In Africa, particularly in Kenya, mukombero roots are chewed and the sap is swallowed as an aphrodisiac. Mukombero (or ginger from White, Mondia whitei, from the Apocynaceae family) is a perennial, woody and quite vigorous climbing plant with aromatic roots. It is also known as vuka-vuka in Zimbabwe, which translates to “wake up, wake up”.Mukombero is a nutrient-rich food source. It contains a wide range of vitamins (A, D, K and E), minerals (magnesium, iron, zinc and calcium) and proteins.
It has been used for centuries by communities living near the Kakamega forest in various ways, from chewing raw roots to mixing root powder with porridge to increase appetite. A study published in Third World Medicine suggests that treating guinea pigs with mukombero extracts induced a significant increase in testosterone, the main male sex hormone. This supports its traditional use as an aphrodisiac. While mukombero may have some sex-stimulating properties, it is important to note that a good diet and daily exercise should be the primary focus for those looking to improve their sexual health.
