Levels of elements in selected food substances that support usage in the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction.

Background: The use of fruits and vegetables for the management and treatment of erectile dysfunction has gained popularity due to the cheaper cost, accessibility and perceived absence of side effects. Much of the work done on plant-based aphrodisiacs has focused on the phytochemistry of secondary metabolites.

Aim: This work sought to analyze selected fruits and vegetables that are commonly used in the management of erectile dysfunction in Ghana and quantify the levels of some micro- and macro-elements necessary for good penile health in order to determine the usefulness or otherwise of the selected produce.

Methods: 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 carrot roots, cucumber fruit, garlic bulb, ginger rhizome, nutmeg fruit, sweet potato tuber, tiger nut tuber and watermelon fruit.

Results: The analysis revealed the presence of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Zn. Levels of Se were below detection. The concentration of K was the highest in each of the food substances. However, in terms of recommended daily allowance, Mg had the highest contribution. Cucumber fruit and the rind of watermelon fruit had the highest levels of micro- and macro-elements implicated in erectile dysfunction.

Conclusion: The potential use of these foods to treat and manage erectile dysfunction may not only be due to the presence of phytochemicals alone but also the presence of significant levels of micro- and macro-elements required for good penile health.