Durian (Durio zibethinus) as a Natural Aphrodisiac for Men
BY: Karren T. Reyes
Procreation is an important moral
and religious issue and aphrodisiacs are
sought to ensure both male and female
potency. According to West (2015), sexual
dysfunction is an inability to achieve a
normal sexual intercourse, including
premature ejaculation, retrograded,
retarded or inhibited ejaculation, erectile
dysfunction, arousal difficulties (reduced
libido), compulsive sexual behavior,
orgasmic disorder, and failure of
detumescence (the process of subsiding
from a state of sexual arousal).
The introduction of the first
pharmacologically affirmed solution for
impotence, Viagra (sildenafil), caused a
wave of public attention in the 1990s,
propelled in part by heavy advertising. The
search for such substances dates back
millennia. An aphrodisiac is an agent (food
or drug) that arouses libido or sexual drive.
The hunt for natural aphrodisiacs has
been a constant pursuit throughout history.
Study of natural supplements from
medicinal plants, fruits, vegetables, and
nuts is being intensified mainly because of
its fewer side effects.
Durian is considered as the king of
all fruits in Southeast Asia. They are foul-
smelling but taste so good. The fruit is
believed to have natural aphrodisiac
properties. According to (Hill, 2011), there
is substantial nutritional evidence to
support the durian aphrodisiac effect. It
has peculiar high levels of estrogens and
the amino acid tryptophan. Tryptophan
metabolizes into serotonin which creates
cresting waves of extreme pleasure when
released into the brain following certain
ecstatic moments; the more serotonin, the
more tidal the wave of pleasure.
On the contrary, according to an
article written by Scaccia (2017) and
medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson,
Ph.D., MSN, RN, IBCLC, AHN-BC,
serotonin is considered as a natural mood
stabilizer. Serotonin acts differently in pressure, high cholesterol, high sugar
various functions of the body. In terms of content, nausea, and dizziness.
sexual function, low levels of serotonin are Even though it has been published
associated with increased libido, while and proven effective, researchers claim that
increased serotonin levels are associated it will not have the same effect on each
with reduced libido. individual, since some may have allergies
In addition, according to another and resistance. It may act differently in
online published article written by various functions of the body.
McIntosh (2016) and medically reviewed Nonetheless, further research and
by Dr. Helen Webberly, low serotonin studies about this topic are continually
levels in the intoxicated state are thought to being done and improved. Hence, in no
contribute to the associated increase in time at all, there will be an available
libido, while those taking medication that effective natural aphrodisiac for men.
increases serotonin levels are seen to have a
reduction in libido and sexual function.
Nevertheless, the claims about
durian as an aphrodisiac are now
supported by an Indian study published in
the 2010 Asian Journal of Biological
Science. The durians power as an
aphrodisiac was confirmed by researchers
at the C.R. Reddy College of
Pharmaceutical Sciences in Tamil Nadu,
India. led by Dr. Venkatesh Palaniyappan
(2010), the team found that male mice fed
durian over a 14-day period increased both
their sperm count and sperm mobility over
their placebo-fed peers. The durian
influenced mice also seemed to lose their
shyness when it came to copulation,
mounting their polygamous mates five
times as often as mice, not fed durian.
A follow-up study has failed to
pinpoint which of durians 63 active
compounds is responsible for the male
mices increased libido and confidence
with lady mice. Researchers suggest that it
may be a sterol that increases the male sex
hormone androgen, but for now,
consuming the whole flesh of the fruit is
the only way for men to benefit from it.
According to Syakira (2016), when
eaten often and in high amounts, durian
has, in fact, possible side effects. As stated
in the article, possible side effects of eating
scads of Durian include a rise in blood