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Semarang State University lecturers develop ‘black ginger Viagra’
Semarang State University lecturers have created a ‘herbal Viagra’ from black ginger, a hybrid of Thai ginger and local ginger.
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Etty Soesilowati (left) and Eka Yuli Astuti from Semarang State University (Unnes) created the 'black ginger viagra' and market it as Oxyfla. (JP/Suherdjoko)
A
group of researchers and lecturers from Semarang State University (Unnes) in Central Java have developed what they call a ‘herbal Viagra’ from black ginger (Kaempferia parfilora).
Black ginger is a plant of the zingiberanceae genus commonly found in the tropical regions of Asia. A hybrid of Thai ginger and local ginger, it can be harvested starting eight months after planting.
Etty Soesilowati, who is one of the as researchers along with Eka Yuli Astuti and Talitha Widiatningrum, said black ginger had aphrodisiac effects. It could also act as an antioxidant or be used in the treatment of inflammation, obesity or diabetes.
“With so many benefits – and it’s yet to be widely cultivated – black ginger can be a business opportunity for farmers,” said Eka Yuli Astuti.
Read also: Viagra rising: How the little blue pill revolutionized sex
According to Eka, black ginger stimulated the release of phosphodiesterase-5 (PDE-5) enzyme in patients with erectile dysfunction (ED). The eight flavonoids in black ginger would help in sustaining erections and inhibit PDE-5 by increasing the blood flow to the genitals.
Eka further noted the other benefits of black ginger extract, which were of low toxicity, cheap compared to imported alternatives and used in alcohol-free processing.
She added that black ginger phyto-pharmaceuticals were sold under the name Oxyfla at Rp 170,000 (US$11.44), in the form of liquid and as capsules for easy and hygienic consumption. (iru/wng)
