Nutritional prospect of aphrodisiac blend from Cyprus esculentus, phoenix dactylifera, and Zingiber officinal in modulating sexual functions
Article Sidebar
Micronutrients Minerals,
Proximate analysis,
Sexual dysfunction,
Vitamins
Main Article Content
Muhammed Maikarfi
Abstract
Background of Study: Sexual dysfunction is a multifactorial condition that can be influenced by micronutrient status. In Nigeria, locally prepared beverages are widely consumed as aphrodisiacs to enhance libido, erectile function, sperm quality, and fertility, yet combined formulations remain poorly studied. This study aimed to evaluate the nutritional composition of a powdered beverage blend made from dried tiger nut, date, and ginger in a 50:40:10 ratio, and to examine literature-based evidence on the effects of its components on sexual function.
Aim and Scope of Study: The blend was analyzed for proximate composition, vitamin content, and mineral levels using standard analytical methods. Relevant peer-reviewed studies were also reviewed to identify the biological roles of the blend’s components in sexual and reproductive health. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and one-way ANOVA at p ≤ 0.05.
Results: Results showed that the beverage was rich in carbohydrates (76.20%), dietary fiber (7.17%), and fat (9.67%), with low moisture content. It contained appreciable levels of essential minerals, including magnesium, zinc, selenium, copper, and manganese, as well as vitamins A, B₆, B₉, B₁₂, and C. Literature evidence indicated that tiger nut, date, and ginger contribute to sexual function through modulation of hormonal activity, gene expression, spermatogenesis, and erectile mechanisms.
Conclusion: In conclusion, the tiger nut–date–ginger beverage possesses a favorable nutrient profile that supports reproductive physiology. While the findings suggest its potential as a nutritional adjunct for improving sexual function, further experimental and clinical studies are needed to validate its efficacy and safety.
Downloads
Article Details
Copyright (c) 2025 Muhammed Maikarfi
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
Abulude, F.O., Adebayo, A.O., & Ajayi, O.O. (2021). Nutritional and phytochemical composition of selected herbal reproductive tonics. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 273, 113979.
Adejuyitan, J. A. (2011). Tiger nut processing: Its food uses and health benefits. American Journal of Food Technology, 6(3), 197–201.
Adewumi, A. A., Oboh, G., & Ademiluyi, A. O. (2018). Phytochemical composition and fertility-enhancing properties of selected medicinal plants. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 15(4), 1–9.
Agarwal, A., Majzoub, A., Esteves, S. C., Ko, E., Ramasamy, R., & Zini, A. (2014). Oxidative stress and its implications in male infertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 12(1), 87. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/1477-7827-12-87
Akande, E.A., and Okunola, D.D. (2011). Production and quality evaluation of wild pepper (Erythrococoa anomala) flavoured chocolate drinks. J. Agric. Sc. and Tech..A1, 672-677
Al Essawe, A. A., & Almashhadani, H. A. (2010). Effect of Cyperus esculentus tubers on reproductive hormones in male rats. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances, 9(1), 83–86.
Al Za’abi, M., Al Mahroqi, H., & Al Riyami, H. (2022). Date pit powder supplementation increases testosterone in male mice. BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, 22, 317. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-022-03761-9
Alida Nihayah, N., Kusuma, W., & Rahmi, I. (2025). Effect of red ginger (Zingiber officinale) infusion on LH and testosterone levels in male rats. Sains Medika: Jurnal Kedokteran dan Kesehatan, 16(1), 45–53.
AOAC Internatioal. Official methods for analysis of AOAC International. AOAC International.2005; (18th edition).
Ariyo, O., Adetutu, O., and Keshinro, O. (2021). Nutritional composition, microbial load and consumer acceptability of tiger nut (cyperus esculentus), date (phoenix dactylifera l.) And ginger (zingiber officinale roscoe) blended beverage. Journal of Tropical Agriculture, Food, Environment and Extension. Volume 20 Number 1 (January 2021) pp. 72 - 79
Bahmanpour, S., Talaei, T., Vojdani, Z., Panjehshahin, M. R., Poostpasand, A., Zareei, S., & Ghaeminia, M. (2006). Effect of Phoenix dactylifera pollen on sperm parameters and reproductive system of adult male rats. Iranian Journal of Medical Sciences, 31(4), 208–212.
Banihani, S. A. (2018). Ginger and testosterone: A systematic review of clinical and experimental evidence. Biomolecules, 8(4), 119.
