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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