Medicinal Plants Traditionally used to Manage Male Sexual Dysfunction and Infertility in Tana River County, Kenya

Abstract

Globally, sexual dysfunction afflicts 10% of men of all ages, ethnicities and cultural background. In Tana River County traditional medicine plays a key role in the management of sexual dysfunction and infertility. An ethno botanical survey was carried out to identify and document plants managing sexual dysfunction and infertility. Nineteen plants belonging to 15 genera and 13 families were identified. Forty seven percent were used to treat hypoactive sex drive, 40% for management of erectile dysfunction/ impotence, 40% for treatment of male infertility and 13.3% for treatment of all three conditions. Male sexual dysfunction and infertility has a profound and devastating effect on psychological well- being of the victim. The plant remedies described in this study represent valuable indigenous knowledge and could prove useful as treatment for sexual dysfunction and infertility. Proper research into their efficacy and safety is imperative.