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Massularia acuminata

Massularia Acuminata is a traditionally used herb in Yoruba medicine (Nigeria), used as a chewing stick and aphrodisiac; the chewing stick aspect was researched for being an anti-gingivitis agent, and it appears to increase testosterone and libido in research animals.

Our evidence-based analysis on massularia acuminata features 5 unique references to scientific papers.

Kamal Patel
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Summary of Massularia acuminata

Primary Information, Benefits, Effects, and Important Facts

Massularia Acuminate is a chewing stick and herbal aphrodisiac from the Yoruba medicine in Nigeria.

It was investigated in the past for efficacy against gingivitis, but has recently been delved into for its aphrodisiac properties. Preliminary studies in rats suggest that this herb can increase testosterone and sexuality.

Not much data exists on it however.

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Things To Know & Note

Is a Form Of

Primary Function:

Also Known As

Pako Ijebu, Orin Ijebu

Caution Notice

Examine.com Medical Disclaimer

  • Active constituents appear to be water soluble

How to Take Massularia acuminata

Recommended dosage, active amounts, other details

Based on rat studies, doses of 50mg/kg and 1,000mg/kg appear to increase testosterone while the higher dose is associated with some liver toxicity. Due to this, the estimated human doses based off of 50mg/kg would be:

  • 550mg for a 150lb person

  • 700mg for a 200lb person

  • 900mg for a 250lb person

Due to having no human evidence at this moment in time, the above recommendations are naught but estimates.

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Scientific Research on Massularia acuminata

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1Origin and components

Massularia Acuminata (MA) is an aphrodisiac herb from Yoruba medicine of Nigeria.

The plant appears to contain a mixture of alkaloids, anthraquinones, saponins, phenolics, flavonoids, and tannins.[1] The active ingredient is not known.

2Effects on sexuality and testosterone

In several replicated rat studies, Massularia Acuminata (MA) has been shown to increase parameters of sexuality in males.[1] It did increase testosterone, but did so at a level corresponding with sexual activity and lesser than the control (Viagra); these increases may be vicarious of increased sexual activity rather than from the compound itself.

Lower doses seem more effective than higher, with 50mg/kg bodyweight increasing sexuality and testosterone more than 100mg/kg and 200mg/kg.[1] Although this relationship appears to be reversed at dosages of 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg bodyweight, in which sexuality and testosterone levels begin to become elevated again.[2][3] The 1000mg/kg group had a spike above the expected value, and was nearly double the control. These studies were conducted in otherwise healthy rats.

When 1000mg/kg in rats is converted into a human dosage based on Body Surface Area[4] it results in a 160mg/kg bodyweight dosage of Massularia Accuminata; the lower dose, 50mg/kg, correlates to 8mg/kg bodyweight and is more feasible.

A U-shaped curve exists in animals, with 50mg/kg and 1000mg/kg both being effective but does between them to a lesser degree; as toxicity is associated with doses of 250mg/kg or above in animals, the lower dose may be prudent at this point in time

3Safety and Toxicology

One rat study specifically investigating liver indices after water-soluble Massularia intake at 250mg/kg, 500mg/kg, and 1000mg/kg [5] noted decreases in activity of Alkaline Phosphatase (a liver enzyme) and increased serum levels of Alkaline Phosphatase at all doses starting on the first oral dose, with similar effects in the 250mg/kg and 500mg/kg group with slightly more suppression in the 1000mg/kg group. Similar increases in serum levels were seen with Aspartate aminotransferase and Alanine Aminotransferase although their activities in the liver increased (in contrast to Alkaline Phosphatase); increases in serum bilirubin were seen at all doses and not dose-dependent and increases in albumin were seen at 500mg/kg and 1000mg/kg.[5]

The effects on day 21, relative to day 1, were trending to worsen but not statistically significant.[5]

Evidence suggests that it may have hepatotoxic effects

References

  1. ^ a b c Yakubu MT, et al. Pro-sexual effects of aqueous extracts of Massularia acuminata root in male Wistar rats. Andrologia. (2011)
  2. ^ Yakubu MT, et al. Androgenic potentials of aqueous extract of Massularia acuminata (G. Don) Bullock ex Hoyl. stem in male Wistar rats. J Ethnopharmacol. (2008)
  3. ^ Yakubu MT, Akanji MA. Effect of Aqueous Extract of Massularia acuminata Stem on Sexual Behaviour of Male Wistar Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. (2011)
  4. ^ Guidance for Industry: Estimating the Maximum Safe Starting Dose in Initial Clinical Trials for Therapeutics in Adult Healthy Volunteers.
  5. ^ a b c Effects of Aqueous Stem Extract of Massularia Acuminata on Some Liver Function Indices of Male Rats.

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This page is regularly updated, to include the most recently available clinical trial evidence.

Each member of our research team is required to have no conflicts of interest, including with supplement manufacturers, food companies, and industry funders. The team includes nutrition researchers, registered dietitians, physicians, and pharmacists. We have a strict editorial process.

This page features 5 references. All factual claims are followed by specifically-applicable references. Click here to see the full set of references for this page.

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