Infertility among young couples is not an issue experienced by a few, but a major public health concern affecting one out of five married couples globally. Today, we shall be looking at the use of Hunteria umbellata for fertility, its sexual benefits, and known side effects.
Before we go deeper, let’s take a quick look at the nutritional value of the wonderful plant known as Hunteria umbellata.
Study shows that intake of certain fertility-boosting vitamins and minerals may boost testicular blood barrier stability and protects sperm DNA damage from oxidative stress triggered by free radicals.
In that regard, a comparative analysis of dehulled and whole Hunteria umbellata seeds shows the presence of some of these vitamins and minerals in both macro and micro form which may boost fertility, they include Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Iron, Manganese, Nitrogen, etc.
There are also important phytonutrients in Hunteria umbellata seed extract such as Alkaloids, Phenol, Saponins, Steroids, Tannins, and Volatile acids study reveals.
Having established that Hunteria umbellata contains nutrients that make boost fertility, now let’s look at the use of Hunteria umbellata for fertility.
Hunteria umbellata for fertility
Hunteria umbellata is a plant species that grows up to 22m high and is commonly found in tropical regions of Africa. It bears fruits that have a bitter taste, despite that, Hunteria Umbellata Root, Fruits, Bark, Seeds, and Leaves have been traditionally used for various medicinal purposes, including their ability to enhance fertility.
Another two important fertility-boosting herbs similar to it are maca and Siberian Ginseng ich are known for their aphrodisiac properties.
Here are reasons why the Hunteria umbellata for fertility may boost fertility in both men and women.
1. Contain fertility-boosting phytonutrients
Studies have shown that Hunteria umbellata contains phytochemicals that have the potential to improve fertility in both men and women. These phytochemicals include alkaloids, flavonoids, tannins, and saponins.
2. Boosts sperm parameters
Free radicals have long been considered detrimental to sperm health. Oxidative stress is triggered by these free radicals when they overwhelm the body system, they cause cellular damage that may lead to certain health conditions that affect fertility and human reproduction.
A study shows that Hunteria umbellata has hypolipidemic and antioxidant properties which may help counter the impact of oxidative stress caused by free radicals.
Therefore intake of Hunteria umbellata seed extract may improve quality (sperm count and motility) by reducing oxidative stress and preventing DNA damage. This may boost the chances of conception.
3. May help improve menstruation
Menstruation comes with a lot of inflammatory phases and is sometimes accompanied by pains which many may call menstrual pain. Several studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory effect of Hunteria umbellata extract is used in making traditional medicine treatment of inflammation.
In women, Hunteria umbellata has been found to possess anti-inflammatory properties that can relieve painful menstruation. Seed extract may also regulate the menstrual cycle, and improve ovulation.
It also helps to reduce the risk of miscarriage by strengthening the uterine lining. This can lead to an increase in the chances of getting pregnant.
Lastly on this, Hunteria umbellata has shown promising results in improving fertility in both men and women. However, more research is needed to fully understand its mechanisms of action and potential side effects.
It is always recommended to consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies for fertility.
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Hunteria umbellata is a plant known for its medicinal properties. It has been traditionally used to treat various health conditions, including infertility. Here are some of the sexual benefits of Hunteria umbellata for fertility:
Hunteria umbellata Sexual Benefits
1. Increases Libido
Hunteria umbellata is believed to increase libido and sexual desire in both men and women.
Supporting this, a 28 days animal study in 2019 on the Aphrodisiac effect of Hunteria umbellata seed extract, shows the seed extracts may boost libido and enhance sexual performances due to their ability to increase the body’s nitric oxide level, and may also boost energy-initiating and maintaining an erection.
2. Improves Sperm Count
The plant is also believed to improve sperm count and motility in men, which can increase the chances of conception.
A similar study also reveals that Hunteria umbellata may help boost erectile function since its use in making traditional medicine for treating erectile dysfunction and other male sexual-related diseases.
3. Treats Erectile Dysfunction
The plant is also believed to treat erectile dysfunction in men, which can improve sexual performance.
A study equally confirms the presence of certain phenolic constituents such as gallic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ellagic acid, and quercetin abundant in Hunteria umbellata seed extract.
These phenolic constituents may inhibit some of the key enzymes that are linked to erectile dysfunction and type-2 diabetes, and by inhibiting these enzymes, erectile functions are improved.
RELATED: Impressive fertility benefits of Jute leaf (Ewedu leaves)
Hunteria umbellata for diabetes
Hunteria umbellata extract has been in use since ancient times in making herbal remedies for conditions such as pain and swellings, stomach ulcers, diabetes, obesity, and anemia, and even to induce labor.
Although most of these practices lack scientific backing, that doesn’t mean they are not real or effective. Despite this, some study suggests that the seed extract of Hunteria Umbellata may inhibit Glucose Uptake, and another study shows that in Nigeria where the plant is commonly found, its extract is used in making herbal remedies for treating diabetes.
Hunteria umbellata for weight loss
Although the use of Hunteria umbellata for weight loss has limited evidence, a study where female Wistar rats randomly divided into 4 and 5 treatment groups in the normal and triton-induced hyperlipidemic models, respectively were given a 14 days treatment with an alkaloid fraction of Hunteria umbellata.
The result shows a significant decrease in weight as well as cardioprotective effects as a result of cholesterol biosynthesis inhibition.
Hunteria umbellata Side Effects
1. Allergic Reactions: Some people may be allergic to Hunteria umbellata, which can cause skin rashes, itching, and swelling.
2. Stomach Upset: The plant may cause stomach upset, nausea, and vomiting in some people.
3. Interactions with Medications: Hunteria umbellata may interact with certain medications, including blood thinners and diabetes medications, which can cause adverse effects.
4. Overdose: Taking too much of Hunteria umbellata can cause serious side effects, including seizures, hallucinations, and coma.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider before using Hunteria umbellata for fertility to avoid any potential side effects or interactions with medications.
BOTTOM LINE
More scientific study is needed since the use of Hunteria umbellata for fertility has limited evidence. Although some studies revealed that its extract may improve sperm quality, and prevent sperm DNA damage from oxidative stress due to its antioxidant content.
In women, it may help boost their menstrual, and relieve painful menstruation due to its anti-inflammatory properties. It may also, help aid in weight loss by inhibiting cholesterol biosynthesis.
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