English translation of the study:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36789753/
This study, conducted by Michael Lartey and colleagues, examines the levels of elements in selected fruits and vegetables often used in the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction in Ghana, with a focus on their micro and macro content. -essential elements for good penile health. The use of fruits and vegetables for this purpose is gaining popularity due to their lower cost, accessibility, and perceived lack of side effects. Although research on herbal aphrodisiacs has primarily focused on the phytochemistry of secondary metabolites, this study aims to determine the potential utility of selected products through their mineral composition.
Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy was used to detect and quantify the levels of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), selenium (Se), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), and zinc (Zn). in various foods such as carrot roots, cucumber fruits, garlic bulbs, ginger rhizome, nutmeg fruits, sweet potato tubers, nutsedge tubers and watermelon fruits.
Results revealed the presence of K, Ca, Mg, Fe, and Zn, while Se levels were below the detection limit. Potassium had the highest concentration in each food substance analyzed. However, in terms of recommended daily intake, magnesium had the greatest contribution. Cucumber fruits and watermelon rind had the highest levels of micro and macroelements involved in erectile dysfunction.
The study's conclusion suggests that the potential use of these foods to treat and manage erectile dysfunction may not only be due to the presence of phytochemicals, but also significant levels of micro and macroelements necessary for proper penile health.