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Traditional knowledge on the

use of

Hippobromus pauciflorus

as herbal aphrodisiac to

treat erectile dysfunction –

Nonkululeko Lovejoy Ntshangase

I

n a world which is continually striving to alleviate disorders

of the human body, it is not surprising that male sexual

disorders receive a good share of the attention. During

ancient times, people used to live on plant-based food but

due to advancement and technology, more people now live

on fast foods which have a drastic impact on their well-

being, health and sexual health. Erectile dysfunction has

many possible causes and can be the first symptom of

an undiagnosed condition. The major reason why erectile

dysfunction is more common with age is that older men are

most likely to be on some kind of medication. Plants have

served as an ever-ready source and a dependable medicine

for the treatment of mankind’s acute illness and a number of

chronic diseases. A total of 61 plant species from 36 families

were found to be used traditionally to treat male sexual

disorders. The present study showed evidence that Durban

Assessing the effectiveness of traditional

drinking water treatment and storage methods

on water quality in the Tshivhase and Rambuda

communities, Thulamela Municipality, Vhembe

District –

Tahulela Nemavhola

T

he aim of this investigation was to determine the level of pollution and

contamination of rural water sources in the Tshivhase and Rambuda

communities of Vhembe District; to investigate possible seasonal differences

in water quality, perhaps related to rainfall; and to assess the effectiveness of water

treatment methods used by rural communities. A total of 90 samples representing 10

water sources from six different villages were tested in the laboratory for pH, TDS,

turbidity, nitrates, orthophosphate, E.coli and total coliform. All water sources were

found to be contaminated and exceed World Health Organisation standards during

both the dry and wet season. Bleach and store, boil and store and long-standing

storage methods are three methods used by communities to improve water quality for

drinking purposes. The bleach method was the only method that remained effective

after water was stored. The boiling method was effective for a short period of time

and became less effective in the storage facilities. The long-standing method was the

least effective method. With correct application, the bleach method is recommended

for use, with the boing method as an alternative provided it is used immediately.

locals are knowledgeable about the use of medicinal plants

and prefer traditional medicine to cure erectile dysfunction and

other related diseases. The recorded aphrodisiac plants can

potentially provide treatment that is low in cost and available

to men in Durban and nationally. These plant species used by

Durban locals are being reported for the first time in treatment

of ED. Even though some have been tested before, they were

tested for different ailments. Therefore, there is a dire need to

develop African traditional medicine into acceptable natural

medicines for the treatment and management of erectile

dysfunction.

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M U T A L U M N I M A G A Z I N E