctions for both men and women.
In the 2017 study, the researchers at the Federal University of Technology, Akure said African walnut contains substances that could enhance the precursors of sex hormones and increase circulating testosterone level in the June edition of the Journal of Food Biochemistry.
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