Belewu, M.A., and Abodunrin, O.A. (2006). Preparation of Kunnu from unexploited rich food source: Tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus). World J. Dairy Food Sci. 1, 19-21
Borges O, Gonçalves B, Sgeoeiro L, Correia P, and Silva A. (2008). Nutritional quality of chestnut cultivars from Portugal. Food Chem.106, 976-984
Corbo, M.R., Bevilacqua, A., Petruzzi, L., Casanova, F.P. and Sinigaglia, M. (2014). Functional beverages: the emerging side of functional foods. Compr. Rev. Food Sci. Food Saf., 13, 1192-1206
Ekeanyanwu, R.C. and Ononogbu, C.I. (2010). Nutritive value of Nigerian tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus L.) Agric. J., 5 (5), 297-300
El-Hadrami, A., & Al-Khayri, J. M. (2012). Socioeconomic and traditional importance of date palm. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 24(5), 371–385.
El-Kashlan, A. M., El-Naggar, M. M., & Abdel-Rahman, R. F. (2015). Phytochemical profile and therapeutic potential of Phoenix dactylifera in male infertility. Journal of HerbMed Pharmacology, 4(2), 75–83.
El-Taweel, F.M., El-Sheikh, M.M., & Mahmoud, A. (2015). Effect of tiger nut (Cyperus esculentus) on male fertility and reproductive hormones. Asian Journal of Andrology, 17(1), 47–53.
Fallah, A., Mohammad-Hasani, A., & Colagar, A. H. (2018). Zinc is an essential element for male fertility: a review of Zn roles in men’s health, germination, sperm quality, and fertilization. Journal of Reproduction & Infertility, 19(2), 69–81.
Gupta, R. S., Kachhawa, J. B. S., & Chaudhary, R. (2017). Influence of manganese on reproductive performance in rats. Journal of Trace Elements in Medicine and Biology, 43, 76–82. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jtemb.2016.12.004
Kamtchouing, P., Fandio, G. Y., Dimo, T., & Jatsa, H. B. (2002). Evaluation of androgenic activity of Zingiber officinale extracts in male rats. Asian Journal of Andrology, 4(4), 299–301.
Masoudi, M., Maasoumi, R. and Bragazzi, N. L. (2022). Effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on sexual functioning and activity: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Public Health. 22: 189. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12889-022-12609-5
Mohammadi, M., Jahanbakhsh, Z., & Shokrzadeh, M. (2019). Protective effect of ginger extract against ethanol-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats. Brazilian Archives of Biology and Technology, 62, e19180619. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1590/1678-4324-2019180619
Odesanmi, O.S. (2012). Nutritional prospect of an aphrodisiac Microdermis keayana. Journal of Medical Plants Research, 6(7), 1187-1190
Okigbo, R.N., Eme, U.E., Ogbogu, S. (2008). Biodiversity and conservation of medicinal and aromatic plants in Africa. Biotechnol. Mol. Biol. Rev., 3(6): 127-134
Omolola, S.O. Sikiru, A.O., Akinkunmi, A.O., Ewenodere, B., Ridwan, A.L. (2012). Nutritional prospect of an aphrodisiac Microdermis keayana. Journal of Medicinal Plants Research. Vol. 6(7), pp. 1187-1190, 23. DOI: 10.5897/JMPR11.919
Schuck, P., Dolivet, A., and Jeantet, R. (2012). Analytical methods for food and dairy powders. West Sussex: Wiley. p. 153
Selhub, J., & Miller, J. W. (2017). The pathophysiology of homocysteine and relevant clinical consequences. Annual Review of Nutrition, 37, 211–239. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev-nutr-071816-064955
Sharma, R., Biedenharn, K. R., Fedor, J. M., & Agarwal, A. (2019). Lifestyle factors and reproductive health: taking control of your fertility. Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology, 11(1), 66.
Singla, V., and Chakkaravarthi, S. (2017). Applications of prebiotics in food industry: A review. Food Sci. Technol. Int. 23 (8), 649-667
Strong, T.D., Gebska, M.A., Champion, H.C., Burnett, A.L., Bivalacqua, T.J. (2008). Stem and endothelial progenitor cells in erection biology. Int J Impot Res. 20:243–54.
Sumalatha, K., Saravana, K.A, Mohama, L.S (2010). Review of natural Aphrodisiac potential to treat sexual dysfunction. Int. J. Pharm. Ther, 1: 10-18.
Veronese, N., Watutantrige-Fernando, S., Luchini, C., Solmi, M., Sartore, G., Sergi, G., … & Manzato, E. (2019). Effect of magnesium supplementation on testosterone levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Biological Trace Element Research, 190(2), 446–455. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12011-018-1544-0
Yao, J. K., Leonard, S., & Reddy, R. (2020). Folate and homocysteine in male sexual health: vascular implications and therapeutic prospects. Frontiers in Pharmacology, 11, 1058. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2020.01058
Yilmaz-Akyuz, E., Ustun-Aytekin, O., Bayram, B. and Tutar, Y. (2019). Nutrients, bioactive compounds, and health benefits of functional and medicinal beverages. In: Nutrients in Beverages (pp. 175-235) Academic Presssemiconductor materials