Abstract
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a neurovascular event modulated by various factors impacting on the physiological functioning of the penile tissue. Interest in therapeutic substances of plant origin, used to treat ED, has progressively increased in the last decades. This ethnobotanical study on Bapedi aphrodisiacs was undertaken during 2010/2011 to document the floral diversity, species utilization, extract preparation and administration. The emphasis was on the customs of traditional healers residing in 17 municipalities, in three districts in the Limpopo province of South Africa. Data was obtained, from 34 healers, using a semi-structured questionnaire. According to these traditional healers, ED entails the inability to sustain an erection during coitus as well as a decreased libido. Findings indicated the use of 12 species, 10 of them with new documentations. Among these species, Zanthoxylum humile was the most frequently used species, and only Osyris lanceolata and Securidaca longepedunculata were previously recorded in the treatment of ED. There was a definite selection for underground parts. Preparation was uncomplicated; with cooking and pounding of the preferred methods. Administration was mostly attained via oral administration; however, the vehicle for administration varied. This manuscript validated the application of two species as aphrodisiacs. It is concluded that the major contribution is the 10 species that have not been documented earlier. Key words: Bapedi, aphrodisiacs, erectile dysfunction, Limpopo province, Zanthoxylum humile.
Highlights
The dependence on aphrodisiacs by cultures such as the Chinese, Romans and Greeks, to enhance sexual performance, has been demonstrated for millennia (Elferink, 2000). Guirguis (1998), quite eloquently stated that “the erect penis has always been a symbol of power, virility and fertility”
Ethnopharmacology follows a utilitarian approach focussing on the experimental investigation and validation of species with potential medicinal value (Balick and Cox, 1996)
An important indicator regarding the medicinal value of the species, preceding the utilitarian investigation into its medicinal significance, relates to their traditional application
Summary
The dependence on aphrodisiacs by cultures such as the Chinese, Romans and Greeks, to enhance sexual performance, has been demonstrated for millennia (Elferink, 2000). Guirguis (1998), quite eloquently stated that “the erect penis has always been a symbol of power, virility and fertility”. (Drewes et al, 2003) remain in high demand These drugs are almost exclusively used to enhance male sexual performance, the ability to perform optimally during coitus. The pursuit for more cost-effective herbal alternatives to compete against designer drugs is of the utmost importance as it will grant those with socio-economic constraints, access to treatment Efficacy of these herbal substitutes depends on their potential to alter phosphodiesterase activity in the penile tissue. Of interest in the treatment of ED is PDE5, a highly specific cGMP enzyme It is predominantly distributed in the smooth muscles located in the blood vessels and corpora cavernosa of the penis. This study was conducted to investigate the species diversity, plant parts used, and specific preparation and administration of extracts used by this group to treat ED
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