Khat plant boosts male fertility
The chemicals in the Khat plant help sperm mature and fertilise an egg, according to researchers at King's College, London, UK.
At a conference in Berlin, Germany, Professor Lynn Fraser said "We envisage the development of products that could be taken by individuals, either couples who might be having trouble conceiving or even those who have just decided to try to conceive, and who have no obvious problems." She also said that the chemical could be used as supplement to current fertility treatments.
Phenylpropanolamines (PPAs) are compounds similar to amphetamines. They stimulate and extend the final maturing process in sperm, said the scientist, after carrying out studies on humans and mouse sperm. Phenylpropanolamines (PPAs) are found in the Khat plant.
Professor Lynn Fraser added "These preliminary data suggest PPAs, at appropriate doses, might provide a new approach to enhancing natural fertility."
Professor Lynn Fraser said that chemicals found in the Khat plant are currently used in OTC treatments for diets and asthma.
Prof. Fraser went on to say that further, more extensive studies are needed. She said we need to find out what effect these chemicals have on the ovaries, the egg and testes.
Khat de plante stimuleazã fertilitatea masculinã - Khat plant boosts male fertility - articole medicale engleza - startsanatate