Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal Plants Used as Aphrodisiacs in Bauchi Local Government Area

Abstract

Background: An aphrodisiac can be defined as any type of food or drink that is capable of causing sexual desire or arousal, increase sexual potency and increase sexual pleasure. The use of synthetic aphrodisiacs results in unwanted side effects that are noxious to the patients, thus there is a growing need to look for aphrodisiacs of herbal origin with lesser side effects. Aim: The aim of the study is to conduct an Ethnobotanical survey of medicinal plants used as aphrodisiacs in Bauchi Local Government area. Methods: Traditional medical practitioners with expertise in management of sexual problems were interview using a well structured ethnobotanical questionnaire Results: Medicinal plants such as Waltheria indica, Trephrosia purpurea, Hygrophilla auriculata, Gardiena erubescense, Olax subscorpioidea, Fadogia agrestis, Hymenocardia acidaBorassus aethiopum, Dichrostachys cinerea and Cyperus esculentus were identified to be used singly as aphrodisiacs. Conclusion: All plants should be investigated scientifically to substantiate the traditional claims except Fadogia agretis which was pharmacologically proven to possess aphrodisiac activity.